Your doctor has prescribed XANAX® because he/she may have diagnosed you with either Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Panic Disorder with or without agoraphobia. XANAX has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of anxiety associated with depression.
In the treatment of anxiety disorders, XANAX offers some individuals prompt relief of symptoms. An early-morning dose (8 am) of XANAX takes effect within 1 to 2 hours1 in healthy adults.
Recently, a new, once daily formulation of XANAX® was approved by the FDA and is now available to patients. XANAX XR® (alprazolam extended-release tablets) is indicated for the treatment of Panic Disorder.
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An oral solution of .25mg , .05mg , 1mg/5ml , and 0.25mg / 2.5ml is available. Tablets of xanax are also available in the various quantities of 0.25 mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg.Actual doses must be decided by the physician only. |
| For a normal dose you are advised not to take xanax beyond 8 months | |
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Do not use xanax if you are less than 18 years old. |
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If you are between 18 to 60 years of age then take .25mg to 1.5mg of dose daily. |
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If you are above 60 years of age then increase your dosages carefully. |
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The amount of dosages also depends upon your type of disorder. For anxiety or nervous tension you can start with .25mg to 0.5mg of xanax thrice everyday. Your maximum intake can be 4mg in 24 hours . |
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For panic disorder start with 0.5mg of xanax thrice a day. You can gradually increase it to 1mg of xanax daily but only at an interval of every 3 to 4 days. The maximum that you can take for panic disorder is 10mg in 24 hours. |
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You can take xanax with or without food but every dose has to be taken with a glassful of water. |
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Swallow the whole medicine. Do not crush chew or break the extended release form-Xanax XR. |
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You will get the full benefits of xanax in the first day to a week. |
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If you miss any of your dosages of xanax never try to make it up by taking 2 dosages together because an overdose can be fatal. Overdose symptoms include sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, slow heart beat. an appearance of being drunk, unconsciousness etc. |
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If you experience any of the following rare symptoms of overdose of xanax like convulsions, hallucinations, memory loss, trouble in breathing or trembling then see your physician immediately. |
Problems with:
Liver Function: If liver disease is present,start dosage at 0.25mg,increase as needed.
Kidney Function: N/A.
Testing:
Before taking: None if for short term use.
While taking: None if for short term use.
Take With: With or without food. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release form alprazolam (Xanax XR). Swallow them whole.
Full Benefits of Xanax In: First day to a week.
Missed Dose(s): If within one hour take, if over an hour skip and then continue on your normal schedule. Never Take a Double Dose!
If Stopped Taking: Do not stop taking Xanax tablets without consulting your physician and never abruptly if you have been taking for over three weeks. Seizures may be a side effect of sudden discontinuation of Xanax medication. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in your dose.
Important Safety Information
XANAX should not be used if you have a condition called acute narrow angle glaucoma. It can be used if you have open angle glaucoma. Ask your doctor if you have questions.
Side effects, if they occur, are generally observed at the beginning of therapy and usually disappear upon continued use. The most commonly reported side effects of Xanax in clinical trials were drowsiness, fatigue, impaired coordination, irritability, light-headedness, memory impairment, insomnia, and headache.
To assure safe and effective use of benzodiazepines make sure that :
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Until you experience how the medication affects you, do not drive a car or operate hazardous machinery. |
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Do not increase the dose even if you think the medication isn’t working, without consulting your physician. |
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Do not stop taking this medication abruptly or decrease the dose without consulting your physician, since discontinuation symptoms may occur. |