Xanax Medication Analysis

Samantha E. Mendoza

The brand name is Xanax, the generic name is alprazolam, and the chemical name is 8-Chloro-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-s-triazolo [4,3-α] [1,4] benzodiazepine. It is a drug used for managing anxiety disorder or for the short term relief of anxiety symptoms in adults (WebMD, n.d.). Xanax is considered a Schedule IV narcotic because Xanax has a medical use, but the drug is still considered to have potential for abuse. It belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines, which are a type of medications commonly known as tranquilizers (Addiction blog, n.d.). The Upjohn Company manufactures Xanax, who also developed the medication in the late 1960’s (Xanax history, n.d.). Another type of alprazolam is Valium. They are one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States.

Xanax is a given in a tablet form. Alprazolam is a white crystalline powder which can be soluble in methanol or ethanol. It is an oral medication, taken by mouth as directed by the doctor. The dosage of this medication is measured based on the medical condition, age, and the response to the treatment. Dosage may be increased until medication starts to work well. The usual dosages are 0.25mg to 0.5mg given three times daily for patients with an anxiety disorder. The dosage may fluctuate depending on how severe the patient’s condition may be. The prescription will never be more than 4mg a day. As for patients with panic disorders the usual dosage is within 1 to 10 mg daily. Once again, also depending on how severe their disorder is. Xanax is supplied with tablets of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg (Xanax dosage guide, n.d.).

Medication Indications

Xanax is indicated to manage an anxiety disorder or the short term relief of symptoms of anxiety, it is also indicated for the treatment of panic disorder. Having an anxiety disorder is excessively having to worry. It can cause autonomic hyperactivity, sweating, dizziness, and difficulty in concentration. A panic disorder can cause an accelerated heart rate, sweating, short breath, and lightheaded (Managing, n.d.). The drug interactions are very severe, Xanax should not be taken with anything that contains benzodiazepines or alprazolam.

Warnings and Precautions

Always store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom and always make sure you keep all medications away from children and pets. Alos, people with a history of severe lung problems, liver disease, kidney disease, drug or alcohol abuse, and narrow-angle glaucoma and are taking itraconazole or ketoconazole should not use Xanax. Also, women who are pregnant or nursing should not use this medication because this medicine can cause birth defects or life threatening withdrawal symptoms on newborns (Xanax, n.d.). When women nurse while taking Xanax it causes constant crying, irritability and sleep disturbances in infants. This medication can also increase the effects of alcohol. People with a history of depression or suicidal thoughts should not take this medication. Since this medication can be habit-forming, it should only be used by the person to whom it was prescribed. It can also impair thinking or reactions, so driving or doing anything that requires the person to be alert, should be avoided.

Important Information

Benzodiazepines were thought to have little potential for abuse and dependence but withdrawal symptoms are now well known for some of these type of drugs which includes Xanax. There’s several cases where patients taking this medication have severe withdraw symptoms suddenly (Xanax dosage guide, n.d.). So to prevent this, doctors gradually reduce a patient’s dose before advising them to suddenly stop taking it. Whether you use Xanax with no medical use or inappropriate doses it can quickly lead to a problem. Possible overdose is always possible especially to people who do not get prescribed the drug but still tend to take it. Overdose symptoms may include: severe drowsiness, slowed/reduced reflexes, slowed breathing, loss of consciousness.

References

Addiction blog. (n.d.) Retrieved from

http://prescription-drug.addictionblog.org/is-xanax-a-narcotic/

Managing an anxiety disorder can be difficult. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.xanax.com/?source=google&%3BHBX_PK=s_xanax&%3Bo=138883499%7C311176539%7C0&%3Bskwid=4370001432080628

WebMD (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-9824/xanax-oral/details

Xanax (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.drugs.com/xanax.html

Xanax dosage guide. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.drugs.com/dosage/xanax.html

Xanax history. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://xanaxaddictionhelp.com/xanax-history/