Xanax (Alprazolam)

What Is Xanax (alprazolam)?

Xanax is a drug that is considered to be in the benzodiazepines category. It is used to treat nervous conditions and anxiety disorders. How does Xanax work? When the brain becomes chemically unbalanced, alprazolam (generic Xanax) helps to slow the movement of these chemicals. This reduces anxiety and nervous tension.

Before taking a medication like Xanax, it is always a good idea to do a little research. Your medical practitioner should already be aware of necessary drug facts, and your pharmacist can be of assistance as well, but being well informed is important. For example, Xanax should not be taken by anyone who is pregnant. Thus, if you become pregnant, you should stop taking this medication immediately, and call your doctor to seek a different form of treatment.

Also, some people are allergic to benzodiazepines. If you have an allergic reaction, call your doctor and discontinue use of the drug right away. There are a number of health conditions that would preclude taking this medication. Also, if you personally have a history of drug abuse, or it runs in your family, use of this drug may call for extra precautions because dependency is common.

The dependency issue users face is in part due to the fact that the Xanax half-life is 11 hours. It works quickly and then is quickly depleted from your system making the body desire more on a regular basis. The effects of the drug can also be enhanced by alcohol, making it both dangerous and potentially more addictive. This makes it vital to avoid alcohol while on Xanax.

If your doctor prescribes Xanax for you, make sure that they are aware if you have any conditions like glaucoma, asthma (or any other chronic breathing condition), a kidney or liver condition, or are currently suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts. This will help your doctor make an informed decision to whether this medication is right for you, since it can potentially worsen these conditions.

It is important to research the side effects of this particular medication. Know that if your doctor prescribes this drug, they feel that the benefits will outweigh the side effects.

Never let anyone else take your Xanax, and only use it as prescribed; this will limit the likelihood of dependency. Never purchase this medication without a prescription from your doctor.