Taking Xanax

Taking Xanax

Taking Xanax:

Xanax is one of the medications belong to the benzodiazepine group. Benzodiazepine pharmacological class acts on the central nervous system (CNS) by suppressing the activity of nerves in the brain that’s why this group is known as anxiolytics and use in the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders.

Benzodiazepine medications:

Xanax is a brand name of alprazolam.

Why are we taking Xanax?

Due to its pharmacological activity, Xanax used for the following condition:

• Anxiety (as all benzodiazepines).
• Vertigo acute episodes and treatment.
• Procedural anxiety (premedication).

Are there adverse effects of taking Xanax?

Many adverse effects may occur during taking Xanax. If their serious adverse effects, you need to call your doctor and urgently visit the emergency department of the nearest hospital.

Xanax adverse effects may:

 

• Skin rash.
• Memory impairment.
• Weight gain or weight loss.
• Increased or decreased appetite.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Blurred vision.
• Muscle twitches.
• Allergic and skin reaction.
• Decreased libido.
• Nasal congestion.
• Allergic rhinitis.

Taking Xanax may interact with other medications:

You should revise your medications (prescribed and over the counter) with your doctor before starting to take Xanax.

Many medications interact with Xanax.

Medications should be avoided during taking Xanax:

 

• Fusidic acid.
• Oxybate salt products.

Medications decrease the effect of Xanax:

• Theophylline derivatives.

Medications increase the effect of Xanax:

 

• Magnesium sulfate.

These medications increase Xanax’s effects may lead to toxicity.

There is also the effect of Xanax on other medications. For example, Xanax may increase their effects, like:

 

• CNS depressant.
• Opioid agonists.

Warning and precautions of taking Xanax:

There are medical conditions which Xanax be cautioned to use:

• Depression: taking Xanax inpatient to suffer from depression should be avoided.
• Hepatic impairment: extended effect of Xanax and toxicity may occur in hepatic impairment patients so avoid Xanax use.
• Renal impairment: Xanax use with caution in renal impaired patients.
• Respiratory disorders: in respiratory depression and other respiratory disorders you should avoid the use of Xanax.
• Concomitant use with opioids may result in severe sedation, respiratory depression, and coma.

Contraindications of Xanax:

• Hypersensitivity: hypersensitivity to Xanax or any component of the formulation, with other benzodiazepines.
• Acute narrow-angle glaucoma.
• Concurrent use with ketoconazole, itraconazole.
• Myasthenia gravis disease which muscle weakness due to autoimmune disease.
• Severe hepatic insufficiency.
• Severe respiratory insufficiency.
• Sleep apnea.

Certain parameters should be carefully monitored during the use of Xanax:

These parameters your doctor will advise you to carefully follow up regularly:

• Blood pressure.
• Heart rate.
• Respiratory rate.
• Liver enzyme.
• Mental status.
• Complete blood count (CBC).

If there are any abnormalities in these parameters called your doctor immediately.

Signs and symptoms of Xanax overdose:

Ingestion of higher dose of Xanax.

Concomitant use of medications increases effects ox Xanax led to toxicity.

Concomitant alcohol intake.

Signs and symptoms:

 

• Impaired coordination.
• Diminished reflexes.

Call your doctor and visit the emergency department immediately if you feel these signs and symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms of Xanax:

Withdrawal symptoms may cause if:

• Long duration treatment with Xanax.
• sudden discontinue.

Symptoms:

 

• Fatigue and tiredness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Weight loss.
• Decrease appetite.
• Cognitive disorder.
• Blurred vision.
• Muscle tone disorder.
• Muscular twitching.
• Abnormal involuntary movement.

So, you should refer to your doctor before stopping Xanax, gradually tapering off the dose is mandatory.

Xanax allergic &hypersensitivity reactions:

If you have an allergy to Xanax, you may feel:

 

• Difficulty breathing.
• Swelling of lips and tongue.

Before starting Xanax, you should take care of the following:

Your doctor will advise you before starting Xanax:

• You should avoid driving.
• You should avoid operating machinery.
• You should avoid alcohol consumption.
• You should avoid concomitant with other benzodiazepines.
• You should avoid concomitant use with another CNS depressant.
• You should avoid discontinuing Xanax suddenly without referring it to your doctor.
• You should avoid the use of Xanax if you are pregnant.
• You should avoid the use of Xanax if you are breastfeeding.
• You should avoid the use of Xanax if you are elderly.
• You should avoid the use of Xanax if you are hepatic or renal impaired.

Taking Xanax in special populations:

• Elderly: Xanax is contraindicated in elderly patients.
• Obese: avoid the use of Xanax in obese patients.
• Renal insufficiency: contraindications to use Xanax.
• Hepatic insufficiency: contraindications to use Xanax.
• Pregnant: contraindicated to use Xanax if you are pregnant as their adverse effects on the fetus.
• Breastfeeding: contraindicated to use Xanax if you are breastfeeding.
• Smoker: cigarette smoking may decrease Xanax concentrations by up to 50%.

 

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