Form, Strengths, How to Take, and More

If you have certain anxiety-related conditions, your doctor might suggest Xanax as a treatment option. It’s a prescription drug used to treat the following conditions in adults:

• panic disorder with or without agoraphobia
• generalized anxiety disorder that requires immediate treatment

Xanax comes as a tablet that you swallow. It contains the active ingredient alprazolam. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Xanax belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines.

This article describes the dosages of Xanax, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Xanax, see this in-depth article.

Note: This article covers Xanax’s usual dosages, which are provided by the drugmaker. But when using Xanax, always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Xanax vs. Xanax XR

Another form of Xanax is available, which is called Xanax XR. This form of the drug is used to treat panic disorder only. It’s usually taken once per day.

Xanax tablets are immediate-release, which means all of the drug is released into your body soon after the tablet dissolves.

Xanax XR tablets are extended-release (XR). This means the drug is released slowly into your body over a period of time.

This article focuses just on Xanax. To learn more about Xanax XR’s dosage, talk with your doctor or see the drug’s prescribing information.

Below is information about the usual dosages of Xanax.

Note: This chart highlights the basics of the drug’s dosage. Be sure to read on for more detail.

Note: Xanax is a controlled substance. This means it’s regulated by the U. S. government due to the risk of misuse. (With misuse a drug is taken in a way other than how it’s prescribed.) You should only take Xanax exactly as prescribed and you should not share the drug with anyone else. It’s also recommended that you store Xanax in a safe place away from children.

What are the forms of Xanax?

Xanax comes as a tablet that you swallow.

What strengths does Xanax come in?

Xanax comes in the following strengths:

• 0.25 mg
• 0.5 mg
• 1 mg
• 2 mg

Different Xanax strengths come in different shapes and colors which can help you remember the strength of your tablet.

What are the usual dosages of Xanax?

Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage of Xanax and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. Instead of increasing your dose to reach an average dosage, they’ll prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for generalized anxiety disorder

You’ll likely start by taking Xanax 0.25-mg to 0.5-mg tablets three times daily. Then, if you respond well to the drug, your doctor may increase your dosage slowly. The increase is usually once every 3 to 4 days. The maximum dosage recommended by the drugmaker is 4 mg daily.

Dosage for panic disorder

You’ll likely start with Xanax 0.5-mg tablets three times per day. If you respond well to the drug and your doctor increases your daily dosage, they’ll do it slowly by 1 mg every 3 to 4 days. The highest dose reported by the drugmaker is 10 mg daily, but it’s uncommon to take that high of a dose.

Taper

When you stop taking Xanax, your doctor will likely have you decrease your dose slowly. See the “Xanax and withdrawal and dependence” section below.

What’s the dosage of Xanax for children?

There’s no recommended Xanax dosage for children, though doctors sometimes prescribe the drug off-label for them. (Off-label use is when a drug is prescribed to treat a condition or age group it hasn’t been approved for.) To learn more about the uses and risks of Xanax in children, talk with your child’s doctor.

Is Xanax used long term?

No, Xanax is not usually used as a long-term treatment. It’s not known if Xanax is safe to take for more than 10 weeks for panic disorder or more than 4 months for generalized anxiety disorder.

When stopping Xanax, you’ll likely do it slowly using a taper schedule. This will help decrease your risk of withdrawal symptoms. (These are side effects that can happen when you stop taking a drug your body has become dependent on.) Talk with your doctor about what your dosage taper schedule will be.

Dosage adjustments

If you’re an adult ages 65 years and older, if you have decreased liver function, or if you take a drug called ritonavir, your doctor will prescribe a lower Xanax dosage. There are specific dosing guidelines for taking Xanax with ritonavir.

Your Xanax dose will also be decreased if you’re taking other medications that cause your liver to process Xanax more slowly. If you still have side effects, your doctor may decrease your dose further. There’s not a specific lowest dose that’s usually prescribed.

Some drugs affect liver function so much that they’re not safe to take with Xanax at all. Examples include Prezista (darunavir) and Noxafil (Posaconazole). If you need to take one of these drugs, your doctor will likely have you stop your Xanax treatment with a taper first.

Below are answers to some common questions about Xanax and dosage.

Is the dosage of Xanax based on body weight?

No, your dosage of Xanax is not based on your body weight. You’ll likely start on a low dose and your doctor may increase it slowly based on your reaction to the drug.

What is a Xanax bar?

A Xanax bar usually refers to a Xanax tablet that’s shaped like a rectangle. This wording is often used in the context of misuse and addiction. (Misuse means a drug is taken differently than how it was prescribed. Addiction means a drug is used even if it leads to harmful outcomes.)

For more information about the risks of misuse and addiction with Xanax, see the boxed warning at the start of this article).

