Drug
Uses
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To treat
patients with anxiety or panic disorder. Your doctor may use
this medicine to treat other conditions as well.
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General
Information
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Tolerance and dependence can occur with the use of Xanax.
You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the
drug abruptly. The drug dosage should be gradually reduced and
only your doctor should advise you on how to discontinue or
change your dose.
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How
Taken
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Follow the
directions given to you by your doctor. This medicine is taken
by mouth with water and can be taken with or without food. Avoid
drinking grapefruit juice with this medicine. Xanax is typically
taken 3 times daily as needed.
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Possible
Side Effects
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| Side effects cannot be anticipated.
If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as
soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe
for you to continue taking Xanax. Your doctor should
periodically reassess the need for this drug.
Side effects of Xanax are usually seen at the beginning
of treatment and disappear with continued medication. However,
if dosage is increased, side effects will be more likely.
- Some common side effects reported with this medicine
include:
- Other side effects are possible. If you experience
other bothersome side effects, contact your health care
provider.
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Warnings/Precautions
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- Do NOT increase your dose of this medicine without first
talking to your doctor, even if you feel that the medicine
is not working.
- Avoid alcohol with this medicine due to additive drowsy
effects.
- There are some risks of dependence with this medicine,
if taken over a period of time.
- Do NOT drive a car or perform other tasks that may be
dangerous, until you know how this medicine affects you.
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Drug
Interactions
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- This medicine should not be taken with ketoconazole or
intraconazole. If you are taking either of these
medications, notify your doctor before taking this
medicine. Certain antibiotics such as clarithromycin or
erythromycin when taken with this medicine can increase
the effects of this medicine.
- kava can increase the side effects of alprazolam and
should be avoided.
- Case reports show that St. John's Wort can decrease the
therapeutic effects of this medicine. If you are taking
alprazolam, talk to your health care provider before
taking any nonprescription or herbal products.
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Missed
Dose
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| If you are less than 1 hour late,
take it as soon as you remember. Otherwise skip the dose and go
back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same
time.
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Storage
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| Keep
this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and
out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away
from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away
any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
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Pregnancy/Nursing
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| This
medicine should not be used if you are pregnant or plan to
become pregnant. This medicine can cause harm to your fetus. For
breast-feeding mothers, check with your doctor to discuss any
possible risks to your baby while taking this medicine.
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