XANAX
Xanax
is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks.Xanax
is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by decreasing
abnormal excitement in the brain.
Xanax
also is used sometimes to treat depression, fear of open spaces (agoraphobia),
and premenstrual syndrome. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using
this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for
other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
information.
Special precautions
Before taking
xanax,
-Tell
your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to xanax, chlordiazepoxide
(Librium, Librax), clonazepam (Klonopin, or any other medicines.
-Do not
take xanax if you are taking itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral).
-Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are
taking. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor
you carefully for side effects.
-Tell your doctor if you have or have ever
had glaucoma; depression; or lung, kidney, or liver disease.
-Tell your
doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If
you become pregnant while taking xanax, call your doctor immediately.
-If
you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist
that you are taking xanax.
-You should know that xanax may make you drowsy.
Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication
affects you.
-Remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this
medication.
Side effects
Xanax
may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or
do not go away:
-drowsiness
-light-headedness
-tiredness
-dizziness
-irritability
-talkativeness
-dry mouth
-increased salivation
-changes in sex drive or ability
-changes in
appetite
-weight changes
-difficulty urinating
Some side effects
can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any
of them, call your doctor immediately:
-seizures
-seeing things or
hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
-severe skin rash
-yellowing of the skin or eyes
-memory problems
-confusion
-problems with coordination
Xanax
may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems
while taking this medication.
Overdose
Symptoms
of overdose may include:
-drowsiness
-confusion
-problems with
coordination
-coma
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do
not let anyone else take your medication.