What do xanax do

A person should take Xanax by mouth as a doctor directs. The dosage will be based on the following factors:. A doctor may gradually increase the dosage of Xanax until the drug works effectively for the person. If a person has used this medication regularly for a long time or in high dosages, withdrawal symptoms can occur if they suddenly stop taking it. A person should not crush, chew, or break a Xanax extended-release tablet. They should swallow the tablet whole. It is specially made to release the drug slowly into the body.

Breaking the tablet would cause too much of the drug to be released at once. People should not share their medications with other people. It may not be suitable for them and may harm them. If a person misses a dose of Xanax, they should take the missed dose as soon as they remember.

However, they should skip the missed dose if it is almost time for their next scheduled dose. Death has occurred in association with overdoses of Xanax by itself, as it has with other benzodiazepines.

If an overdose of Xanax occurs, a person needs emergency medical attention. Somebody should call or Poison Control at Benzodiazepines, including Xanax, can produce extra depressant effects on the CNS when a person takes it alongside:.

Studies of benzodiazepines other than Xanax suggest a possible interaction with the following drugs:. This list is not complete, and other drugs may interact with Xanax.

A person should tell their doctor about all the medications they use. This includes prescription, OTC, vitamin , and herbal products.

It is important to taper off Xanax gradually. Otherwise, there is a risk of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Alprazolam may cause other side effects.

Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture not in the bathroom. Discard any cotton in the bottle containing orally disintegrating tablets and close the bottle tightly.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at Do not let anyone else take your medication.

Alprazolam is a controlled substance. Prescriptions may be refilled only a limited number of times; ask your pharmacist if you have any questions. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.

You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. Generic alternatives may be available.

Try these techniques to free yourself. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Mental Health. What Does Xanax Feel Like? Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. What if you drink alcohol after taking Xanax? What if you combine Xanax with another drug or medication? Does the dosage change the way it affects you? How long does Xanax take to kick in?

How long will its effects last? What does it feel like when Xanax wears off? Is a Xanax comedown the same thing as withdrawal? What does withdrawal feel like? The bottom line. Read this next. How Long Does Xanax Last? Can You Overdose on Xanax? Valium vs. Xanax: Is There a Difference? Xanax is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders and is the single most prescribed psychiatric medication in the United States. Xanax works by increasing the amount of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain to promote calmness and a relaxed feeling.

When taken as prescribed, Xanax can be a safe and effective medication. However, it all too often becomes abused. There are many types of anxiety disorders that Xanax can help treat. According to Healthline , the side effects of anxiety that Xanax can help treat include:.

Unfortunately, one of the major downsides of Xanax is that it is a highly addictive medication. This is why it is extremely important to take it as prescribed and if you are starting to feel dependent or addicted to the medicine, let a medical professional know as soon as possible.

If you feel as if you or a loved one might be becoming addicted to Xanax, pay attention to these major red flags of addiction:. Xanax works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain that people who experience anxiety suffer from.

As a Benzodiazepine, Xanax acts on the brain and central nervous system to produce a calming effect and ease anxiety symptoms. It is fast-acting, which is helpful for someone who is suddenly experiencing anxiety and needs relief quickly. However, this fast-acting euphoric effect can often become abused and addiction can occur. When someone has been abusing Xanax for a period of time and suddenly stops taking it, the body can begin to suffer from withdrawal symptoms.