Xanax: everything one needs to know about this medicine

The active ingredient of Xanax, Alprazolam, was developed in the 1960s. After almost twenty years of investigations, the FDA approved it as a tranquilizer. This benzodiazepine derivative has a powerful action and is valued for anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, and hypnotic effects. Nowadays this medicine is one of the most popular and often prescribed in the USA. Still, one needs to know about its possible adverse reactions and follow the utilization rules described further.

Drug Name:	Xanax (Generic)
Tablet Strength:	1mg
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The basic action and indications for use

All benzodiazepines inhibit the activity of the brain by influencing the receptors mediated by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Therefore, they all have similar properties but differ in their manifestation. Xanax has anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant effects. The list of main indications for its use includes: • anxiety disorders with a feeling of anxiety, tension, agitation, insomnia, a sense of danger, and irritability; • mixed cases of anxiety and depression; • neurotic depressions with depressive affect, increasing loss of interest in the surrounding world, feelings of anxiety, insomnia, appetite disturbances, changes in body weight, somatic disorders, feelings of inferiority or guilt, and suicidal conditions; • anxiety and depressive states that develop due to other diseases; • panic and phobic conditions.

Utilization rules

The medicine comes in tablets of different doses. The optimal amount for intake should be set individually according to the specific case, the symptoms that prevail, and the clinical effect that is observed. The usual starting amounts are as follows: • 0.25-0.5 mg thrice per day for patients with anxiety; • 0.5-1.0 mg before bedtime or 0.5 mg thrice per day for panic; • 0.5 mg thrice per day for depression. Sometimes, these numbers can be increased but this should be carried out with caution and with the guidance of the specialist. It is better to make the dose higher by taking a larger amount in the evening, before going to bed. If the patient has never taken a similar medicine, the amount should be low. Elderly patients, as well as debilitated patients, are recommended to take small doses since an overdose can cause excessive sedation. It is important to periodically assess the patient's condition with subsequent clarification of the dose. It can be made higher or lower depending on the situation. For the termination of the course, the dose should be reduced gradually. The average amount should not exceed 0.5 mg every 3 days. The slower the process, the smoother it goes.

Possible side reactions and contraindications

Usually, undesired effects are rare and are observed at the start of the course and gradually disappear with further utilization or selection of a proper dose: • Patients with anxiety and neurotic depression often experience drowsiness and dizziness. Less commonly reported effects include headache, depression, vision impairment, insomnia, nervousness/anxiety, tremors, weight changes, memory problems, coordination disorders, and possible gastrointestinal disturbances. • Along with this, undesirable phenomena such as irritability, fatigue, muscle weakness, changes in libido, menstrual disorders, urinary incontinence or retention, and liver dysfunction may occur. • While panic cure, sedation, drowsiness, fatigue, ataxia, incoordination, and slurred speech are possible. Mood changes, gastrointestinal symptoms, dermatitis, memory impairment, sexual dysfunction, intellectual impairment, and confusion are less common. In addition, some patients report difficulty concentrating, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and reactions such as irritability, fits of anger, and aggressive behavior. However, such situations are quite rare and happen mainly with those patients who abuse alcohol or drugs or have other health conditions related to mental areas. As for contraindications, this medicine is not prescribed for those with an allergy to benzodiazepines, pregnant women, and during breastfeeding, as well as for children.

Conclusion

Many people suggest that Xanax is a magic pill and so it is for many patients. Still, its utilization requires caution and an attentive approach. One should get a prescription from the specialist and follow the given recommendation to complete the course successfully and get the desired effect.