What disorder is treated with Xanax?
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine. It is approved for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. However, benzodiazepines are also commonly used to treat difficulty sleeping and alcohol withdrawal.
How long should you take Xanax?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Xanax for very short-term treatment for most conditions. Eight weeks is the maximum amount of time they should be taken, specifically to treat panic disorder. Most physicians or therapists will prescribe Xanax for “as-needed” treatment.
Why would a patient be prescribed Xanax?
Xanax is approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia), and to reduce symptoms of anxiety short-term. 4 It works by depressing the function of your central nervous system (CNS) and quickly bringing on a sedative effect.
Is Xanax an as needed medication?
Xanax is considered a short-acting benzodiazepine, which means that it doesn't last as long as other benzodiazepine medications. This can be helpful if you only need the effect for a short period of time.
Can Xanax mess up your brain?
Xanax has been shown to cause memory loss, spatial awareness issues, lowered IQ, and difficulty concentrating. A lack of research confirms whether these effects may become permanent or persist while Xanax is used. However, we can be sure that long-term effects involve the brain's production of a GABA chemical.
Does Xanax cause dementia?
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Taking one of a class of anti-anxiety pills that includes Ativan, Valium or Xanax does not increase older adults' risk of dementia, a new study finds.
What conditions qualify for Xanax?
What Conditions does XANAX Treat?anxious.panic disorder.repeated episodes of anxiety.anxiousness associated with depression.
How do I ask my doctor for anxiety medication?
How Do I Ask My Doctor For Anxiety Medication?Be Direct and Specific; Ask Your Doctor to Do the Same. Don't waste time being vague about what you're seeking help for. ... Ask Why They Recommend a Specific Medication and if Other Options Are Available. ... Ask Your Doctor How Long They Think You'll Need the Medication.
Can Xanax make anxiety worse?
Believe it or not, taking a benzodiazepine like Xanax can actually make you feel more anxious than you did before starting the drug to help reduce your anxiety. While not a common reaction, Xanax has been known to cause people to become: More anxious.
Is 1 mg of Xanax a lot?
Adults—At first, 0.5 to 1 milligram (mg) taken in the morning once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 10 mg per day. Older adults—At first, 0.5 mg taken in the morning once a day.
Which Benzo is best for long term use?
With sustained levels of anxiety, long-acting benzodiazepines such as diazepam and clorazepate are usually preferred, while episodic anxiety normally responds best to shorter-acting drugs such as oxazepam or lorazepam.
What should you avoid while taking alprazolam?
Notes for Professionals: Advise patients to avoid grapefruit juice and grapefruit during alprazolam treatment. Use of grapefruit juice and alprazolam is contraindicated due to the potential for elevated alprazolam concentrations, which may cause prolonged sedation and respiratory depression.