Xanax - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Xanax is a useful drug to treat anxiety disorder anddisturbance panic. Xanax contains alprazolam which belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. This medicine should only be taken according to a doctor's prescription.

Alprazolam contained in Xanax works by binding to chemical compounds gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which produces a calming effect and makes the user feel calmer. This drug should not be used carelessly because it can cause drug dependence.

Xanax Products

There are three types of Xanax products sold in Indonesia, namely:

• Xanax

  Xanax has a caplet form with different alprazolam content in each caplet, namely 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg.

• Xanax XR

  Xanax XR has a caplet form with different alprazolam content in each caplet, namely 0.5 mg and 1 mg.

• Xanax SL

  Xanax SL has a caplet form with different alprazolam content in each caplet, namely 0.5 mg and 1 mg.

What is Xanax

Warning Before Taking Xanax

Xanax should not be used carelessly. There are several things you need to know before undergoing treatment with Xanax, namely:

• Do not take Xanax if you are allergic to alprazolam or other benzodiazepine drugs.
• Do not take Xanax if you are taking ketoconazole, itraconazole, or an opioid drug, such as codeine.
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages while on treatment with Xanax, as this can increase the risk of fatal side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from severe respiratory distress, kidney disease, sleep apnea, liver disease, glaucoma, seizures, or depression.
• Tell your doctor if you are or have ever had drug abuse or alcohol addiction.
• Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness while you are taking Xanax, as this medicine can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
• Be careful using Xanax in the elderly, because this drug is at risk of side effects and overdose.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
• See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking Xanax.

Dosage and Instructions for UseXanax

Xanax should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. The dose will be adjusted according to the patient's health condition, age, and response to the drug. The dose will be started from a low, then if necessary will be increased gradually to suit the needs of the patient.

The following is a division of Xanax doses based on their intended use:

Purpose: Overcoming panic disorder

Xanax or Xanax SL

• Mature: The initial dose is 0.5–1 mg per day taken at bedtime, or 0.5 mg, 3 times daily. The dose may be increased to a maximum of 1 mg every 3-4 days. The maximum dose is 10 mg per day.
• seniors: Initial dose 0.5–0.75 mg daily.

Xanax XR

• Mature: 0.5–1 mg, 1 time a day taken in the morning. The dose may be increased to a maximum of 1 mg every 3-4 days. The maximum dose is 3–6 mg per day.
• Elderly or people with advanced liver disease: Initial dose 0.5–1 mg per day.

Purpose: Overcoming anxiety disorders

Xanax or Xanax SL

• Mature: The initial dose is 0.75–1.5 mg per day given in several consumption schedules. A follow-up dose of 0.5–4 mg per day given in several consumption schedules.

How to Consume Xanax correctly

Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the information listed on the drug packaging before taking Xanax. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.

Xanax can be taken before meals or after meals. However, please note, taking Xanax after meals can reduce the drowsiness effect of Xanax.

Xanax XR should be taken once a day in the morning. Swallow Xanax with the help of a glass of water. Swallow the medicine whole, do not chew or crush it.

If you forget to take Xanax, take it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.

Carry out regular check-ups as recommended by your doctor during treatment with Xanax. Do not stop taking Xanax without consulting your doctor first.

Do not stop taking Xanax suddenly, without consulting your doctor, as this may cause withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop taking the drug.

Avoid eating or drinking juice grapefruit while taking Xanax, because it can increase the risk of side effects.

Store Xanax in a dry, closed place, and away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Interaction Xanax with Other Drugs

The following are some of the effects of drug interactions that may occur if the alprazolam content in Xanax products is taken together with other drugs:

• Increased risk of respiratory distress, loss of consciousness, and other fatal side effects when used with opioids, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, or antihistamines
• Elevated blood levels of alprazolam increase the risk of side effects when used with ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, fluvoxamine, cimetidine, nefazodone, or erythromycin
• Decreased blood levels of alprazolam when used with carbamazepine or phenytoin
• An increase in digoxin levels in the blood increases the risk of drug poisoning

Side Effects and Dangers Xanax

There are several side effects that can appear after taking drugs with the active ingredient alprazolam, including:

• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Increased saliva production
• Decreased sexual desire
• Nauseous

Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse.

See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or experience more serious side effects, such as:

• Mental disorders, such as hallucinations or suicidal thoughts
• Loss of balance, difficulty walking, difficulty speaking, memory problems
• Jaundice
• Seizures