How do i take alprazolam

The effects of Xanax are brief. Most people will feel the strongest impacts from the drug for two to four hours. If that happens, you may begin to notice it takes longer for you to feel the sedative effects of the drug, and the feelings may wear off more quickly.

Xanax has a half-life of about 11 hours. By that point, your body will eliminate half of the dose from your bloodstream. Everyone metabolizes medications differently, so the half-life is different from person to person. As Xanax wears off, most people will stop feeling the calm, relaxed, lethargic sensations that the drug is associated with. If you take this medication to relieve symptoms of anxiety, like a racing heart, those symptoms may begin to return as the drug is eliminated from your system.

A comedown is the letdown of high emotions following peak drug effects. This rebound anxiety or depression is usually temporary. Xanax has high potential to be a habit-forming drug. Symptoms of withdrawal typically begin two to seven days after your last dose. They can last two to eight weeks. Some withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous. Your doctor can administer medication to help ease these symptoms and prevent further complications.

Xanax can interact with several common medications, resulting in serious side effects. Your doctor can monitor your overall health and help prevent complications. Although this is more common when you begin taking the medication, it could happen at any time…. People taking Xanax often build up a tolerance. It may take longer to feel the effects of Xanax or it may not feel as strong.

Here's what you need to…. Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorder. But can you accidentally overdose? Wondering if you can take Adderall and Xanax together? Xanax may be prescribed to treat bipolar disorder, but there are side effects. Last Updated: January This information is being provided as a community outreach effort of the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists.

This information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. This information contains a summary of important points and is not an exhaustive review of information about the medication. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding medications or medical conditions.

Never delay seeking professional medical advice or disregard medical professional advice as a result of any information provided herein. The College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists disclaims any and all liability alleged as a result of the information provided herein. Search Close Menu. Sign In About Mental Illness. About Mental Illness Treatments. About Mental Illness Research. Your Journey Individuals with Mental Illness. Your Journey Family Members and Caregivers.

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Advocacy Public Policy Reports. Alprazolam Xanax. Know the warning signs Learn the common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents. Mental health conditions Learn more about common mental health conditions that affect millions. Other symptoms include: Restlessness Fatigue low energy, feeling tired all the time Difficulty concentrating Irritability Muscle tension Sleep disturbance difficulty falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night Panic Disorder occurs when a person experiences unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear.

When starting alprazolam, anxiety or insomnia may improve rapidly or over a period of days. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication. Regarding breastfeeding, caution is advised since alprazolam does pass into breast milk. Symptoms of your condition that bother you the most If you have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself Medications you have taken in the past for your condition, whether they were effective or caused any adverse effects If you experience side effects from your medications, discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Some side effects may pass with time, but others may require changes in the medication. Any other psychiatric or medical problems you have including obstructive sleep apnea All other medications you are currently taking including over the counter products and herbal and nutritional supplements and any medication allergies you have Other non-medication treatment you are receiving such as talk therapy or substance abuse treatment.

Your provider can explain how these different treatments work with the medication If you are elderly or are prone to falls If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding If you have liver disease If you drink alcohol or use drugs How Should I Take Alprazolam?

Alprazolam may be taken with or without food. Drinking alcohol or using street drugs during your treatment with alprazolam also increases the risk that you will experience these serious, life-threatening side effects. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had depression or another mental illness. Alprazolam may cause a physical dependence a condition in which unpleasant physical symptoms occur if a medication is suddenly stopped or taken in smaller doses , especially if you take it for several days to several weeks.

Do not stop taking this medication or take fewer doses without talking to your doctor. Stopping alprazolam suddenly can worsen your condition and cause withdrawal symptoms that may last for several weeks to more than 12 months. Your doctor probably will decrease your alprazolam dose gradually. Call your doctor or get emergency medical treatment if you experience any of the following symptoms: unusual movements; ringing in your ears; anxiety; memory problems; difficulty concentrating; sleep problems; seizures; shaking; muscle twitching; changes in mental health; depression; burning or prickling feeling in hands, arms, legs or feet; seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear; thoughts of harming or killing yourself or others; overexcitement; or losing touch with reality.

Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorder sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks. Alprazolam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.

Alprazolam comes as a tablet, an extended-release tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet tablet that dissolves quickly in the mouth , and a concentrated solution liquid to take by mouth. The tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, and concentrated solution usually are taken two to four times a day. The extended-release tablet is taken once daily, usually in the morning. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Take alprazolam exactly as directed. To take the concentrated liquid, use only the dropper that came with your prescription. Draw into the dropper the amount prescribed for one dose. Squeeze the dropper contents into a liquid or semisolid food such as water, juice, soda, applesauce, or pudding.

Stir the liquid or food gently for a few seconds. The concentrated liquid will blend completely with the food. Drink or eat the entire mixture immediately. Do not store for future use. Remove the orally disintegrating tablet from the bottle just before it is time for your dose. With dry hands, open the bottle, remove the tablet, and immediately place it on your tongue. The tablet will dissolve and can be swallowed with saliva. The orally disintegrating tablet can be taken with or without water.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of alprazolam and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every 3 or 4 days. Alprazolam is also sometimes used to treat depression, fear of open spaces agoraphobia , and premenstrual syndrome.

Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.