Xanax

Xanax is a prescription drug commonly used in the treatment of anxiety and panic disorder. By enhancing the effects of a naturally calming brain chemical, the medication can help reduce anxiety, relax muscles, and stop seizures. Xanax comes in tablet form and is generally taken two or three times a day. Side effects may include fatigue, coordination problems, and drowsiness.

 

What Is Xanax?

Xanax® (alprazolam) is a prescription medication that is used to treat the following conditions:
 
(Click Xanax Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Xanax is made by Pfizer, Inc. Generic versions are made by several different manufacturers.
 

How Does It Work?

Xanax is part of a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. These drugs have several effects on the body, including:
 
  • Reducing anxiety
  • Causing sleepiness
  • Relaxing muscles
  • Stopping seizures
  • Impairing short-term memory.
     
All medicines in this category can have these effects to some degree, depending on the specific benzodiazepine that is being taken. They work in the brain by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical that is naturally calming. GABA can slow down or stop certain nerve signals in the brain. This is why Xanax and other benzodiazepines are known as mild tranquilizers, sedatives, or central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants).
 

When and How to Take Xanax

Some general considerations for when and how to take Xanax include:
 
  • This medication comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth two or three times daily.
     
  • You can take Xanax with or without food. If the drug bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Xanax may cause serious problems if you take it at higher dosages or for a longer time than your healthcare provider recommends (see Xanax Addiction).
     

Dosing Information

The dose of Xanax your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Your age
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Xanax Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Xanax

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Xanax. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Commonly reported side effects include but are not limited to:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Coordination problems.
     
(Click Xanax Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
You can also read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
 

Drug Interactions

Xanax can potentially interact with several other medicines (see Xanax Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Xanax?

Talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking the medication if you have:
 
  • Glaucoma
  • A history of drug or alcohol abuse (see Xanax and Alcohol)
  • Depression
  • Liver disease, including liver failure or cirrhosis
  • Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Lung problems or breathing problems
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Xanax Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much Xanax may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion
  • Coordination problems
  • Slow reflexes
  • Coma
  • Breathing problems
  • Loss of life.
     
If you happen to take too much, seek prompt medical attention.
 
(Click Xanax Overdose for more information.)
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Xanax as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Available Strengths

Xanax tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Xanax 0.25 mg
  • Xanax 0.5 mg
  • Xanax 1 mg
  • Xanax 2 mg.
     

Is There a Generic Version of Xanax?

Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of Xanax are licensed for sale (see Generic Xanax).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;