Xanax and Xanax XR come in several different shapes and colors. This is helpful when your doctor prescribes more than one strength of Xanax to make up your daily dose.

Is Xanax used for insomnia? If so, what’s the dosage?

Xanax is sometimes used off-label* for insomnia. If your doctor prescribes Xanax for this condition, they’ll determine the dosage that’s right for you.

While off-label uses are often safe and effective, you may be able to find an option for insomnia that’s safer than Xanax. Benzodiazepines (the drug group Xanax belongs to) have a higher risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms than other drugs that treat insomnia. (With dependence your body gets used to a drug and needs it for you to feel comfortable. And withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug your body has become dependent on.)

Is there a Xanax dosage used for dental work or before other medical procedures?

Xanax has been used off-label* to help with anxiety and sedation before medical procedures, including dental work. There is not a specific dose that’s always used for this purpose.

Another drug used for this purpose is Valium (diazepam), which (like Xanax) is a benzodiazepine. Find out more about the similarities and differences between Xanax and Valium in this article.

Talk with your doctor or dentist if you have anxiety before medical procedures.

* Off-label use is when a drug is prescribed to treat a condition or age group it hasn’t been approved for.

The dosage of Xanax you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:

• the type and severity of the condition you’re using the drug to treat
• your age
• the form of Xanax you take
• side effects you may have from Xanax
• other medications you take
• other conditions you may have (see “Dosage adjustments” above)

Xanax comes as a tablet you swallow with water, usually three times per day. You can take it with or without food.

For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Xanax, see this article.

Accessible drug containers and labels

If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:

• have large print or use braille
• feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

If you have trouble opening medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to supply Xanax in an easy-open container. They may also have tips to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.

If you miss your Xanax dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time. Don’t take two doses at once.

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Xanax on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

Do not take more Xanax than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to serious side effects. The drugmaker reports that overdoses have happened with Xanax alone and when Xanax was combined with other drugs or alcohol.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

• confusion
• extreme drowsiness
• lack of coordination
• slow reflexes
• death (in rare cases)

What to do in case you take too much Xanax

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Xanax. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room. A drug called flumazenil is sometimes used along with other measures to treat an overdose of benzodiazepines (the drug group Xanax belongs to). Xanax

Xanax has a boxed warning for withdrawal reactions. (See the beginning of this article for more details on the boxed warnings for Xanax.) Withdrawal reactions are more likely in people who take higher doses and people who take the drug for a longer amount of time. Symptoms of these reactions include:

• blurry vision
• dizziness
• depression
• anxiety
• uncontrolled movements
• insomnia
• seizure
• hallucinations
• suicidal thoughts

Long-term withdrawal symptoms that can last weeks to 12 months or more include:

• ringing in the ears
• muscle twitches
• numbness
• cognitive difficulty

Your doctor will likely prescribe a dosage taper schedule to help you avoid withdrawal reactions. Your daily dose will likely be decreased by 0.5 mg in 3-day (or longer) intervals. If you have any symptoms of withdrawal, talk with your doctor right away. They may decide to pause or slow your taper schedule.

The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drugmaker. If your doctor recommends Xanax for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Remember, you should not change your dosage of Xanax without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Xanax exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask:

• How slow should my Xanax dosage taper be?
• If I take a lower dose of Xanax, will I have a lower risk of side effects?
• Will my dosage of Xanax change if I start another medication?
• Will I take a lower Xanax dosage if I have liver problems?

To get information on different conditions, and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Form, Strengths, How to Take, and More

If you have certain anxiety-related conditions, your doctor might suggest Xanax as a treatment option. It’s a prescription drug used to treat the following conditions in adults:

• panic disorder with or without agoraphobia
• generalized anxiety disorder that requires immediate treatment

Xanax comes as a tablet that you swallow. It contains the active ingredient alprazolam. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Xanax belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines.

This article describes the dosages of Xanax, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Xanax, see this in-depth article.

Note: This article covers Xanax’s usual dosages, which are provided by the drugmaker. But when using Xanax, always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Xanax vs. Xanax XR

Another form of Xanax is available, which is called Xanax XR. This form of the drug is used to treat panic disorder only. It’s usually taken once per day.

Xanax tablets are immediate-release, which means all of the drug is released into your body soon after the tablet dissolves.

Xanax XR tablets are extended-release (XR). This means the drug is released slowly into your body over a period of time.

This article focuses just on Xanax. To learn more about Xanax XR’s dosage, talk with your doctor or see the drug’s prescribing information.

Below is information about the usual dosages of Xanax.

Note: This chart highlights the basics of the drug’s dosage. Be sure to read on for more detail.

Note: Xanax is a controlled substance. This means it’s regulated by the U.S. government due to the risk of misuse. (With misuse a drug is taken in a way other than how it’s prescribed.) You should only take Xanax exactly as prescribed and you should not share the drug with anyone else. It’s also recommended that you store Xanax in a safe place away from children.

