Type of medicine: antianxiety; anxiolytic; benzodiazepine; tranquilizer
Generic and brand names: alprazolam, oral; Alprazolam Intensol; Niravam; Xanax; Xanax XR
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat anxiety disorders.
It is also used to treat anxiety with depression and panic disorder.
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will explain why you are taking this medicine.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Do not take this medicine with antifungal medicines such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and ketoconazole (Nizoral). Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Tell your healthcare provider if you smoke, or if you plan to stop smoking. This medicine may be affected by smoking.
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are receiving this medicine.
Read the Medication Guide that comes in the medicine package when you start taking this medicine and each time you get a refill.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more of it or take it longer than prescribed because it may be habit-forming.
Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. You may have to reduce your dosage gradually. Stopping too quickly may cause withdrawal symptoms, which may include seizures.
This medicine comes in 4 forms: tablets, extended release tablets, disintegrating tablets, and a liquid form. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take it with a full glass of water.
If you have extended-release tablets, do not break, crush, or chew them. Swallow them whole. Ask your pharmacist if you have the extended-release tablets.
Disintegrating tablets are made to dissolve in your mouth without having to take them with water. You may take these tablets with water if you wish. Do not remove the medicine from the bottle until you are ready to take it. With dry hands, place the tablet immediately on top of your tongue. If you take only one-half of the tablet, throw the other half away. Do not use part of the tablet later as it may not be safe.
If you are using the liquid, measure each dose with the dropper provided with the medicine. Mix the solution with water or soda, or in applesauce or pudding. Take the medicine right away. Do not save it to be used later.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, loss of balance coordination, lightheadedness, fainting, coma.
You may need to have lab tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
This medicine increases the effects of alcohol and other drugs that slow down your nervous system. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Do not take other medicines unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you are fully alert and can see clearly.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have new or increased thoughts of suicide.
Adults over the age of 65 may be at greater risk for side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
This medicine is a controlled substance and may be habit forming. Do not give it to anyone else.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Irregular or fast heartbeat, severe rash, fainting or lightheadedness, hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren't there) or severe confusion, unusual mood or behavior changes, depression, thoughts of suicide, yellowing of the skin or eyes, trouble urinating, trouble walking, slurred speech, blurred vision, memory problems, muscle movement or twitching that you can't control, seizures.
Other: Drowsiness, unusual dreams, trouble sleeping, dizziness, tiredness, restlessness, nervousness, itching, mild rash, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, headache, nausea, appetite changes, weight changes, loss of interest in sex, flushing, sweating.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
The effects of this medicine may be increased if you take it with grapefruit juice. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
If you are using the liquid, discard the opened bottle after 90 days.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
