If your anxiety has started to impact your work and relationships or if it has manifested into panic attacks, it may be time to seek medication. Xanax is commonly prescribed to treat generalized anxiety and panic disorders when used with psychotherapy. Xanax is prescribed for short-term use because of its addictive nature. Here, we explain what Xanax should and should not feel like, how long Xanax lasts, and how to take it responsibly.
Xanax is the brand name of a generic medication called alprazolam. Xanax belongs to a group of prescription drugs called benzodiazepines benzos for short , which include other medications like Valium diazepam , Ativan lorazepam , and Klonopin clonazepam. Benzodiazepines work by slowing down the brain and central nervous system CNS.
When the central nervous system calms down, people with depression, anxiety, and panic disorders feel a calming effect that helps relieve their symptoms. Xanax is the most commonly prescribed psychotropic medication in the U. It works for many people, but it can also become habit-forming and has numerous side effects. Xanax may cause more serious side effects that require medical attention. Seek medical advice immediately if you have suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, seizures, or feelings of hostility.
Although rare, some people have allergic reactions to Xanax that can cause difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and hives, which require immediate medical help. Alcohol use, when combined with Xanax, can be dangerous, cause side effects to worsen, or create new health problems.
Using alcohol while taking Xanax can cause seizures, aggression, drowsiness, impaired coordination, and confusion. The combination of alcohol and Xanax can also lead to unconsciousness, coma, or even death. Do not take Xanax while pregnant or breastfeeding. Xanax can cause fetal abnormalities, and it passes through breast milk, which can affect small infants.
Sign up for Xanax price alerts and find out when the price changes! Get price alerts. Xanax works quickly in comparison to other psychotropics. These may include:. Instead, the dosage should be reduced gradually over time to prevent withdrawal.
This is called tapering. For panic disorders, the dosage of Xanax is often greater than 4 mg per day. This can lead to severe physical and emotional dependence and make it much more difficult to taper treatment. Your doctor will help you discontinue Xanax in a careful and safe way. Xanax should fully clear the body in less than four days for most healthy individuals. However, there are a number of factors that could alter the time it takes for Xanax to clear the body, including age, race, weight, and dose.
High doses can cause dangerous side effects. The withdrawal process can be dangerous without medical help. Xanax may be prescribed to treat bipolar disorder, but there are side effects. Does worrying put a damper on your day?
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A doctor can help a person gradually reduce their Xanax dosage. This is called tapering. Tapering can minimize the risk of serious withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. Although withdrawal can be difficult, tapering is often effective. A bottle of Xanax should carry an expiration date and the date that the pharmacist filled the prescription.
Expiration dates indicate how long the drug is safe and effective to take. This date is based on when the manufacturer made the drug. Taking an expired drug may no longer provide full benefits. Also, there is an additional risk of adverse effects. Storing Xanax correctly helps ensure that the drug will remain effective until its expiration date. Do not store Xanax in a bathroom, as moisture and humidity can cause the medication to break down sooner.
Also, keep the bottle out of direct sunlight and out of the reach of children and pets. Make sure it stays in its original container. If Xanax has expired, it may not be effective or safe. Do not take expired Xanax before consulting a healthcare provider.
Because Xanax carries a high risk of dependency, it is important to dispose of expired or unwanted pills correctly. In the United States, correct disposal means taking the medication to an authorized Drug Enforcement Administration DEA controlled substances disposal location.
There are also drug take-back days at select times of the year. If a person cannot drop off their expired medication at an authorized location, they should follow the instructions for safe disposal in the trash from the Food and Drug Administration FDA. Factors such as other medications and certain health conditions can affect how Xanax works and how long it stays in the body.
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