Those who abuse benzodiazepines like Xanax obtain them by getting prescriptions from several doctors, forging prescriptions, or buying counterfeit pills on the street. You should only take Xanax when prescribed by licensed healthcare professional as oral tablets. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room. If you take more Xanax than your doctor prescribes, you may develop serious side effects. Do not take extra doses to make up for the missed dose.
- Alprazolam (Xanax) has moderate interactions with at least 264 different drugs.
- Be honest about any side effects or changes you notice—this helps your provider to accurately guide your treatment plan.
- Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- This medicine is usually only prescribed for short periods of time, as long-term use can reduce effectiveness and the risk of dependence.
- Your dose may be gradually increased until the drug starts working well.
However, if it’s nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose as scheduled. (Off-label use is when a drug approved by the FDA is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.) Doing so may help avoid withdrawal symptoms that can occur if you suddenly stop treatment. It’s not known whether it’s safe or effective to take Xanax for longer than 10 weeks for panic disorder. (Off-label use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.)
The guidelines recommend other options for first-line treatment of GAD. To find out how the drug performed in clinical trials, see Xanax’s prescribing information. Doctors usually prescribe it for short periods of time. Xanax is a benzodiazepine drug that has a calming and relaxing effect.
What Is Alprazolam?
But it’s important to talk with your medical professional to learn more about using Xanax for sleep. If you have anxiety, your medical professional may recommend that you take Xanax. It appears on the drug’s label and alerts you to possible serious risks. Xanax has a boxed warning for a risk of serious injury or death if the drug is used with opioids. This helps your body keep a steady level of the drug so it’s most effective for treating your condition.
In particular, make sure to discuss if you are using any of the following before taking alprazolam. Do not drink alcohol while taking alprazolam. There are no known interactions between alprazolam and foods or drinks.
The side effects of taking Xanax often mirror those of drinking too much alcohol, according to Dr. Dimitriu. And for those who take Xanax regularly long-term (which is not recommended), it’s possible to build up a tolerance. This advice is especially important for older individuals who may be at a higher risk for impaired cognition and mobility as well as an increased risk of falls when taking a benzodiazepine. “The dosing and schedule for Xanax is dependent on the therapeutic needs of the individual,” says Dr. Nadkarni, “but given that it is a short-acting medication, it can be taken more than once a day.” It’s also important to note that benzodiazepines like Xanax are not considered safe for long-term use.
