Xanax® (alprazolam) is a medication that treats anxiety. Your healthcare provider will give you instructions on how often you should take this medication. You shouldn’t take more than your prescription label directs.
ALPRAZOLAM (al PRAY zoe lam) treats anxiety. It works by helping your nervous system calm down. It belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Xanax
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Do not take it more often than directed. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Patients over 65 years of age may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice. You may develop a severe reaction. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy and fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
If you are taking another medication that also causes drowsiness, you may have more side effects. Give your care team a list of all medications you use. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. Do not take more medication than directed. Call emergency services if you have problems breathing or unusual sleepiness.
Women should inform their care team if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medication. Talk to your care team for more information.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep it in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share it with anyone. It is only for you. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
This medication may cause harm and death if it is taken by other adults, children, or pets. It is important to get rid of the medication as soon as you no longer need it, or it is expired. You can do this in two ways:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Alprazolam (Xanax®) has approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help manage the following conditions:
Providers sometimes prescribe Xanax for other conditions. This is considered an off-label, or non-FDA-approved, use of the medication. Off-label uses of Xanax include:
The half-life of alprazolam (Xanax) is about 11 hours in adults. This means that it takes about 11 hours for the active ingredient in the medication to reduce by half in your body. In other words, if you were to take a single dose of alprazolam, the medication would likely be completely out of your system 22 hours after you take it.
Yes, alprazolam (Xanax) and other benzodiazepines have addiction potential. This means that they strongly activate the reward center of your brain and can produce feelings of pleasure. Not everyone who has a prescription for Xanax develops an addiction. When you carefully follow your prescription instructions for the medication, the chance of developing a substance use disorder is low. Your risk increases if you misuse the medication.
A substance use disorder can significantly impact your health, relationships and overall quality of life. It can also be life-threatening. If you feel like you’re becoming dependent on Xanax or are taking it more than what your healthcare provider has prescribed, seek help as soon as possible.
There are certain risks and benefits associated with taking benzodiazepines, including Xanax, while pregnant. Because of this, you should talk to your healthcare provider about it. They make recommendations on a case-by-case basis because each person is unique. It’s ideal to have these conversations before you try to become pregnant.
An analysis of 14 studies on pregnancy and delivery outcomes after exposure to benzodiazepines showed that taking benzodiazepines while pregnant was associated with an increased risk of:
One study on Xanax usage specifically during pregnancy showed an increased risk of:
It's important to remember that the benefits of taking Xanax during pregnancy to manage an underlying mental health condition may outweigh the potential risks. Untreated or undertreated mental health conditions during pregnancy can lead to an increased risk of:
Untreated anxiety during pregnancy can also increase your risk of postpartum anxiety.
Xanax can sometimes cause appetite changes and weight gain as side effects. But it’s important to remember that several factors can contribute to weight gain. For example:
If you’re concerned about this possible side effect, talk to your healthcare provider. Know that the benefits of taking Xanax may override possible weight gain.
Xanax and other benzodiazepines have sedative effects, which means they can make you feel drowsy and sleepy. However, some people experience sleep problems (insomnia) as a side effect of Xanax.
Only take Xanax as prescribed. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing excessive sleepiness or difficulty sleeping.
Alprazolam (Xanax®) is one of the most commonly prescribed psychiatric medications. While this medication can treat many conditions, it’s not without risks. Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns or questions you have about alprazolam. They’re available to help.
Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy