Xanax

Xanax is a drug that is useful for treating anxiety disorders and panic disorders . Xanax contains alprazolam which belongs to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines . This medicine should only be taken according to a doctor's prescription.

Alprazolam contained in Xanax works by binding to the chemical compound gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, resulting in a calming effect and making the user feel calmer. This drug should not be used carelessly because it can cause drug dependence.

Xanax products

Xanax products sold in Indonesia consist of three types, namely:

Xanax
Xanax has a caplet form with a different alprazolam content for each caplet, namely 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg.

Xanax XR
Xanax XR has a caplet form with a different alprazolam content for each caplet, namely 0.5 mg and 1 mg.

Xanax SL
Xanax SL has a caplet form with a different alprazolam content for each caplet, namely 0.5 mg and 1 mg.

What is Xanax

Active Ingredients	Alprazolam
class	Prescription drug
Category	Benzodiazepine sedative drug
Benefit	Treating anxiety disorders and panic disorders
Consumed by	Adults and seniors
Xanax for pregnant and lactating women	Category D: There is positive evidence of a risk to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with a life-threatening situation. Xanax can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medication without consulting your doctor first.
Drug form	Caplets and tablets

Precautions Before Taking Xanax

Xanax should not be used carelessly. There are several things you need to know before undergoing treatment with Xanax, namely:

Do not take Xanax if you are allergic to alprazolam or other benzodiazepine drugs.
Do not take Xanax if you are taking ketoconazole, itraconazole , or an opioid drug, such as codeine .
Do not consume alcoholic beverages while on treatment with Xanax, as this can increase the risk of fatal side effects.
Tell your doctor if you have had or are currently suffering from severe breathing problems , kidney disease, sleep apnea , liver disease, glaucoma , seizures, or depression .
Tell your doctor if you are currently or have ever abused drugs or are addicted to alcohol .
Do not drive a vehicle or perform activities that require alertness while being treated with Xanax, because this drug can cause dizziness and drowsiness .
Be careful using Xanax in the elderly, because this drug has the risk of side effects and overdose.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
See your doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction , serious side effects, or overdose after taking Xanax.

Dosage and Rules for Use Xanax

Xanax should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. The dosage will be adjusted according to the patient's health condition, age, and response to the drug. The dose will start low, then if necessary it will be increased gradually until it meets the patient's needs.

The following is a distribution of Xanax dosages based on their intended use:

Goal: Overcome panic disorder

Xanax or Xanax SL

Adult: Initial dose of 0.5–1 mg per day taken at bedtime, or 0.5 mg, 3 times daily. Dosage may be increased to a maximum of 1 mg every 3–4 days. The maximum dose is 10 mg per day.
Elderly: Initially 0.5–0.75 mg daily.

Xanax XR

Adults: 0.5–1 mg, once a day, taken in the morning. Dosage may be increased to a maximum of 1 mg every 3–4 days. The maximum dose is 3–6 mg per day.
Elderly or people with advanced liver disease : Initial dose of 0.5–1 mg per day.

Purpose: Overcome anxiety disorders

Xanax or Xanax SL

Adult: Initial dose of 0.75–1.5 mg per day given on several schedules. Follow-up doses of 0.5–4 mg per day given on several consumption schedules.

How to Take Xanax Properly

Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the information printed on the drug packaging before taking Xanax. Do not add or reduce your dose without consulting your doctor first.

Xanax can be taken before meals or after meals. However, please note, taking Xanax after eating can reduce the drowsiness effects of Xanax.

For Xanax XR it should be consumed once a day in the morning. Swallow Xanax with the help of a glass of water. Swallow the medication whole, do not chew or crush it.

If you forget to take Xanax, consume it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.

Carry out routine controls according to doctor's recommendations while undergoing treatment with Xanax. Do not stop taking Xanax without consulting your doctor first.

Do not stop taking Xanax suddenly, without consulting your doctor, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using the drug.

Avoid eating or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Xanax, because it can increase your risk of side effects.

Store Xanax in a dry, closed place, and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Keep this drug out of reach of children.

Xanax Interactions with Other Drugs

The following are a number of drug-drug interaction effects that may occur if the alprazolam content in Xanax products is consumed together with other drugs:

Increased risk of respiratory problems, decreased consciousness, and other fatal side effects if used with opioid class drugs, anti-seizure drugs, muscle relaxants, or antihistamines class of drugs
Increased blood levels of alprazolam thereby increasing the risk of side effects when used with ketoconazole , itraconazole, clarithromycin , fluvoxamine, cimetidine , nefazodone, or erythromycin
Decreased blood levels of alprazolam when used with carbamazepine or phenytoin
Increased levels of digoxin in the blood thereby increasing the risk of drug poisoning