What are the forms of Xanax?

Xanax comes as a tablet that you swallow.

What strengths does Xanax come in?

Xanax comes in the following strengths:

• 0. 25 mg
• 0.5 mg
• 1 mg
• 2 mg

Different Xanax strengths come in different shapes and colors which can help you remember the strength of your tablet.

What are the usual dosages of Xanax?

Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage of Xanax and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. Instead of increasing your dose to reach an average dosage, they’ll prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for generalized anxiety disorder

You’ll likely start by taking Xanax 0.25-mg to 0.5-mg tablets three times daily. Then, if you respond well to the drug, your doctor may increase your dosage slowly. The increase is usually once every 3 to 4 days. The maximum dosage recommended by the drugmaker is 4 mg daily.

Dosage for panic disorder

You’ll likely start with Xanax 0.5-mg tablets three times per day. If you respond well to the drug and your doctor increases your daily dosage, they’ll do it slowly by 1 mg every 3 to 4 days. The highest dose reported by the drugmaker is 10 mg daily, but it’s uncommon to take that high of a dose.

Taper

When you stop taking Xanax, your doctor will likely have you decrease your dose slowly. See the “Xanax and withdrawal and dependence” section below.

What’s the dosage of Xanax for children?

There’s no recommended Xanax dosage for children, though doctors sometimes prescribe the drug off-label for them. (Off-label use is when a drug is prescribed to treat a condition or age group it hasn’t been approved for.) To learn more about the uses and risks of Xanax in children, talk with your child’s doctor.

Is Xanax used long term?

No, Xanax is not usually used as a long-term treatment. It’s not known if Xanax is safe to take for more than 10 weeks for panic disorder or more than 4 months for generalized anxiety disorder.

When stopping Xanax, you’ll likely do it slowly using a taper schedule. This will help decrease your risk of withdrawal symptoms. (These are side effects that can happen when you stop taking a drug your body has become dependent on.) Talk with your doctor about what your dosage taper schedule will be.

Dosage adjustments

If you’re an adult ages 65 years and older, if you have decreased liver function, or if you take a drug called ritonavir, your doctor will prescribe a lower Xanax dosage. There are specific dosing guidelines for taking Xanax with ritonavir.

Your Xanax dose will also be decreased if you’re taking other medications that cause your liver to process Xanax more slowly. If you still have side effects, your doctor may decrease your dose further. There’s not a specific lowest dose that’s usually prescribed.

Some drugs affect liver function so much that they’re not safe to take with Xanax at all. Examples include Prezista (darunavir) and Noxafil (Posaconazole). If you need to take one of these drugs, your doctor will likely have you stop your Xanax treatment with a taper first.

Below are answers to some common questions about Xanax and dosage.

Is the dosage of Xanax based on body weight?

No, your dosage of Xanax is not based on your body weight. You’ll likely start on a low dose and your doctor may increase it slowly based on your reaction to the drug.

What is a Xanax bar?

A Xanax bar usually refers to a Xanax tablet that’s shaped like a rectangle. This wording is often used in the context of misuse and addiction. (Misuse means a drug is taken differently than how it was prescribed. Addiction means a drug is used even if it leads to harmful outcomes.)

For more information about the risks of misuse and addiction with Xanax, see the boxed warning at the start of this article).

Xanax and Xanax XR come in several different shapes and colors. This is helpful when your doctor prescribes more than one strength of Xanax to make up your daily dose.

Is Xanax used for insomnia? If so, what’s the dosage?

Xanax is sometimes used off-label* for insomnia. If your doctor prescribes Xanax for this condition, they’ll determine the dosage that’s right for you.

While off-label uses are often safe and effective, you may be able to find an option for insomnia that’s safer than Xanax. Benzodiazepines (the drug group Xanax belongs to) have a higher risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms than other drugs that treat insomnia. (With dependence your body gets used to a drug and needs it for you to feel comfortable. And withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug your body has become dependent on.)

Is there a Xanax dosage used for dental work or before other medical procedures?

Xanax has been used off-label* to help with anxiety and sedation before medical procedures, including dental work. There is not a specific dose that’s always used for this purpose.

Another drug used for this purpose is Valium (diazepam), which (like Xanax) is a benzodiazepine. Find out more about the similarities and differences between Xanax and Valium in this article.

Talk with your doctor or dentist if you have anxiety before medical procedures.

* Off-label use is when a drug is prescribed to treat a condition or age group it hasn’t been approved for.

The dosage of Xanax you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:

• the type and severity of the condition you’re using the drug to treat
• your age
• the form of Xanax you take
• side effects you may have from Xanax
• other medications you take
• other conditions you may have (see “Dosage adjustments” above)

Xanax comes as a tablet you swallow with water, usually three times per day. You can take it with or without food.

