Get Informed: Xanax
Active Ingredient(s)
Alprazolam
What does it do?
This product is primarily used for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. It is a benzodiazepine medication, and works at multiple sites in the brain.
- Last Text Update:
- 2009-Nov-20 9:05 PM
- Last Data Update:
- 2009-Nov-20 6:52 PM
Other Names
- Xanax
- Alprazolam
- Xanax XR
- Niravam
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- D
- Black Box Warning:
- No
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 16 Oct 1981
- Est US Patients*
- 5,333,000
- Generic Available
- Yes
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Xanax or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Recent alerts for Xanax
There have been no alerts regarding Xanax during the past year.
Xanax Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
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What is Xanax used for?
iGuard.org is currently tracking more than 31,200 patients that use Xanax (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Anxiety | 82% | 
|
| Panic Disorder | 36% |
|
| Insomnia | 24% |
|
| Depression | 5% |
|
| High Blood Pressure | 3% |
|
| Post Traumatic Stress Disorder | 2% |
|
| Asthma | 2% |
|
| Other | 7% |
|
How well does Xanax work?
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 31,200 users taking Xanax (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 85%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Xanax outweigh the bad things.
- 16%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Xanax.
Common Side Effects of Xanax
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 31,200 users taking Xanax (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
40% of patients experience side-effects on Xanax
5% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Xanax
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Drowsiness
-
Fatigue
-
Memory/Speech Problems
-
Mood/Behavior Changes
-
Grogginess/Confusion
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Balance/Coordination Problems, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Dry Mouth, Dryness, Elevated Heart Rate, Headache, Increased Appetite, Loss of Libido, Low Blood Pressure, Mental Haziness, Tremor, Vivid Dreams
Global Patient Feedback for Xanax (Alprazolam) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I suffer severe anxiety and was placed on Xanax in early 2007. Originally the doctor prescribed to me .25mg 3x daily OR as needed. Gradually, my tolerance to it grew, and my dosage was increased to .5mg 3x daily. Xanax worked very well in controlling my anxiety, but I was failing to realise how addicted to this medication I had become. In early 2008 I stopped taking Xanax- I thought it would be fine to just stop taking it as the doctor told me I could use it "as needed" and three days later suffered a grand mal seizure. I have no history, or family history of epilepsy. The doctor advised I begin taking the Xanax again at a lower dose. I did, and in September 2008 I tried once again to go off Xanax, this time following a taper schedule, but still once again suffered a grand mal seizure. So now my anxiety as worse than ever as not only am I not able to take these types of meds anymore, but now constantly worry about having another seizure. Since I had two seizures in less than a year I am now spending the rest of my life on an anti-convulsant. I only wish I knew the risks of Xanax before taking it. It is important to be very informed before taking a highly addictive medication. My doctor told me withdrawal seizures associated with xanax are not uncommon when the medication is abrubtly stopped after having been taken over a long period of time. I really just wish I knew this before it happened, I will never go near another Xanax again.
25 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-12 22:11:03
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Thank you for having the courage to share your experience. Xanax can be an addictive substance and can pose possible serious health consequences for some people. With that said, anxiety can cause much suffering and sometimes needs treatment with medication or therapy. Please continue to work with your doctor to explore different ways to manage your anxiety.
Posted: 2009-10-30 00:03:44
Question/Comment:
Xanax is a life saver and I have taken it off and on since 1996. I have taken it in different amounts over the years. Though at my worst, it doesn't stop the panic waves from coming again, it will help the waves decrease in intensity and eventually calm me down, but I have to take more if it's real bad. I am cautious with it and break the tablets into pieces and take a piece at first, then more if I need to. Some days more, some not as much.
I have tried SSRIs, but do NOT like the side effects. They are addictive too, and withdrawl is bad. I had to take Xanax with the SSRIs on and off too. The SSRI did help, but when I gained weight and quit, the attacks came back, so now it's Xanax (the generic, alprozalam) and Benedryl pieces, to add a cloud feeling. It sure helps. If I didn't get Xanax from the clinic I go to, I would have to go to my doctor, which is a lot to go see him, but I would have to. Just having the Xanax in my pocket helps...and it goes everywhere with me. I am going to try Buspar this week to take the edge off before I have to use Xanax. Wish me luck!
40 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-21 04:48:11
Question/Comment:
This medication has helped me through all kinds of depressing and high anxiety situations. My husband does not take any medications and he said he doesn't think I could have endured without it. I do not have to take it daily unless really stressed out. I also have no thyroid and went through the change without anything but the xanax. I have no problems with it and have been taking it for over ten years now.
56 Year old Female
57 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-10 21:26:49
Question/Comment:
Hello, I am a 44 year old woman who has a past history of heart-attack and CAD. In April 09, I lost my job unexpectedly and the following month lost my Father to cancer. I couldn't sleep, was having anxiety attacks, chest pains, fidgety, to say I was on edge was putting it mildly. After seeing my cardiologist in April, she prescibed Xanax 0.25 and was very firm in using it only as needed. It has helped me alot. When I found out my Father was sick, I contacted her and she prescibed a few more tablets (7 at a time to be cut in half). On top of everything, it was the only way I could sleep and not cry constantly. I only use it when I feel the wave of depression coming over me or my brain won't stop so I can sleep (maybe once a week). Xanax helped me through a rough time and I'm glad it's available but also understand it's dangers. Our Doctor's need to sit down and educate us on new meds not just fire of a new prescription. I'm lucky that both of mine will sit down and answer questions. Remember you can always switch if you don't feel comfortable with a doctor.
44 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-26 08:52:59
Question/Comment:
I have taken 0.258 at bed time for apx 25 yrs. Recently started having hot flashes and the md has me put one under my tongue when one begins..it has been working fine,except I can't drive after taking it because of drowsiness...can't take if I am out by myself..have to just sweat and fan...
59 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-15 13:07:06
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103
Patient Comments about
Xanax