What do you know about Xanax? Many people know Xanax by its generic name, which is Alprazolam. It is a prescription drug that belongs to the group of drugs called Benzodiazepine. Patients buy Xanax as it is the brand name of the same drug, Alprazolam. The only difference is in the pricing of the drug name. Generic versions are comparatively cheaper in rates as to the brand drugs. Xanax or Alprazolam is one of the most commonly prescribed medications that is taken by the people of the United States. What is the use of Xanax? As just said, Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed medicine in the United States. It is widely used for treating disorders like anxiety and panic attacks. You may also not know that Xanax is the only psychiatric medication that is prescribed to the patients who suffer from anxiety, panic, or depression-related symptoms. The dose that is prescribed to a person is given to him/her after the doctor has gone through the entire body system of the patient. The work of Xanax is to increase the amount of chemical called GABA (neurotransmitter) inside the brain. It, in turn, promotes the feeling of relaxation and calmness in the brain of a human system. Xanax was first approved by the FDA in the year 1981. When a person takes Xanax, it slows down the activity of chemicals present in the brain that may have been unbalanced for any reason. Hence, it reduces tension and nervousness that is created on the mind and causing anxiety and related issues. What did I need to tell my doctor before I take Xanax? Xanax can interact with other medications, and some physical and mental conditions can change how this drug affects your body. So before starting the treatment with this medicine, you should tell your doctor about any medical condition that you have. You should inform your doctor about all the prescription or non-prescription medication that you are taking before you start the treatment with Xanax. What are things I need to know or do while I take Xanax? Xanax is potent medicine, which is very useful in the treatment of anxiety and panic disorder. You should take proper caution while using this medicine as improper use of this medication can lead to severe adverse effects. The things you should do or avoid while taking this medicine are listed here Read the medication guide before taking this medicine, which you can get from your pharmacist or with the drug when you order Xanax online. Take only as much amount as prescribed by your doctor, as altering the dosage without consultation can increase the risk of side effects. Avoid using this medicine for an extended period, as it can cause you to develop dependence, which can quickly turn into an addiction. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages or using marijuana, as doing so can amplify the side effects of this medicine. You should store this drug at room temperature and away from moisture and heat. Contact your doctor if you did not feel the effects of this medication are decreasing. You must not crush or chew the tablet. You should always swallow it. Stop taking this medicine if you experience any adverse or undesirable effects. How is this medicine best taken? You should take this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dosage without consultation. You should not take this medicine in large amounts or longer than the required period. If this drug stop working as expected, then you should immediately inform your doctor. The effective dosage can vary from person to person, and only a doctor can prescribe the best dose for your condition. The typical dosage for anxiety and panic disorder is as follows Anxiety dosage The initial dosage is between 0.25mg to 0.5mg, which you should three times a day. The doctor can increase the dose by 0.5mg at 3 to 4 hours intervals. The maximum daily dose should not be more than 4mg. Panic disorder dosage The typical dose range from 1mg to 10mg per day. The initial dosage is 0.5mg, which you should take three times a day. Your doctor might increase the dose at intervals of 3 to 4 hours. The daily dose should not exceed 10mg per day. Note: Your doctor might increase or decrease as per your response towards the medicine, and you should maintain this dosage for the duration of the treatment, and not change it without consulting with the doctor. Are there any side effects of Xanax? There can be a number of side effects of Xanax that may take place due to certain reasons. In most the cases, side effects do occur at the beginning of starting with the medication. Some of the side effects that are seen commonly are listed below – Feeling lightheaded Drowsiness Feeling low Depression Headache Unable to sleep State of confusion Feeling fainted Nervousness Feeling that you may pass out Dizziness Lack of coordination Feeling restless Sweating Not able to remember things Muscle cramps Nausea Vomiting Allergy over the skin Aftereffects that can be severe at times are – Pain in the chest Blurry vision Change in the menstrual cycle Hypotension Rigidity Fluctuation in the weight Problem in speaking Important to Note: Here are some points that you should also know before taking this medicine This drug can cause severe health problems in unborn children and infants, so avoid taking it during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding. It can make you dizzy, so you should not perform any dangerous task that requires proper attention like driving or operating any machinery. If you have health conditions like narrow-angle glaucoma, seizure, liver or kidney disease, depression, or history of drug abuse, then you should avoid using this drug. Xanax is a habit-forming drug, so avoid using it for an extended period. Avoid giving this drug to children and older people without proper consultation, as they are more susceptible to the adverse effects of this medication. When you order Xanax online, make sure to get it from an authentic online pharmacy to avoid counterfeit drugs that can have increased chances of causing adverse effects. Note: Your doctor might increase or decrease as per your response towards the medicine, and you should maintain this dosage for the duration of the treatment, and not change it without consulting with the doctor. These side effects can cause effects on your health. You are recommended to take the Xanax dosage once you have consulted with your health expert. For more information, you can refer to your doctor for proper medication.