Uses

Xanax is a tranquilizer used in the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety or the treatment of anxiety disorders. It is sometimes prescribed for treatment of alcohol withdrawal, fear of open spaces and strangers, depression, irritable bowel syndrome and premenstrual syndrome.

How to take

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Xanax may be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you are being treated with Xanax.

Side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include excessive daytime drowsiness, unusual weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, clumsiness, or unsteadiness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Precaution

Do not exceed the recommended dose or take this medicine for longer than prescribed. Exceeding the recommended dose or taking this medicine for longer than prescribed may be habit-forming. This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. This medicine will add to the effects of other medicines and alcohol. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines can cause drowsiness. For women: this medicine has been shown to cause harm to the human fetus. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions. Some medical conditions may interact with Xanax: if you have glaucoma or a predisposition for glaucoma, liver problems, lung problems or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), muscle problems, depression, suicidal tendencies, a blood disorder known as porphyria, or a history of substance abuse or dependence.

Drug interactions

Some medicines may interact with Xanax. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following: Rifampin or St. John's wort because the effectiveness of Xanax may be decreased; Azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole), cimetidine, clozapine, delavirdine, fluvoxamine, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), fluoxetine, macrolides and ketolides (eg, erythromycin, azithromycin), nefazodone, omeprazole, propoxyphene, sodium oxybate (GHB), or valproic acid because side effects such as increased sedation or heart problems may occur; Clozapine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or valproic acid because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased. This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Xanax may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine and you are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.