For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Xanax, see this article.

Accessible drug containers and labels

If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:

• have large print or use braille
• feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

If you have trouble opening medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to supply Xanax in an easy-open container. They may also have tips to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.

If you miss your Xanax dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time. Don’t take two doses at once.

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Xanax on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

Do not take more Xanax than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to serious side effects. The drugmaker reports that overdoses have happened with Xanax alone and when Xanax was combined with other drugs or alcohol.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

• confusion
• extreme drowsiness
• lack of coordination
• slow reflexes
• death (in rare cases)

What to do in case you take too much Xanax

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Xanax. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room. A drug called flumazenil is sometimes used along with other measures to treat an overdose of benzodiazepines (the drug group Xanax belongs to). Xanax

Xanax has a boxed warning for withdrawal reactions. (See the beginning of this article for more details on the boxed warnings for Xanax. ) Withdrawal reactions are more likely in people who take higher doses and people who take the drug for a longer amount of time. Symptoms of these reactions include:

• blurry vision
• dizziness
• depression
• anxiety
• uncontrolled movements
• insomnia
• seizure
• hallucinations
• suicidal thoughts

Long-term withdrawal symptoms that can last weeks to 12 months or more include:

• ringing in the ears
• muscle twitches
• numbness
• cognitive difficulty

Your doctor will likely prescribe a dosage taper schedule to help you avoid withdrawal reactions. Your daily dose will likely be decreased by 0.5 mg in 3-day (or longer) intervals. If you have any symptoms of withdrawal, talk with your doctor right away. They may decide to pause or slow your taper schedule.

The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drugmaker. If your doctor recommends Xanax for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Remember, you should not change your dosage of Xanax without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Xanax exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask:

• How slow should my Xanax dosage taper be?
• If I take a lower dose of Xanax, will I have a lower risk of side effects?
• Will my dosage of Xanax change if I start another medication?
• Will I take a lower Xanax dosage if I have liver problems?

To get information on different conditions, and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

90,000 70 percent of Americans are on “legal drugs” 90,001 90,002 In the US, the term New Normal is coming into vogue, something like “now it’s normal.” Homosexual marriage is the new normal. Surrogate children closer to 60 are also new normal. Another new normal is female priests, male housewives and much more. Volunteers of the Stringer Bureau of International Investigation (fbii. org) decided to find out why drinking handfuls of pills has also become the new normal for whom it is beneficial. And how did it happen that drug-effect pills became so popular that they are called “legal drugs”.

Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, Bruce Lee, Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger, Brittany Murphy are just some of the most famous drug victims. Every year, between 100,000 and 200,000 people die in the United States due to prescription pills. That’s more than people die in car accidents. However, such figures do not bother Americans at all – every year they drink more and more drugs.

“Pills are prescribed in the US for everything,” says Douglas Bremner, MD, author of Before You Take This Pill: Why the Pharma Industry is Bad for Your Health. – “. A Mayo Clinic study this June found that 70% of US residents take at least one prescription drug, half of the population takes two drugs, and one in five Americans take five or more prescription drugs. And by 2018, these figures will grow by another 30%.

Even though today the US accounts for almost a third of the world’s drug spending, Americans spend more than $300 billion a year on pills, swallowing handfuls of everything prescribed by doctors. Not surprisingly, every year there are 1.7 million injuries associated with overdose or drug side effects in the country. Moreover, the top three most commonly prescribed medications in the US include addictive antidepressants and opioid painkillers. That is, to put it simply, the whole of America is sitting on “legal drugs.”

Merry Christmas!

In the United States, the winter holidays are a busy time for more than just gift shops, restaurants and airlines. Ambulances and psychologists’ offices are working hard, as the holiday season sees the traditional surge of depression and suicide. Depression is the leading cause of suicide in the US, and suicide is the 11th leading cause of death (murder, by the way, is only 15th). This statistic is what drug companies and medical practitioners use to explain the shocking fact that antidepressants are the most common prescription drug taken by American adults.

“Why torture yourself with physical exercises, go on diets and follow the daily routine, when you can take one pill and feel great? – this is the idea that TV inspires us around the clock, – Dr. Bremner is indignant. And the doctors support her in every possible way. Well, of course, if I play sports, my therapist will lose a patient, otherwise I will pay him at least once a month for an appointment for a new prescription.

Published in 1994, the book “Prozac Nation” (Prozac – one of the most common antidepressants. – Ed.) Instantly became a national bestseller in the United States – it is estimated that every third American could recognize himself in her heroine. In the United States, with a population of 317 million people, 270 million prescriptions for antidepressants are written each year, according to research firm IMS Health. For example, among women 40-50 years old, every fourth is on antidepressants. “Studies show that in 75% of cases, therapists easily prescribe antidepressants even without a psychiatric diagnosis, which is why these drugs are so common in the US,” said University of British Columbia professor Barbara Mintzes. And according to a study by the National Center for Health Statistics (National Center for Health Statistics), over 20 years, sales of antidepressants in the United States have grown by 400%.

