Xanax

(Alprazolam, Xanax XR, Helix, Tafil, Niravam, Aceprax, Alplax, Alpralid, Alprax, Alviz, Alzolam, Apo-Alpraz, Apraz, Calmax, Constan, Frontal XR, Frontal, Frontin, Helex, Kalma, Kinax, Ksalol, Manorest, Neurol, Prazolex, Ralozam, Restyl, Sedipral, Solanax, Tafil AP, Trankimazin, Tranquinal, Xanor, Zamhexal, Zolarem, Zoldac)

Xanax Use

Benzodiazepine anxiolytic. Anxiety disorders: Adults, initially, 0.25 mg 2 or 3 times daily. Increase dosage by 0.25 mg Xanax increments, if required. Maximum: 3 mg/day in divided doses.

Elderly or debilitated patients: Initially, 0.125 mg Xanax 2 or 3 times daily; increased gradually, if required, depending on tolerance and response.

Impaired hepatic or renal function: 0.125-0.25 mg Xanax 2 or 3times daily. Increase gradually if needed and tolerated.

Panic disorders: Initially, 0.5 - 1 mg Xanax at bedtime or 0.5 mg 3 times/day. Increase by increments no greater than 1 mg every 3-4 days until patient is free of attacks.

Some patients may require up to 10 mg/day. Discontinue Xanax slowly by decreasing the daily dosage by no more than 0.5 mg every 3 days. A decrease of 0.5 mg every 2-3 weeks is more appropriate when Xanax dose of 6 mg daily or more has been administered even for only a few months. Once a dose of 2 mg daily is achieved, decrease the dose by 0.25 mg per 2 to 3 weeks.

Xanax Contraindications

Myasthenia gravis, acute narrow angle glaucoma.

Xanax Precautions

Xanax is not recommended in pregnant women, nursing mothers, patients < 18 years of age, psychotic or depressed patients, individuals prone to drug or alcohol abuse. Use with caution in elderly or debilitated patients and those with impaired renal or hepatic function. Avoid abrupt withdrawal of Xanax. For repeated cycles of therapy, perform periodic blood counts and hepatic function tests.

Xanax Side effects

Drowsiness, dizziness, coordination difficulties. Release of hostility and other paradoxical effects such as irritability and hallucinations may occur with benzodiazepines.

Xanax Interactions

Co-administration with antifungal agents such as ketoconazole or itraconazole is not recommended. Nafazodone, fluvoxamine, cimetidine (consider Xanax dose reduction). Fluoxetine, OCs, sertraline, diltiazem, macrolide antibiotics (exercise caution).

Xanax Patient tips

Warn against concomitant use of alcohol and other CNS depressants. Caution re dizziness, drowsiness (NB driving).

Xanax Supplied

0.25 mg, 0.5 mg 1 mg, 2 mg Xanax tablets.

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