Xanax is a brand name of medication known as Alprazolam. It belongs to the group of medicines known as benzodiazepines. Xanax is beneficial for the treatment of anxiety disorders and panic disorders. Xanax does not affect everyone in the same way. How this medicine will affect you depends on several factors, including:

• Metabolism
• Age
• Weight
• Dosage
• Mental state at the time you consume the medication

If you are taking this medicine for the first time, you must understand its side effects and implied interactions before usage.

Before you take Xanax

You should not start the medication of Xanax if you have:

• Narrow-angle glaucoma
• Using itraconazole or ketoconazole
• Allergy to alprazolam or other benzodiazepines
• Seizures or epilepsy
• Open-angle glaucoma
• History of drug or other substance dependence/abuse, or
• A history of suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Moreover, its sedative effects may last longer in older adults or children. Besides, accidental falls are common in elderly patients who are taking medication of benzodiazepines. However, use caution during the treatment to avoid accidental injury or falling.

Xanax is not safe for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How to use Xanax?

Take the dose at an exact time every day. Do not increase or decrease your dosage without prescription. However, if you somehow forget your regular dose take it as soon as you remember. Do not take the missed dose if it is the time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Please do not take the missed dose with the scheduled dose it will become an overdose.

On the other hand, Xanax has a habit-forming nature so, never use it without prescription or in larger doses. 

If you take this treatment for a longer time, then you may need frequent medical tests. Additionally, it may become addictive if used longer than prescribed.

Dosage Information

The dosages of Xanax depends upon the medical condition of the patients and reaction towards its first dose.

The initial dose for adults(Anxiety): 0.25 to 0.5 mg given three times daily or as prescribed.

The maximum daily dose is 4 mg in divided doses.

The initial dose for panic disorder: doses in the range of 1 to 10 mg daily. However, in panic disorder patients require more than 4 mg a day.

Side effects

Some of the common side effects include

• Being forgetful
• changes in patterns and rhythms of speech
• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• difficulty with coordination
• discouragement
• drowsiness

However, it would be best if you got regular check-ups to reduce the formation of side effects. If, in any case, you get side effects to call your doctor immediately.

Additionally, you can also call 911 for emergency medical service/help.