Xanax

Xanax is an anti-anxiety drug (anxiolytic). It has anticonvulsant, hypnosedative, and central muscle relaxant properties. The mechanism of action is associated with increased neuronal inhibition of nerve endings, in which gamma-aminobutyric acid acts as a mediator. Indications Xanax is used for short-term treatment of moderate/severe depressive conditions accompanied by restlessness and anxiety.

Contraindications

• Xanax is not used:
• - with allergic reactions to alprazolam or other benzodiazepines in the past;
• - in case of intolerance to auxiliary components;
• - with respiratory failure;
• - in case of severe liver/kidney failure;
• - with myasthenia gravis;
• - for sleep apnea syndrome;
• - in coma;
• - in shock;
• - with angle-closure glaucoma;
• - in case of acute poisoning with alcohol, narcotic, sleeping pills, psychotropic drugs;
• - in severe cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases;
• - with severe depression (suicidal attempts);
• - during pregnancy (especially in the first trimester);
• - during lactation.
• The medicine is carefully used:
• - for cerebral and spinal ataxia treatment;
• - with a history of drug addiction;
• - with a tendency to abuse psychotropic drugs;
• - with hyperkinesis;
• - for organic diseases of the brain;
• - with psychosis (paradoxical reactions are possible);
• - with hypoproteinemia;
• - elderly patients;
• - in children and adolescents.

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

The use of Xanax in the first trimester increases the risk of congenital malformations in the fetus.

Use in high doses in the second and/or third trimesters is associated with a risk of decreased active fetal movements, hypotonic infant syndrome (reversible), cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory depression, hypothermia, apnea, and withdrawal symptoms in newborns.

The active substance Alprazolam passes into breast milk, so administration to nursing mothers is not recommended.

Directions for use and doses

 Alprazolam is used orally. Therapy should be as short as possible (maximum course - 12 weeks). The optimal dose is selected based on the severity of the disease and individual response. Minimum doses are prescribed to control symptoms. Dose adjustment is carried out no more than once a month.

The standard initial dose for anxiety-depressive and anxious conditions is 0.5 mg 3 times a day, for elderly people - 0.25 mg 2-3 times a day. Maintenance dose - 1-4 mg/day, for elderly people - 0.5-0.75 mg/day (divided into 2-3 doses).

The standard initial dose for panic disorders is 0.5-2 mg three times a day, maintenance dose is 4-10 mg/day (in 3-4 doses).

To end therapy, the dose is gradually reduced (maximum by 0.5 mg over 3 days).

Overdose

Symptoms: signs of depression of the central nervous system (lethargy, drowsiness, confusion, hypotension, lethargy, ataxia, hypotension, coma, respiratory depression, death).

Treatment of overdose: rinse the stomach or induce vomiting, apply a sorbent, and, if necessary, artificial ventilation. Flumazenil is used as an antidote.

Side effects

Neurological disorders: impaired concentration, drowsiness, ataxia, fatigue, dizziness, disorientation, slow mental/motor reactions, muscle weakness, headache, euphoria, decreased mood, tremor, decreased memory, impaired motor coordination, confusion, dystonic extrapyramidal symptoms ( uncontrolled movements), slurred speech, paradoxical reactions (aggressive outbursts, confusion, psychomotor agitation, fear, suicidal tendencies, muscle spasms, hallucinations, anxiety, insomnia).

Digestive disorders: drooling, dry mouth, anorexia, heartburn, vomiting, nausea, liver dysfunction, constipation/diarrhea, jaundice, increased activity of alkaline phosphatase, and liver transaminases.

Hematological disorders: agranulocytosis (weakness, pyrexia, chills, sore throat, unusual fatigue), thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, anemia, neutropenia.

Allergic reactions: anaphylaxis, allergic dermatitis.

Genitourinary disorders: renal dysfunction, dysmenorrhea, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, increased/decreased libido.

Other: development of drug dependence, hypotension, weight loss, diplopia, tachycardia, withdrawal syndrome (convulsions, dysphoria, irritability, sleep disturbance, depersonalization, smooth muscle spasm, sweating, hyperacusis, decreased mood, vomiting, tremor, tachycardia, paresthesia, photophobia, acute psychosis).

Important to know

Before you start taking alprazolam, be sure to consult your doctor and do not change your dosage without your doctor's permission. Taking alprazolam can cause serious side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, and loss of coordination. If any unpleasant symptoms occur, stop taking alprazolam immediately and contact your doctor.

It is also important to remember that alprazolam is a powerful drug that can be addictive and increase depressive symptoms in people with mental health problems. Therefore, it is not recommended to drink this drug without using the prescribed dosage and also to use it for a long time without a pause. Follow your doctor's directions and tell your doctor if you have drug or alcohol addiction problems.

Extreme care is essential when contemplating the use of Xanax in individuals grappling with severe depression and a predisposition toward suicidal tendencies. It is common for panic disorders to co-occur with either primary or secondary depression, amplifying the potential risk of suicide in patients undergoing treatment. Comparable safety measures should be implemented when prescribing elevated doses of Xanax for managing panic disorders and when administering other psychotropic drugs to individuals who might have a concealed yet heightened inclination toward suicidal thoughts.