Xanax

Generic name: Alprazolam

Brand name: Xanax, Niravam

Xanax is a short acting drug belonging to the family of benzodiazepines and is used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, panic attacks with or without agoraphobia and anxiety during major depression. It helps eliminate anxiety, tension and negative thoughts. It enables the individual to function well in day to day life. Xanax works by increasing the activity of gamma-amino butyric acid that reduces nerve impulse transmissions and lowers the action of specific brain functions.

Dosage:

Take Xanax exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You can take the medicine with or without food at regular intervals. DO NOT stop taking it abruptly as it may lead to the worsening of various symptoms.

Warning and Precautions:

Xanax should not be given to patients who are allergic to benzodiazepines.

The medicine is known to be a habit forming drug. Therefore, you must take it in restricted doses and stop taking it when advised by the doctor.

Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant prior to taking Xanax. This medicine is not meant to be administered during pregnancy.

Safety of this medicine has not been established during breast feeding. Thus, Xanax should not be administered to lactating women.

DO NOT consume alcohol when taking Xanax.

DO NOT operate heavy machinery or operate a vehicle when on this medicine.

Side Effects of Xanax:

Some of the most common side effects of this medicine include drowsiness, fatigue, sedation, reduced libido, dizziness, dry mouth, nasal congestion, lightheadedness, headache, unsteadiness, constipation, akathisia, stomach upset, nausea, increased salivation, tachycardia, hypotension, rigidity, tremor, weight alterations, changes in appetite, insomnia, blurred vision, depression, nervousness and syncope.

Overdose of Xanax:

Symptoms of drug overdose include somnolence, impaired coordination, confusion and coma. In case such a situation arises, you must notify your doctor and contact the local poison control center at the earliest.