What is Xanax (Alprazolam)?

Among the doctors, this medication is known as Alprazolam. However, when you buy it in the pharmacy, it is sold under the brand name Xanax. It’s a tranquilizing compound from the group of thienobenzodiazepine drugs. The medicine consists of benzodiazepines and triazole.

When a patient is suffering from generalized anxiety or panic disorder, his doctor may prescribe Xanax to deal with these conditions. In general, the medication is taken orally. Tablet is the most popular form. Note that you to wait for at least one week for the signs of anxiety to be reduced. However, if suffering from panic attacks, the effects may appear a bit faster.

Does Xanax Reduce Panic Attacks?

The term “panic attack” is usually used to describe the unexpected wave of fear or panic. There are many people who suffer from such attacks regularly. In this case, a doctor may diagnose a panic disorder. For reducing the intensity of such waves or stopping them, Xanax is prescribed.

Despite its amazing efficacy, Xanax (Alprazolam) is banned in Australia. Local doctors cannot prescribe it for treating panic disorder because there are studies showing the addiction to the medication. The research has been done for 10 weeks only but already showed a positive outcome. Surprisingly, the length of treatment can be up to 12 months.

In the United States, there are no restrictions against using Xanax. It’s still considered to be an effective treatment for panic attacks. Of course, a patient should show great tolerance and no signs of dependence.

Xanax (Alprazolam) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

This disorder is normally abbreviated as GAD and is known for the large intensity of anxiety when it comes to daily tasks and life in general. The symptoms of this condition are constant feelings of disaster and doom in relation to one’s financial situation, family, or health.

The absence of accredited studies doesn’t prevent Xanax from showing great efficacy in managing depression and anxiety disorder. The average course of treatment with Xanax lasts up to 4 months. After that, a patient should stop taking the medication.

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Tips on How to Use Xanax

Xanax (Alprazolam) is available by prescription. If your doctor thinks it’s the best possible treatment you can get now, always follow his recommendations. Don’t forget about several general rules that apply to all patients:

• If taking the XR tablet, don’t break or crush it.
• Remember about the safe length of treatment with Xanax: it’s 4 months in case of GAD and 10 weeks in case of dealing with panic attacks.
• When you start taking Xanax, wait for at least 1 week to see the initial results. If there are none, call your doctor and alter the treatment. Don’t change the dosage without consulting a professional.
• If you take Xanax for a long time, be sure to regularly get tested. The liver and kidneys may be affected.
• Slowly decrease the amount of Xanax when your treatment is coming to an end. This will help reduce or prevent all withdrawal effects.
• Keep Xanax away from light, heat, or moisture exposure. Read the instructions provided by the manufacturer for more storage tips.

Patients that should NOT take Xanax

Xanax is a great way to get rid of severe symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety but this drug is not for everyone. First of all, it’s forbidden for people with issues of the respiratory system, history of addictions, thoughts about suicide, depression, and liver or kidney diseases.

The second group of patients that is not allowed to take Xanax is people suffering from allergic reactions to the medications belonging to the benzodiazepine class. Also, patients taking antifungal medicines should avoid it.

Pregnancy is not the best period for taking Xanax. The treatment may result in dependency for the fetus and various withdrawal symptoms.

Dosing Information

Finally, we want to share a few tips about the dosages of Xanax. The main rule here is to always listen to your doctor because he knows your medical history, and can prescribe the right amount based on your age and gender.

Daily dosage for adult patients: no more than 10 mg. The 0.5 mg immediate-release tablets are taken 3 times a day, and the XR tablets (3-6 mg) are taken once per day.

Daily dosage for elder patients: 0.25 mg taken up to 3 times. In the case of XR tablets, 0.5 mg is the starting dose.

Bonus recommendations:

• The minimum dose is based on the actual condition of the patient.
• The first dose is lower than the dosages taken during the rest of the treatment.
• Towards the end of treatment, the dosages of Xanax are to be decreased gradually.
• If prescribed immediate-release tablets, split the dosages evenly throughout the day.