Overview
Xanax is the brand name for the tranquilizer Alprazolam, an antianxiety (anxiolytic) and antipanic drug. Xanax is a benzodiazepine (a class of drugs that slow down the central nervous system.)

The effects of Xanax can usually be felt within a few days to a couple weeks. Xanax should not be given longer than eight months.

Why is this drug prescribed?
Xanax is used primarily as short-term treatment of mild to moderate anxiety, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and nervous tension.

Xanax may also be used to treat:

1. panic disorders / panic attacks
2. activity depression
3. irritable bowel syndrome
4. anxiety due to a neurosis
5. symptoms of PMS (if extreme)
6. some cancer pains (given with various narcotics)
7. agoraphobia
8. essential tremor
9. ringing ears

Xanax should not be used to treat everyday stress or tension.

Warnings
Xanax is not recommended for children under 18.

Xanax is very addictive. Patients can become dependent during the first few days of therapy. Suddenly discontinuing Xanax could cause withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, nervousness, insomnia, agitation, tremors, convulsions, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and mental impairment. Dosage should be gradually tapered. Patients can develop tolerance to Xanax

Xanax can affect alertness and coordination. Patients taking Xanax should not drive or operate heavy machinery, especially near the beginning of therapy, until they know that Xanax does not affect the ability to safely engage in these activities.

For Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: The safety of Xanax during pregnancy has not been adequately studied. Studies of pregnancy and the use of other Benzodiazepines indicated that Xanax could be harmful to the fetus, especially during the first trimester including the risk of respiratory problems and muscular weakness in your baby. Infants may also experience withdrawal symptoms. Xanax is passed into breast milk, and nursing is not recommended for patients taking this drug.

Contraindications
Xanax should Not be used for people with the following medical conditions:

1. a history of drug dependence
2. allergy / hypersensitivity to Xanax or other Benzodiazepines
3. stroke
4. multiple sclerosis
5. Alzheimer's disease
6. seriously depressed
7. other brain disorders
8. myasthenia gravis
9. acute narrow-angle glaucoma

Precautions
Xanax may be given with caution to people with the following conditions:

1. liver disease – dosage may need to be reduced
2. seizure disorder / epilepsy
3. a history of drug or alcohol abuse
4. palpitations (irregular heart rhythm)
5. tachycardias (rapid heart rate)
6. psychosis
7. elderly or debilitated – a lower dosage may be used
8. organic brain syndrome

Adverse Reactions
Xanax may cause the following reactions:

1. drowsiness
2. clumsiness
3. light-headedness
4. depression
5. dry mouth
6. diarrhea
7. constipation
8. headache
9. confusion
10. tremor
11. dizziness
12. nervousness
13. hypotension
14. blurred vision
15. nausea
16. vomiting
17. weight gain or loss
18. abdominal cramps
19. racing heartbeat / palpitations
20. shaking / slurred speech
21. urination problems
22. convulsions
23. hallucinations
24. memory loss
25. trouble breathing
26. staggering / trembling
27. sore breast / milk secretion
28. irregular menstruation

Interactions with Drugs and Other Substances
Drugs or substances that may interact with Xanax are:

1. Buspar (buspirone), TCA antidepressants, narcotics, or other CNS depressants - can cause CNS depression
2. sedatives, benzodiazepines, or sleeping pills – combination with Xanax can be fatal
3. alcohol – when combined with Xanax can lower blood pressure and decrease breathing rate to the point of unconsciousness
4. Tobacco or marijuana smoking – can add to the sedative effects of Xanax
5. Lanoxin (digoxin) – Xanax may increase the effects of this drug
6. Sinemet (levodopa) – Xanax may decrease the effects of this drug
7. Sporanox (itraconazole), Nizoral (ketoconazole), Tagamet (cimetidine), Antabuse (disulfiram), Prozac (fluoxetine), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Rifamate (isoniazid), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), Prilosec (omeprazole), oral contraceptives, Norvir (ritonavir), and Depakene (valproic acid) – can increase the effects of Xanax
8. Tegretol (carbamazepine), Rimactane (rifampin), and Theo-Dur (theophylline) – can decrease the effects of Xanax
9. grapefruit juice
10. Amiodarone (Cordarone)
11. antihistamines (such as Benadryl or Tavist)
12. antidepressants (such as Elavil, Norpramin, or Tofranil)

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http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/

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