“Because of the massive advertising and unscrupulous drug companies, in our opinion, Americans have a completely wrong idea about the action and possible consequences of the most popular antidepressants – Zoloft, Prozac and Seleksa,” says medical journalist Brittany Stepniak. . “The terrible truth is that often the negative side effects outweigh the benefits of taking the medication. In accordance with independent studies, a positive result is achieved in only 30% of cases. Now compare it to the list of side effects: weight gain, insomnia, nightmares, headache, dizziness, vision problems. Almost everyone who takes these pills has a decrease in sexual desire, up to a complete breakdown of sexual function. And often long-term use of antidepressants leads to even deeper depression.”

But even this does not stop people – decades of massive advertising have firmly imprinted a simple rule into the brain of Americans: take a pill – and you will be happy. It’s gotten to the point where antidepressants can cause… an environmental disaster. Traces of medicines have been found in some water bodies in the United States – in particular, Prozac. And these are not the consequences of man-made disasters, negligence or accidents. Medicines end up in rivers with sewage, writes Scientific American. And treatment facilities are not adapted to detain this kind of “pollution”.

Professor Rebecca Klaper found that at the lowest recorded amount of Prozac in water (one in a billion), male small river fish completely ignore females, and it takes them much longer to get food. With an increase in the concentration of the drug in the water (which has also been recorded in nature), the fish becomes aggressive, in some cases even killing the females. Brian Brooks, professor at Baylor University, believes that while we are not talking about any significant impact, it is too early to talk about the impact on the environment. Well, American doctors had enough time to check the conclusions of their colleagues. To test… and do the opposite.

Peace, only peace!

Recently, a huge scandal erupted in the US and UK. It turns out that back in 1982, scientists warned that the use of tranquilizers, or, more simply, sedatives, leads to the same brain changes as chronic alcoholism. A large-scale study of this effect was planned, but for some unknown reason, scientists did not receive the necessary funding.

Moreover, taking popular benzodiazepine sedatives for four or more weeks results in the same physiological addiction as heroin. Side effects are also appropriate – hallucinations, headaches, convulsions and death. “The burning sensation is as if a bare wire was stuck in your spinal cord – a piercing pain goes through the spine to the tips of the fingers and toes,” a patient sitting on a benzodiazepine describes his sensations. But this does not frighten the residents of the United States who have already “thrown” antidepressants. “When Americans are in a bad mood, they take a sedative,” says Robin Marantz Heenig, science writer for The New York Times and Scientific American. “Xanax fills 50 million prescriptions a year. And even the outdated Valium enjoys stable popularity.

Just imagine: in 2011 in the USA there were 15 million prescriptions for ancient pills, over which in 1966 the Rolling Stones went over in the song “Mother’s Little Helpers”.

Benzodiazepines also have one more feature in common with heroin – it is almost impossible to get off them. “It was as if someone was shouting in my head: take more, more, more of these pills,” Rita shares her impressions of trying to give up the medicine. “I was in such a deep depression that I cut my wrists. I don’t even remember how I did it.”

“The risk of epileptic seizures, stroke, heart attack and hallucinations is high if these medications are stopped abruptly,” confirms Dr. Stephen Melimis. You wake up in a cold sweat, pounding like your heart is about to jump out of your chest. And it usually starts quite innocently: because of the stress at work, the doctor prescribes a sedative for you. A couple of days and you feel great. A week or two later, the stress at work reappears, and you again take benzodiazepines, and again for only a few days. But troubles at work happen more and more often, and within a few months you find yourself swallowing pills every day.

The irony of tranquilizers is that they are prescribed for nerves and insomnia, but the longer you take them, the more nervous you get and the worse you sleep.

This means that you need to increase the dose all the time. Doctors refer to the final stage of benzodiazepine addiction as “depersonalization,” a loss of interest in life that often leads to suicide.

“Manufacturers knew from the beginning that patients would become addicted to the drug,” comments Malcolm Lader of the London Institute of Psychiatry. “But we believed that only those who take high doses can get hooked on benzodiazepines. We now know that this can also happen when taking the drug at therapeutic doses.” Five years ago, a large-scale study was conducted in France, in which 4. 5 thousand long-term benzodiazepine users were examined. 75% of them were categorized as “clearly ill” and “extremely ill”.

Sounds like drugs, doesn’t it?

It won’t hurt

But most of the painkillers prescribed in the US don’t look like drugs. This is what drugs are. According to the government’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), so many painkillers are prescribed in the United States every year that every American can be drugged with them day and night for a month. For example, 99% of global sales of the semi-synthetic opioid hydrocodone are in the United States.

It’s no surprise that 15,000 Americans die from painkiller overdoses a year—more than from heroin and cocaine combined.

Another obvious conclusion is that where there are drugs (even legal ones), crime flourishes there. Last year, all of America was shocked by the New York drugstore robbery. The attacker shot and killed four people, but did not take a single dollar from the cash register. But he took out all the stocks of painkillers from the pharmacy – about 10 thousand tablets. Three days later, the police arrested the robber and his wife – they were driving a stolen car, drugged to the eyeballs with stolen pills.

And the year before, drug cops had to intervene – the chain of one-day clinics in the state of Florida, covered as a result of the operation, showed the real scale of the illegal market of legal drugs. The work of the “pill factories” was built according to an extremely simple scheme: throughout the state for a short time (sometimes only for a few days – so that the police did not have time to react) so-called Pain Centers were opened, the only function of which was to sell prescriptions for painkillers. It was theoretically possible to buy a prescription from the “pill factory” in any pharmacy, but the organizers recommended doing this only in trusted places so that the criminal scheme could not arouse suspicion for as long as possible.

The investigation opened the eyes of the Americans to two unpleasant facts. First, 70% of opioid painkillers go straight to the black market. Secondly, the drug mafia has found a new niche for itself and has included pharmacies in the scope of its activities. As a result, today about 12 million people in the United States use painkillers for non-medical purposes, in the first 10 years of the new century, sales of legal opioids have quadrupled, and the number of deaths from their overdose has increased by the same amount. And the annual number of emergency calls associated with taking and overdosing on painkillers has exceeded half a million.

But even these figures may soon seem like flowers. Experts warn that long-term use of opioid painkillers leads to serious consequences, including about a third of cases – to gastrointestinal bleeding. So the number of deaths from legal drugs in the future will only increase.

Children’s dose

The mindless use of psychoactive drugs by American adults inevitably leads to children copying this behavior. As a result, American teenagers have their own fashion for “wheels”. Schoolchildren are ingesting drugs for ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – ostensibly to improve school results.

ADHD is also a kind of American fetish, a convenient explanation for why children do poorly in school. Over the past 10 years, this diagnosis has become twice as common. But even worse, in our opinion, already a third of American parents believe that their children will learn better by taking ADHD medication, even if the child is doing well in the head. In this light, it is only natural that one in four American teenagers is using medication prescribed to someone else.

“This is turning into a real disaster,” says Steve Pasier, president of the Drugfree.org community. “Parents try to protect their children from street drugs like cocaine and heroin, but fail to realize that the use of many drugs, especially stimulants and opioids, can be just as harmful to a child’s health. Uncontrolled drug use is one of America’s most feared teenage problems. ”

And it is aggravated by the fact that psychoactive medications affect the immature child’s psyche in the most unpredictable way. One study showed that in 14% of young people taking antidepressants causes attacks of aggression. A 12-year-old participant in the study had dreams about how he kills first his classmates, and then himself. Extremely realistic nightmares recurred until the boy stopped taking the pills.

“We don’t know exactly what effect ADHD drugs will have on the developing teenage brain in the long run,” says Dr. Alan Joffey of Johns Hopkins University. “But we know that the side effects of these drugs are significant.”

Betty Henderson is more specific about this. The database collected on her portal “Stories about antidepressants” shows that in most cases of explosions of school violence, juvenile delinquents were taking psychoactive drugs. School shooting in Alabama July 11, 2011 – the perpetrator was on medication for depression and ADHD. On October 25, 2011, a 15-year-old girl attacked her peers at school with a knife under antidepressants. Hostage-taking at a New York school on November 9, 2009 – the perpetrator took antidepressants. Massachusetts school murder on April 28, 2010 – drugs for depression and ADHD are again present. Even in the textbook mass shooting at Columbine, one of the two perpetrators took antidepressants.

Your health is sold!

But why, knowing or even guessing about all these consequences, American doctors continue to prescribe more and more pills? “Because the entire business model of pharmaceutical companies is based not on health, but on disease,” says Jesse Cannon, a medical expert and author of numerous books and articles. “If Americans start to take care of their own health, the profits of the pharmaceutical giants will decrease in the most dramatic way.”

And there is something to worry about – according to forecasts, global drug sales this year will exceed a trillion dollars, and the United States in this unhealthy race is leading by a wide margin. It’s no surprise that pharmaceutical companies spend $5 billion a year on US television ads alone, and as a result, every US citizen is well aware of “the most modern way to deal with depression” or “the latest drug to deal with stress. ” In total, pharmaceutical giants spend $60 billion a year to promote their own product, twice as much as research.

