Why do doctors prescribe xanax

Anxiety encompasses a number of disorders, each of which has its own signs and symptoms. Psychiatric medications, including antidepressants, tranquilizers and sedatives, are used to help relieve the symptoms of anxiety. Xanax is prescribed for the following conditions:. Panic disorder is a debilitating condition that causes episodes of intense, overwhelming fear.

Xanax can help prevent panic attacks, enabling users to lead more productive, fulfilling lives. In a study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, patients with panic disorder took alprazolam for three weeks to manage phobic behaviors, social avoidance and general anxiety. Out of this group, 82 percent reported improvement in their symptoms, while 50 percent reported that they were no longer having panic attacks.

Because of its abuse potential, Xanax is not considered first-line treatment for generalized anxiety or panic disorder, notes the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry.

Antidepressants classified as SSRIs selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can often provide safer relief of anxiety symptoms, especially in individuals who are also depressed. Because of its addictive potential, Xanax should not be prescribed to patients with a history of substance abuse or tolerance to benzodiazepines.

Xanax slows down the movement of brain chemicals that may have become unbalanced, resulting in a reduction in nervous tension and anxiety.

Xanax works by boosting the effects of a natural chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid, which is made in the brain. To ensure the safe and effective use of benzodiazepines, doctors will provide the following guidance to anyone with a Xanax prescription:. People should not use Xanax if they are allergic to alprazolam or other benzodiazepines, such as:. People should not use Xanax if they are pregnant. Benzodiazepines can potentially cause harm to the fetus.

During the first trimester, for example, Xanax increases the risk of congenital abnormalities. People should usually avoid taking Xanax during the first trimester of pregnancy. Healthcare professionals should also inform people that if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Xanax, they should tell their doctor.

A child born of a person who is taking benzodiazepines may be at risk of withdrawal symptoms from the drug. Respiratory problems have also occurred in children born to people who have been taking benzodiazepines while pregnant. Xanax may be excreted in human milk. As a general rule, people who use Xanax should not breastfeed.

Older adults, or people aged 65 years and above, may be more sensitive to the effects of benzodiazepines. For example, the sedative effects of Xanax may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are also common in older adults who take benzodiazepines.

Therefore, people should use caution to prevent falling or accidental injury while taking Xanax. As with other psychotropic medications, there are some precautions to take when people with severe depression or suicidal thoughts take this drug.

Episodes of hypomania and mania have occurred in association with the use of Xanax in people with depression. According to the Treatment Episode Data Set, the number of people seeking treatment for benzodiazepine misuse almost tripled in — Long-term misuse and addiction to Xanax are associated with depression, psychotic experiences, and aggressive or impulsive behavior. The number of ER visits involving the nonmedical use of Xanax doubled from 57, to , during — and remained stable at , in The most common drug combinations that healthcare professionals encountered in people presenting to ER were Xanax with alcohol and Xanax with prescription opiates such as hydrocodone Zohydro ER and oxycodone OxyContin.

Many people use Xanax to manage anxiety disorder or to provide some short-term relief from the symptoms of anxiety.

Anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment. Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by unrealistic or excessive anxiety and worry about two or more life circumstances for a period of 6 months or longer. During this period, the person has been bothered more days than not by these concerns. Xanax is also indicated for the treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia , and it may reduce the number of panic attacks a person has.

Panic disorder is characterized by regular panic attacks. Stopping alprazolam suddenly can worsen your condition and cause withdrawal symptoms that may last for several weeks to more than 12 months.

Your doctor probably will decrease your alprazolam dose gradually. Call your doctor or get emergency medical treatment if you experience any of the following symptoms: unusual movements; ringing in your ears; anxiety; memory problems; difficulty concentrating; sleep problems; seizures; shaking; muscle twitching; changes in mental health; depression; burning or prickling feeling in hands, arms, legs or feet; seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear; thoughts of harming or killing yourself or others; overexcitement; or losing touch with reality.

Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorder sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks. Alprazolam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. Alprazolam comes as a tablet, an extended-release tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet tablet that dissolves quickly in the mouth , and a concentrated solution liquid to take by mouth. The tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, and concentrated solution usually are taken two to four times a day.

The extended-release tablet is taken once daily, usually in the morning. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take alprazolam exactly as directed. To take the concentrated liquid, use only the dropper that came with your prescription. Draw into the dropper the amount prescribed for one dose. Squeeze the dropper contents into a liquid or semisolid food such as water, juice, soda, applesauce, or pudding.

Stir the liquid or food gently for a few seconds. The concentrated liquid will blend completely with the food. Drink or eat the entire mixture immediately. Do not store for future use. Remove the orally disintegrating tablet from the bottle just before it is time for your dose. With dry hands, open the bottle, remove the tablet, and immediately place it on your tongue.

The tablet will dissolve and can be swallowed with saliva. The orally disintegrating tablet can be taken with or without water. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of alprazolam and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every 3 or 4 days. Alprazolam is also sometimes used to treat depression, fear of open spaces agoraphobia , and premenstrual syndrome.

Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition. 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.