Common Uses
Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression. It works by slowing down the movement of chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced. This results in a reduction in nervous tension (anxiety).

How To Use
Take Xanax exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not crush, chew, or break a Xanax extended-release tablet. Swallow the tablet whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the tablet would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Contact your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well in treating your panic or anxiety symptoms. You may have seizures or withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Xanax. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Xanax. Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Xanax is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

Possible Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Xanax: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Xanax and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
• Depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself, unusual risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger;
• Confusion, hyperactivity, agitation, hostility, hallucinations;
• Feeling like you might pass out;
• Urinating less than usual or not at all;
• Chest pain, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• Uncontrolled muscle movements, tremor, seizure (convulsions); or
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious Xanax side effects may include:
• Drowsiness, dizziness, feeling tired or irritable;
• Blurred vision, headache, memory problems, trouble concentrating;
• Sleep problems (insomnia);
• Swelling in your hands or feet;
• Muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination, slurred speech;
• Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea;
• Increased sweating, dry mouth, stuffy nose; or
• Appetite or weight changes, loss of interest in sex.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Precautions
Do not use Xanax if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Do not use Xanax if you are allergic to alprazolam or to other benzodiazepines, such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax). Before taking Xanax, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking Xanax. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol. Xanax may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention. An overdose of Xanax can be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, loss of balance or coordination, feeling light-headed, and fainting.

Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage
Store Xanax at room temperature away from moisture and heat.