“The constant release of new drugs is a kind of sport for the pharmaceutical giants,” comments Dr. Douglas Bremner. – But sometimes new drugs have unpleasant side effects, and then pharmaceutical companies go on the defensive – they try not to admit problems for as long as possible in order not to withdraw the drug from the market for a longer time. For example, Vioxx was advertised as causing less GI bleeding than its predecessor, Advil. But after a few years, it turned out that those who take the novelty are many times more likely to get a heart attack. So the case ended with several tens of thousands of deaths.

And so that such incidents do not undermine the population’s boundless faith in the miraculous power of pills, another 1 billion pharmaceutical companies are distributing … directly to American doctors. It may be called differently – consultations, participation in studies – but the fact remains: drug manufacturers pay doctors to prescribe their medications to patients. For example, ProPublica volunteers found that New York-based psychiatrist Horacio Capote received $130,000 from Eli Lilly, and coincidentally, the same psychiatrist was the second-highest number of physicians on the national list of physicians who prescribed Symbyax, the antidepressant from that manufacturer. Or an equally coincidental coincidence: GlaxoSmith-Kline pays $185,000 to Dr. Nashat Rabadie of Buffalo, who prescribes GlaxoSmith-Kline’s Advair to all patients. And there are hundreds of thousands of such “honest” doctors in the United States.

But even that is a pittance compared to the roughly $34 billion the pharma giants spend on free trials. That is, in full accordance with the main rule of street drug dealers, the first dose is free – well-fed doctors put their patients on new drugs. And they do it on completely legal grounds – the pharmaceutical lobby took care of this.

The influence of drug manufacturers on Capitol Hill is so great that even Barack Obama had to negotiate with court pharmaceutical congressmen on the terms of the medical reform that received his name. Moreover, judging by the fact that the stalled Obamacare program so far causes only criticism, even the president failed to win this confrontation. Too many in the American government are interested in seeing more and more profit in the pill business. And rising profits, in turn, allow manufacturers to win more politicians over to their side. As a result of this vicious cycle, millions of Americans are given false diagnoses and billions of pills by doctors. Although, in our opinion, it is high time to diagnose the American system of power itself, even if no medicines have yet been invented to improve it.

Klonopin vs Xanax: Differences, Similarities & What’s Best for You – Drug Vs. Friend

Home >> Drug Vs. Friend >> Klonopin vs Xanax: Differences, Similarities & What’s Best for You

Drug Vs. Friend

Drug Overview and Key Differences | Conditions of treatment | Efficiency | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug Interactions | Warnings | FAQ

Klonopin (clonazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam) are similar drugs for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. Both drugs are classified as benzodiazepines, which increase GABA activity in the brain. GABA, or gaba-aminobutyric acid, is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that plays an important role in slowing down the activity of the central nervous system (CNS).

Both Klonopin and Xanax help treat anxiety symptoms by providing a relaxing and calming effect. However, they do have noticeable differences in how long they last and the other conditions in which they can be used.

What are the main differences between Klonopin and Xanax?

Klonopin

Klonopin is the brand name for clonazepam. It is considered a long-acting benzodiazepine with an elimination half-life of about 30 to 40 hours. Klonopin reaches its maximum blood concentration within one to four hours after taking it.

Klonopin is available as generic tablets in 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg dosages. Orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) are also available in 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg.

Xanax

Xanax is commonly known by the generic name alprazolam. Unlike klonopin, Xanax is a short-acting benzodiazepine with a half-life of about 11 hours. Peak blood concentrations are reached within one to two hours after ingestion.

Xanax is available as branded and generic tablets in 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg and 2mg strengths. Extended release tablets are also available in 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg and 3mg. For those who may have trouble swallowing tablets, alprazolam may be given as an ODT tablet or liquid solution (Intensol).

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Main differences between Klonopin and Xanax
	Klonopin	Xanax
Drug class	Benzodiazepine Long acting	Benzodiazepine Short acting
Brand / generic	Brand and generic versions available	Brand and generic versions available
What is the common name?	Clonazepam	Alprazolam
What form(s) does the drug come in?	Oral tablet Oral disintegrating tablet	Oral tablet Oral disintegrating tablet Extended release tablet
What is the standard dosage?	Panic disorder: Initially 0. 25 mg orally twice a day. After 3 days, the dose may be increased by 0.125 mg to 0.25 mg twice a day every 3 days to a target dose of 1 mg per day. 1.5 mg daily divided into 3 doses. The dose can be increased by 0.5-1 mg every 3 days up to a maximum dose of 20 mg per day.	Panic disorder: Immediate release or ODT tablets: 0.5 mg orally 3 times a day. The dose may be increased by 1 mg daily every 3 to 4 days up to a range of 1 to 10 mg/day. 0.5 mg to 1 mg orally once a day. The dose may be increased by 1 mg per day every 3 to 4 days up to a range of 3 to 6 mg per day.
How long does a typical treatment take?	The duration of treatment is determined by your doctor. In general, long-term use of benzodiazepines is not recommended.	The duration of treatment is determined by your doctor. In general, long-term use of benzodiazepines is not recommended.
Who usually takes this medicine?	Adults 18 years and over (Children with Seizure Disorder: under 10 years or 65 pounds of body weight)	Adults 18 years and over

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Conditions treated with Klonopin and Xanax

As anxiolytic drugs, klonopin and Xanax may help relieve symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Klonopin and Xanax are FDA approved for the treatment of panic disorder in adults with or without agoraphobia.

