Uses
Alprazolam (Xanax) powder alprazolam is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines which act on the brain and nerves (central nervous system) to produce a calming effect. It works by enhancing the effects of a certain natural chemical in the body (GABA).
How to use Alprazolam
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking alprazolam and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. Your dose may be gradually increased until the drug starts working well. Follow your doctor’s instructions closely to reduce the risk of side effects.
If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as seizures). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used alprazolam for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.
Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Marian D. Wardell – :
“I have had anxiety for many years. About 30. Not until 37 years old did it crush me. I started with Zoloft and buspurone. Then came the Xanax. The first day I took one I felt like I have missed my life all these years. I looked at my wife and said the following. “Have I been an A-hole for the last 13 years?” She said yes. “You must really love me” She said yes again. For the first time in my life I realized how much anxiety took over my life. I can literally feel the difference of me being that angry anxiety filled person. Now, I take .5 every 2 days. I actually enjoy life. Before it was just there. Like a clouded mind just floating there. Not feeling or computing. When I take a Xanax, I feel alive. Happy. I look at my kids and I can actually enjoy them and literally feel the abundance of love I have for they. And that makes life so much better to live.”
Diane J. Atkinson – :
“I was prescibed Xanax and it works well for things like panic attacks. I do not like that it makes me loopy by taking my prescibed mg, and if I cut it in half I feel that it doesn’t work at all. Xanax works very well for short term anxiety and if highly addictive so it is best to take it when you absolutely NEED it. A Prn that is supposed to work like Xanax but isn’t addictive starts with a V so ask your doctor about that. :)”
Shirley J. Rudisill – :
Do not drink alcohol with this medication. You will most likely black out and will not remember what you did. Similar to the effects of Ambien when mixed with alcohol.
Evelyn R. Armendariz – :
I have severe OCD, with accompanying anxiety and debilitating insomnia. Xanax helps me break thought loops. I only take it a few times per week, almost exclusively at night, and rarely during the day when I’m hit with a paralyzing bout of obsessional thought. I take .125 mg (half a .25mg pill). Surprisingly, that is enough to stop the ruminating and make me a little drowsy, and that adds up to falling asleep. Sometimes I take it in the middle of the night to get back to sleep, but only if I don’t have to get up early the next day and if I didn’t take it to get to sleep that night in the first place. The way I see it, if .125 to .25 mg stops working for me, it’ll be time to move on and maybe revisit Xanax at a later date. Having tried a great many different medications, I’m beginning to think rotating treatments is the way to go anyway, to prevent tolerance, addiction, and avoid long-term side effects/consequences.”
Janey M. Martinez – :
Xanax was so necessary for me to hold down my job, manage my relationships and really just keep moving while my anti-anxiety medication took full effect. I have a history of addiction in my family and I expressed my concern about Xanax being habit-forming with my doctor, so we are both managing that. I still use it occasionally when things are very hard, and I am so glad that I have it as an option.
Richard A. Bates – :
“I am one of those scared of taking any medication related to psych . I had a stable job for 20 years before the onset of anxiety and panic disorder . I thought I will brave it . So read books , took yoga etc, but it only got worse. Before long it was affecting by performance at work. Finally getting into elevators became impossible. Then I became almost house bound . People even began to notice . That’s when I resolved to solve this problem once and for all. After several trials with my doctor I found xanax and it completely changed my life. I take 0.5 mg daily . All my symptoms are gone . Thank goodness for that medication.”
Pamela R. Numbers – :
“This drug can be habit forming, so control your desire to dose and skip doses to ‘up’ yourself in terms of pills. Once you master the addictive side of this medicine, it can be a REAL benefit for anxiety disorders. It’s given me control over my life again. I love this medication, but I respect it and am afraid of it at the same time. ONLY take it when you need it, do that and it will be an asset.”
Harvey I. Hubert – :
It’s good to have on hand for sudden or recurring anxiety attacks. Taken too frequently for too long can cause dependence. It should only be used as needed, not daily. Prolonged daily use will cause withdrawal symptoms like severe anxiety and severe insomnia. Once, my prescription ran out and I couldn’t contact my doctor, and I ended up not sleeping for four nights straight.
Christopher M. Adams – :
It provides great relief, however it always makes me very sleepy. I have trouble staying awake and after taking it, and I can sleep over 12 hours. So I only use it when I know I don’t have to leave the house.