Xanax is one of the benzodiazepine class of drugs and it is now the drug of choice for the treatment of moderate to severe anxiety and panic disorders. Because it is compatible with a range of antidepressants, it is also used where the anxiety and/or panic is associated with a depressive disorder. It works on the nervous system in the brain to modify the working of the pituitary and adrenal glands. This calms the mind, relaxes the muscles and reduces the risk of a seizure or convulsion.
WHAT TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR DOCTOR
Taken over the short-term, there is little risk of dependence. Nevertheless, there is a slight risk of rebound symptoms, i.e. the anxiety or panic may return if you stop taking the drug suddenly. So you should always follow the dosage instructions carefully and, when stopping, slowly reduce the doses over time until you stop completely. Dosages may have to be varied in the following cases:
older people react slightly differently and should take a lower dose;
people of the Asian races react differently to Caucasians and should take smaller doses;
smokers take a different dosage to non-smokers;
people with alcohol and drug abuse problems should not take Xanax;
it may not be appropriate for you to take Xanax at all if you have ever thought about suicide or harming yourself; and
people with panic disorder may have to take a higher dose than anxiety patients.
If your work requires real concentration to avoid danger to yourself or others, take Xanax only when it is approved by your doctor. It is also not inadvisable to use Xanax while you are pregnant or nursing — babies become lethargic and can lose weight if they drink too much milk. Take advice if you are using an oral contraceptive. More generally, Xanax can interact adversely with a number of both prescription-only and over-the-counter drugs. Always give a complete list of every medication, diet supplement and herbal remedies you may be taking.
WHEN WAS XANAX DEVELOPED?
Xanax is one of those drugs that seem to have been around forever and, in the reality of the fast-moving world of pharmaceuticals, that is not far from the truth. The drug was patented in 1976.
The beneficial result of this long timeline is that generic Xanax has been on the market since 1981 in a number of countries around the world and from 1993 in the US. Why beneficial? Because the generic version of Xanax is sold under the name Alprazolam and no effort is made to build brand recognition. With no major advertizing and marketing costs, it therefore sells at a fraction the usual cost of the branded equivalent.
The risk of side effects reduces as your body builds up tolerance. When beginning use, it is common to feel drowsy and light-headed. This can be associated with a headache or a stomach disorder.
Some feel confused, nervous and find it difficult to sleep. Xanax can also affect the memory and cause drowsiness.