Pronunciation: al-PRA-zoe-lam
Generic Name: Alprazolam
Brand Name: Xanax XR
Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets are used for:
Treating panic disorder. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets are a benzodiazepine. It works in the brain to decrease anxiety.
Do NOT use Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets or other benzodiazepines (eg, diazepam)
- you have acute narrow-angle glaucoma
- you are taking delavirdine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or sodium oxybate (GHB)
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Treatments for depression are getting better everyday and there are things you can start doing right away.
Before using Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets:
Some medical conditions may interact with Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are able to become pregnant
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have a history of seizures, glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye, kidney or liver problems, lung or breathing problems (eg, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], sleep apnea), myasthenia gravis, or a blood disorder known as porphyria
- if you have a history of other mental or mood problems (eg, depression), alcohol or other substance abuse or dependence, or suicidal thoughts or actions
- if you are in poor health, are very overweight, or are experiencing abnormal muscle movements
- if you drink alcoholic beverages or you smoke
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Methadone because it may increase the risk of serious and sometimes fatal breathing problems
- Amiodarone, azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole), cimetidine, cyclosporine, delavirdine, diltiazem, ergot alkaloids (eg, ergotamine), fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, isoniazid, macrolide antibiotics (eg, clarithromycin, erythromycin), nefazodone, nicardipine, nifedipine, omeprazole, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), paroxetine, propoxyphene, protease inhibitors (eg, boceprevir, ritonavir), sodium oxybate (GHB), telithromycin, or valproic acid because they may increase the risk of Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets's side effects
- Carbamazepine, rifamycins (eg, rifampin), or St. John's wort because they may decrease Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets's effectiveness
- Clozapine or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, desipramine, imipramine) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets
- Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because the risk of their side effects may be increased and they may decrease Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets's effectiveness
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets:
Use Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets may be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
- Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
- Do not suddenly stop taking Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets. You may have an increased risk of side effects, including seizure. If you need to stop Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.
- Check with your doctor before eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you take Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets.
- If you miss a dose of Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets.
Important safety information:
- Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets may cause drowsiness, dizziness, light-headedness, or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets. Using Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
- Do not drink alcohol while you are using Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets.
- Check with your doctor before you use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
- Do not take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
- Smoking may decrease Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets's effectiveness. Tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have recently stopped smoking.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- Use Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially decreased coordination and drowsiness.
- Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 18 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets may cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets during pregnancy. Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets are found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets.
When used for long periods of time or at high doses, Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets may not work as well and may require higher doses to obtain the same effect as when originally taken. This is known as TOLERANCE. Talk with your doctor if Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets stops working well. Do not take more than prescribed.
Some people who use Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets may develop a need to continue taking it. People who take higher doses or use Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets for a long time have a greater risk. This is known as DEPENDENCE or addiction. If you stop taking Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets suddenly, you may have WITHDRAWAL symptoms. These may include blurred vision; burning, numbness, or tingling; changes in smell or other senses; decreased appetite; decreased awareness of your surroundings; decreased concentration; diarrhea; muscle cramps or twitches; seizures; or weight loss.
Possible side effects of Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Changes in appetite; constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; light-headedness; nausea; tiredness; weight changes.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); behavior changes; blurred vision; burning, numbness, or tingling; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; decreased coordination; decreased urination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; loss of balance or muscle control; memory or attention problems; menstrual changes; muscle twitching; new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, depression, irritability, anxiety; exaggerated feeling of well-being); overstimulation; red, swollen blistered, or peeling skin; severe or persistent dizziness, drowsiness, or light-headedness; shortness of breath or trouble breathing; suicidal thoughts or actions; tremor; trouble speaking; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Xanax XR side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include confusion; loss of consciousness; loss of coordination; severe drowsiness or deep sleep; slow reflexes.
Proper storage of Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets:
Store Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Xanax XR Extended-Release Tablets. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Xanax XR resources
- Xanax XR Side Effects (in more detail)
- Xanax XR Dosage
- Xanax XR Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Xanax XR Drug Interactions
- Xanax XR Support Group
- 24 Reviews for Xanax XR - Add your own review/rating
Compare Xanax XR with other medications
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dysautonomia
- Panic Disorder
- Tinnitus
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