Xanax
Alprazolam
ncDrug Class and Mechanism of Action of Xanax
Xanax relates to benzodiazepines medications class. The medication acts by affecting central nervous system thus increasing the effects of special natural chemical appearing in the human body.
Therapeutic Uses of Xanax
Xanax is prescribed to those patients experiencing anxiety and panic disorder.
Direction of use of Xanax
Xanax is to be taken orally in accordance to your doctor directions as they are based on the medical condition of the patient.
The use of the medication in big doses for a long period of time may cause certain dependence. Therefore it is not recommended to stop treatment on your own without previous consultancy with the doctor as this may cause various withdrawal reactions like seizures.
Furthermore don’t change the dose of the medication, the frequency of using the drug or therapy period. Prolonged use of the drug may also lead t its decreased efficiency.
In case your condition remains the same or worsens contact your doctor.
Dose of Xanax, if Missed
In case you have missed to take the drug do it at the time you have remembered about it. However in case it is the time for the next dosage then skip the missed one and follow you common dosage schedule. Avoid taking two dosages at once.
How to Store Xanax
The medication should be stored at the temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) in a dark and dry place beyond the reach of the pets and children. Avoid keeping the medicine in the bathroom.
The medication should be stored in the tightly closed box. As soon as you open it get rid of all cotton that may be inside of it. Close the container properly after each use of the drug to prevent the moisture appearing in it. Wet tablets may not act properly.
After the end of the therapy or as soon as you don’t need them anymore discard the medication properly. Avoid flushing tablets into the toilet. Contact your healthcare provider to know how to discard this medication.
More Information About Xanax
Your doctor prescribes the Xanax basing on your complete condition. Thus don’t start, stop taking another drugs as this may lead to serious drug interactions.
Avoid giving the medicine to anybody else as this is illegal action.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Xanax
Before starting the therapy let your doctor know:
- If you are allergic to Xanax or have any other allergies at all.
- Your medical history (especially if you had liver disease, kidney disease, severe lung/breathing problems, drug or alcohol abuse)
- If you are pregnant, going to become pregnant or within breast-feeding period (as it may harm human fetus and already born baby)
- About use of any other drugs or herbal products especially such as: clozapine, digoxin, disulfiram, kava.
- About the use of the drugs that may cause drowsiness: antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, tricyclic anti-depressants such as amitriptyline), tranquilizers.
- You smoke or have just get rid of this habit as the nicotine decreases the level of the medication in the blood and you may be needed in individual dose of the drug.
Operate any machinery with caution within therapy period as the drug may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid combining the drug with alcohol.
Elder patients should use the drug with the caution as they may be more sensitive to it.
Possible Adverse Effects
The use of the medication may not cause side effects at all though sometimes certain side effects take place.
Contact your doctor in case you have any of the following side effects for prolonged period of time:
- drowsiness, dizzines
Contact your doctor at once:
- In case you have such serious side effects as: mental/mood changes, slurred speech, clumsiness, trouble walking, decreased/increased interest in sex.
- In case you experience any of the following too serious adverse effects: yellowing eyes or skin, signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat, fever).
- In case you experience any allergy. The possible symptoms of the allergic reaction are: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Comments