Brand Name: Xanax (alprazolam (al PRAY zoe lam))

Why is Xanax prescribed?

Xanax is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.

Xanax is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should Xanax be used?

Xanax, comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Xanax usually is taken two or three times a day and may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Xanax exactly as directed.

Xanax, can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer time than your doctor tells you to. Do not take Xanax, for more than 4 months or stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor. Stopping this drug suddenly can worsen your condition and cause withdrawal symptoms (anxiousness, sleeplessness, irritability, and seizure). Withdrawal symptoms may be worse if you take more than 4 mg of Xanax every day. Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually.

Other uses for Xanax

Xanax also is used to treat anxiety from depression, phobias, premenstrual syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking Xanax

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Xanax chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Librax), clonazepam (Klonopin), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), estazolam (ProSom), flurazepam (Dalmane), Ativan, with it's main ingredient Lorazepam, (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), prazepam (Centrax), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone); antihistamines; cimetidine (Tagamet); clarithromycin (Biaxin); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); digoxin (Lanoxin); diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac); disulfiram (Antabuse); ergotamine (Cafatine, Cafergot, Wigraine, others); erythromycin (Erythrocin); Prozac, with it's key ingredient Fluoxetine, (Prozac); fluvoxamine (Luvox); isoniazid (INH, Laniazid, Nydrazid); itraconazole (Sporanox); ketoconazole (Nizoral); levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet); medications for depression, seizures, Parkinson's disease, pain, asthma, colds, or allergies; metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL); muscle relaxants; nefazodone (Serzone); nicardipine (Cardene); nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia); oral contraceptives; phenytoin (Dilantin); probenecid (Benemid); propoxyphene (Darvon); propranolol (Inderal ); rifampin (Rifadin); sedatives; sleeping pills; theophylline (Theo-Dur); tranquilizers; valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote); and vitamins. These medications may add to the drowsiness caused by Xanax, with it's main ingredient Alprazolam.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma; seizures; or lung, heart, or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Xanax call your doctor immediately.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Xanax, with it's main ingredient Alprazolam.
• you should know that Xanax may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Xanax affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by Xanax.
• tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of Xanax.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking Xanax; it may change the effectiveness of this medication.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you take several doses per day and miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Xanax cause?

Side effects from Xanax are common and include:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• tiredness
• weakness
• dry mouth
• diarrhea
• upset stomach
• changes in appetite

• restlessness or excitement
• constipation
• difficulty urinating
• frequent urination
• blurred vision
• changes in sex drive or ability

• shuffling walk
• persistent, fine tremor or inability to sit still
• fever
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• severe skin rash
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• irregular heartbeat

How should I store Xanax?

Keep Xanax in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose:

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• drowsiness
• confusion
• problems with coordination
• coma