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Xanax |
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What is Xanax and why is it prescribed? Xanax is a tranquilizer used in the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety or the treatment of anxiety disorders. Xanax is also used in the treatment of panic disorder. Anxiety associated with depression is also responsive to Xanax. Some doctors prescribe Xanax to treat alcohol withdrawal, fear of open spaces and strangers, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, and premenstrual syndrome. Tolerance and dependence can occur with the use of Xanax. You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the drug abruptly. Only your doctor should advise you to discontinue or change your dose. How should you take Xanax? Follow your doctors directions for taking Xanax. Xanax may be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose and you are less than 1 hour late, take it as soon as you remember. Otherwise skip the dose and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Xanax at room temperature. Are there any Xanax side effects? Xanax side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Side effects of Xanax are usually seen at the beginning of treatment and disappear with continued medication. However, if dosage is increased, side effects will be more likely. More common Xanax side effects may include abdominal discomfort, abnormal involuntary movement, agitation, allergies, anxiety, blurred vision, chest pain, confusion, constipation, decreased or increased sex drive, depression, diarrhea, difficult urination, dream abnormalities, drowsiness, dry mouth, fainting, fatigue, fluid retention, headache, hyperventilation, inability to fall asleep, increase or decrease in appetite, increased or decreased salivation, impaired memory, irritability, lack of coordination, light-headedness, low blood pressure, menstrual problems, muscular twitching, nausea and vomiting, nervousness, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, rash, restlessness, ringing in the ears, sexual dysfunction, skin inflammation, speech difficulties, stiffness, stuffy nose, sweating, tiredness/sleepiness, tremors, upper respiratory infections, weakness, and weight gain or loss. Less common or rare Xanax side effects may include abnormal muscle tone, concentration difficulties, decreased coordination, dizziness, double vision, fear, hallucinations, inability to control urination or bowel movements, infection, itching, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, muscle spasticity, rage, sedation, seizures, sleep disturbances, slurred speech, stimulation, talkativeness, taste alterations, temporary memory loss, tingling or pins and needles, uninhibited behavior, urine retention, warm feeling, weakness in muscle and bone, weight gain or loss, and yellow eyes and skin. Side effects due to decrease or withdrawal from Xanax include blurred vision, decreased concentration, decreased mental clarity, diarrhea, heightened awareness of noise or bright lights, impaired sense of smell, loss of appetite, loss of weight, muscle cramps, seizures, tingling sensation, and twitching. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Xanax? If Xanax is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Xanax may intensify the effect of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. Never combine Xanax with Sporanox or Nizoral. These drugs cause a buildup of Xanax in the body. It is important to check with your doctor before combining Xanax with Amiodarone (Cordarone), Antihistamines (such as Benadryl and Tavist), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Certain antibiotics (such as Biaxin and erythromycin), Certain antidepressant drugs (including Elavil, Norpramin, and Tofranil), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Diltiazem (Cardizem), Disulfiram (Antabuse), Ergotamine, Fluoxetine (Prozac), Fluvoxamine (Luvox), Grapefruit juice, Isoniazid (Rifamate), Major tranquilizers (such as Mellaril and Thorazine), Nefazodone (Serzone), Nicardipine (Cardene), Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), Oral contraceptives, Other central nervous system depressants (such as Valium and Demerol), Paroxetine (Paxil), Propoxyphene (Darvon), or Sertraline (Zoloft). Are there any special warnings about Xanax? Xanax may cause you to become drowsy or less alert. If you are being treated for panic disorder, you may need to take a higher dose of Xanax than for anxiety alone. High doses, more than 4 milligrams a day, of this medication taken for long intervals may cause emotional and physical dependence. It is important that your doctor supervise you carefully when you are using this medication. Remember that withdrawal symptoms can occur when Xanax is stopped suddenly. |
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