Author: Alex Thompson
Xanax Dosage: Form, Strengths, How to Take, and More
Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine. If you’re having trouble reading your prescription label, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Xanax in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles. Talk with your doctor about lifestyle changes and other medications that may be effective alternatives to improve your sleep. Your doctor will typically prescribe it for as short a time as possible.
Are you currently using Xanax?
This article describes the dosages of Xanax, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Xanax, see this in-depth article.
Xanax has a boxed warning for the risk of withdrawal and dependence. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using alprazolam. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.
Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law. Xanax can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. It is dangerous to purchase Xanax on the Internet or outside the United States. The sale and distribution of medicines outside the U.S. does not comply with safe-use regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These medications may contain dangerous ingredients, or may not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy. If you are experiencing any withdrawal symptoms, talk with your doctor right away.
Xanax and misuse
Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.
If you stop taking Xanax, you will typically follow a slow taper schedule (a gradual decrease). Although Xanax is sometimes prescribed off-label as a treatment for insomnia, there is not an FDA-approved dose for this condition. Taking Xanax with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures. If you use Xanax during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks. Increase the XANAX dosage to the target dose after 10 to 14 days of dosing ritonavir and XANAX together.
- Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects.
- However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you.
- Xanax is also used to treat panic disorders with or without a fear of places and situations that might cause panic, helplessness, or embarrassment (agoraphobia).
- They may decide to pause or slow your taper schedule.
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. Women should inform their care team if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Do not stop taking except on your care team’s advice. Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress.
Your doctor may increase your daily dosage depending on your body’s response to the drug. They may adjust your dose over time, typically increasing it by no more than 1 mg every 3 to 4 days. Xanax prescribing information reports a maximum dosage of Xanax as 10 mg daily. However, the average dose of Xanax is lower than that. Many drugs can interact with alprazolam, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking alprazolam and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 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. If you are taking another medication that also causes drowsiness, you may have more side effects.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer after stopping this medicine suddenly. Alprazolam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol.
Place the tablet immediately on the top of your tongue. It should melt quickly and be swallowed with saliva. Swallow the extended-release tablet or tablet whole with a full glass of water. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Xanax and Xanax XR come in several different shapes and colors.
Medical Professionals
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
Before taking this medicine
Xanax is a federal controlled substance (C-IV) because it can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep this medicine in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away this Xanax may harm others, and is against the law. Tell your healthcare provider if you have abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines or street drugs. There’s no recommended Xanax dosage for children, though doctors sometimes prescribe the drug off-label for them. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor.