The Main Characteristics of Xanax (alprazolam)

Xanax is a medication which belongs to the group of benzodiazepines used to treat depression and anxiety. Xanax has also other brand names such as: Xanor, Tafil, Niravam. Its generic name is Alprazolam.

In 1982 FDA approved it as a good preparation to treat GAD - Generalized Anxiety Disorder, panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, and anxiety that is associated with state of depression. (It should not be confused with treatment of depression alone).

Lately, FDA approved a new formulation of Xanax and it is now also available and well-known. Now Panic Disorder may be treated by Xanax XR.

Classification:

Schedule IV controlled psychotropic

Clinical Pharmacology:

Alprazolam is a triazolobenzodiazepine - a benzodiazepine with a triazolo-ring attached to its structure. It belongs to the GABA subrange type of the GABA receptor (Gamma-amino-butyric acid, a neurotransmitter found in the nervous system), raising the prohibitive effects of GABA in the central nervous system (CNS).

In contrast to other benzodiazepine, Alprazolam has a certain function of antidepressants as well, despite of the fact that there is no clinical evidence of the present statement.

The mechanism of Xanax's action is not understood in full measure; however the medicine is absorbed form the gastrointestinal tract.

Indications and Dosage:

Usually Xanax is used to manage anxiety disorder or relief of symptoms of anxiety of short duration. If anxiety lasts for a long period of time from day to day Alprazolam is not prescribed as a rule.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is described as serious or pronounced anxiety and worry as for some facts that took place in a patient's life, during six months or more, when a person is very troubled as for this. Approximately six of these symptoms are available in such patients, they are: trembling, twitching, shakiness, muscle tension, soreness, restlessness, aches and pains, fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations or accelerated heart rate, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, cold clammy skin, dry mouth, dizziness or lightheadedness, abdominal distress, flushes or chills, frequent urination, difficulty swallowing, feeling on edge, exaggerated startle response, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, irritability.

To get an effective results from Xanax, a patient needs usually 4 months to be treated when it is anxiety disorder and 4 to 10 week dealing with panic disorder; though patients with panic disorder have been treated for up to 8 months without any diminishment in benefit. A doctor must reconsider the effectiveness of the medicine for a certain individual from time to time.

Xanax Side Effects and Interactions:

Usually such side effects as somnolence (drowsiness), impaired motor functions such as clumsiness and dizziness, fatigue and headaches may be noticed.

There are also side effects which occur rarer, they are: blurred vision, sleep apnea, hypoventilation, disturbance in depth perception, slurred speech, confusion, disorientation, changes in personality, vivid dreams and/or nightmares, amnesia, bradycardia, tachycardia, jaundice, changes in plasma cortisol and ACTH levels, decreased or increased salivation, blood dyscrasias, incontinence, elevated liver enzymes, constipation, nausea.

In case of overdose - anxiety, nervousness, agitation, rage, insomnia and muscle spasms and rigidity are met. These consequences may also happen when Xanax is used in combination with alcohol. However they should disappear with proper dosage adjustment.

A long-period use of Alprazolam may result in physical as well as psychological dependence. People usually develop a tolerance to the drug's sedative effects, but tolerance to the anxiolytic effects is infrequent when used at correct dosage levels.

Information for Parents and Kids:

It is necessary to consult your doctor before starting to treat a child by Xanax. As safety and effectiveness have not been stated and established in patients who are under 18 years old.

Alprazolam may be quite dangerous for unborn baby. That is why be very careful deciding to use it when you are pregnant and it is highly recommended to get an advice from your doctor as for taking Alprazolam during your pregnancy.

There is no information as for Xanax getting into breast milk. Visit your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby as it may be not safely.