The recommended initial dosage is 0.5mg three times daily. Needs to be given several times a day.There have been reports of death in people with severe pulmonary disease given Xanax. Do not use it in people taking strong CYP3A inhibitors such as ketoconazole or itraconazole. May also interact with several other drugs including those that induce or inhibit CYP 3A hepatic enzymes. Profound sedation, respiratory depression (abnormally slow and shallow breathing), coma, and death may result. Avoid combining Xanax with other benzodiazepines (such as diazepam) or opioids such as oxycodone or hydrocodone.Abrupt discontinuation of Xanax, when used for sleep, has been associated with rebound insomnia that may be worse than the initial sleeping problem. Benzodiazepines such as Xanax reduce the duration of deep or slow-wave sleep, (which correlates to how refreshed you feel in the morning) and are also associated with addiction, dependence, and tolerances (where progressively larger dosages of the same drug are needed to obtain the same effect). Although Xanax has been used off-label (not an FDA-approved use but still a common use) in the past to aid sleep, it should not be promoted for this purpose unless there is no other alternative.The dosage of Xanax may need to be reduced in those with liver disease. Smokers may have less of a response to Xanax.

Withdrawal symptoms (including convulsions, tremors, cramps, vomiting, sweating, or insomnia) may occur with abrupt discontinuation taper off slowly over several months under a doctor's supervision.Before prescribing Xanax assess a person's risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Xanax is potentially addictive and may cause emotional or physical dependence that may lead to overdose or death.Blood pressure-lowering, heart palpitations, constipation, nausea, dry mouth, headache, and a decrease in libido are also commonly reported side effects.May impair reaction skills and affect a person's ability to drive or operate machinery.Drowsiness and unsteadiness upon standing, increasing the risk of falls.If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: Xanax is available as a generic under the name alprazolam.Available in four strengths: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg.Xanax is available as an immediate-release tablet and an extended-release tablet.May be used for the treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia (agoraphobia is a fear of places or situations that might cause panic, helplessness, or embarrassment).May help the symptoms of anxiety associated with depression. May be used to help manage the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder or for the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety.Xanax belongs to the class of medicines known as benzodiazepines.This produces hypnosis (a trancelike state). Experts aren't sure exactly how Xanax works to stabilize mood but experts suggest it may enhance the activity of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), an inhibitory neurotransmitter, in the brain.

It may also be given for its calming and sedative properties. Alprazolam may be used in the treatment of anxiety and other mood-type disorders.

Xanax is a brand (trade) name for alprazolam.

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm.

Grapefruit juice and xanax