Xanax (Alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine which is used for the following conditions:
Adults with a generalized anxiety disorder receive immediate treatment.
Adult panic disorder, whether or not agoraphobia is present.
How to take the medication:
Disorder of generalized anxiety:
– Three times per day, the recommended starting oral dosage for alprazolam (Xanax) tablets is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg.
– recommended dosage for everyday consumption can be increased up to 4mg. To be administered in divided doses once every 3-4 days.
-for best results, start with the least effective dosage, and evaluation of improvement should be done frequently to determine whether the medication can be continued for further use.
Disorder of anxiety:
-An oral dosage of 0.5mg is recommended to be given three times a day. The increased dosage should not go beyond 1mg per day. A dosage increment can be done every three to four days.
A reduced dosage should be given, the best amount would be 0.5mg while the patient is in the tapering process. For some who have been on the medication for quite some time, the dosage reduction amount would be even more gradual.
For the recommended dosage for elderly patients, patients with hepatic impairment, and those taking ritonavir, consult the full prescribing information.
Forms and strengths of dosage:
Tablets containing 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg of Xanax (Alprazolam).
Over dosage:
Alprazolam overdose symptoms include coma, somnolence, confusion, decreased reflexes, and impaired coordination. Alprazolam overdoses on their own, like those of other benzodiazepines, have been linked to death. Patients who have overdosed on a single benzodiazepine, such as alprazolam, and alcohol have also died, according to reports. Some of these patients had lower alcohol levels than are typically associated with alcohol-related death.
Treatment for an overdose:
Consult a certified poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 in the United States in the event of an overdose of Xanax (Alprazolam) pills for the most recent recommendations.
Monitoring of respiration, pulse rate, and blood pressure is necessary in all cases of a drug overdose. In addition to immediate gastric lavage, general supportive measures should be utilized. To maintain adequate air, it is important to administer intravenous fluids and maintain an adequate airway. It is important to keep in mind that multiple agents may have been ingested, just as it is with drug overdose management.
When a benzodiazepine overdose is known or suspected, flumazenil might be helpful. The patient’s airway, ventilation, and intravenous access should all be protected before administering flumazenil. Flumazenil is meant to supplement, not replace, proper treatment for benzodiazepine overdose. For the appropriate amount of time following treatment with flumazenil, patients should be monitored for re-sedation, respiratory depression, and other lingering effects of benzodiazepines. When prescribing flumazenil, the doctor should be aware that long-term benzodiazepine users and people who overdose on cyclic antidepressants run the risk of having seizures. Before using flumazenil, read the complete package insert.
Contraindications:
Alprazolam and other benzodiazepines are known to cause hypersensitivity.
The pills can be used in combination with strong CYP3A inhibitors too however exercise caution to not use it along with ritonavir.
Precautions and warnings:
Effects on machinery driving and operation:
While on Xanax therapy, be warned against driving vehicles and operating machinery. Consumption of alcohol or other substances can cause fatal harm. A combination of alcohol and an anti-anxiety drug has never resulted in a positive outcome.
Syndrome of neonatal sedation and withdrawal (NOWS): usage of Alprazolam during pregnancy can cause neonatal withdrawal syndrome and sedation of the child.
People who are depressed: Be careful with patients who are showing signs or symptoms of depression. Prescribe as few tablets as possible to prevent intentional overdosing.
Side effects and reactions:
In clinical trials for generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder, the following side effects of alprazolam were found to be the most common (incidence greater than 5% and at least twice that of placebo): dysarthria, decreased blood pressure, impaired coordination, and elevated libido
Contact the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, Inc. or your local FDA to report suspected Xanax (Alprazolam) side effects.
Interactions with drugs:
Combination use: the likelihood of respiratory depression rising.
Combination with other CNS depressants: Can cause addiction issues
Digoxin is used to: raise the possibility of digoxin toxicity.
CYP3A inhibitors (except ritonavir): increase the likelihood of alprazolam side effects.
Utilization with CYP3A inducers: increase the chance that Xanax won’t work as well.
Use in particular groups:
Lactation: Not recommended to breastfeed.
Abuse and dependence on drugs:
Alprazolam, which is in Xanax, is a controlled substance in some nations (Schedule IV in the United States and Canada, for example).