Klonopin is also approved for the treatment of epilepsy in adults and children. It is often used alone or in combination with other treatments for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, atonic seizures, and myoclonic seizures. Klonopin can also be used for absence seizures.

Xanax is approved for short-term relief in people with anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder and social phobia. According to the FDA label, Xanax can also treat the anxiety that comes with it: depression.

Off-label uses of Klonopin and Xanax include insomnia, essential tremor, premenstrual syndrome, and restless leg syndrome.

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Klonopin or Xanax more efficient?

There are currently no major direct studies comparing Klonopin and Xanax. Both benzodiazepines are effective depending on how they are used and what conditions they treat.

Xanax is more effective in treating seizure disorders. It also has a longer duration of action, which may be preferable for some people.

Xanax may need to be taken more times a day to keep blood levels constant. It may also increase the risk of withdrawal symptoms.

Because anxiety and depression often coexist, benzodiazepines can usually be given in combination with antidepressants. In one meta-analysis, patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) experienced an increased benefit from concomitant use of a benzodiazepine and an antidepressant, at least initially.

It is important to understand that benzodiazepine treatment is very individual. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best option for your mental health.

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Klonopin vs Xanax Coverage & Cost Comparison

Klonopin is a prescription drug that can be purchased as generic or brand-name drugs. Klonopin generic pills are usually covered by Medicare and insurance plans. The average retail price for a generic Klonopin is usually around $45. Using a prescription discount card can bring the price down to $14 or less.

Xanax is also available as generic and brand name tablets. The average retail price of generic Xanax immediate release tablets can be as high as $63. However, with the SingleCare Discount Card, out-of-pocket costs at some pharmacies can be reduced to less than $15. The total cost of your medications will depend on the pharmacy you choose and the number of pills you receive.

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Common side effects of klonopin and xanax

Most common side effects of klonopin and xanax include drowsiness and depression. Those taking Klonopin or Xanax may also experience fatigue, dizziness or vertigo, loss of coordination, and impaired memory. Dry mouth is also a common side effect associated with Klonopin and Xanax.

Serious side effects of benzodiazepines may include severe drowsiness, confusion, convulsions, weakness, and difficulty breathing. Serious side effects are more likely to occur with an overdose or when taking the drug off-label.

90 099 This may not be a complete list. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects.
Source: DailyMed (Klonopin), DailyMed (Xanax)

Klonopin and Xanax drug interactions

Klonopin and Xanax are primarily metabolized or processed in the liver by the CYP3A4 enzyme. CYP3A4 inhibitors can increase blood levels of these benzodiazepines, which can lead to increased side effects. CYP3A4 inhibitors include antifungals such as ketoconazole as well as antibiotics such as erythromycin.

CYP3A4 inducers may accelerate the metabolism of Klonopin or Xanax and ultimately reduce their effectiveness. CYP3A4 inducers include, among others, anticonvulsants such as phenytoin and carbamazepine.

Because Klonopin and Xanax have CNS depressant effects, they may interact with other drugs that have similar effects. Taking benzodiazepines with medications such as opioids and tricyclic antidepressants can increase the risk of severe drowsiness, respiratory depression, and even death, especially at high doses.

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9 0002 This may not be a complete list of all possible drug interactions. Talk to your doctor about all medications you take.

Klonopin and Xanax Warnings

Both Klonopin and Xanax have drug label warnings about the use of benzodiazepines with opioids. The combination of benzodiazepines and opioids can lead to sedation, very shallow breathing, coma, and death. For this reason, these drugs should not be taken together. If they must be taken together, their dosages should be monitored or adjusted to ensure safety.

Benzodiazepines, sometimes called benzodiazepines, are often abused. Those with a history of substance abuse may be at increased risk of abuse and dependence on benzodiazepines. Klonopin and Xanax are Schedule IV drugs classified by the DEA in the US.

Benzodiazepines are for short-term use and should not be stopped abruptly. Stopping these medications without lowering the dose may lead to withdrawal symptoms.

In severe cases, withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening and include anxiety, insomnia and seizures. Due to the short duration of action of Xanax, there is a higher chance of withdrawal with Xanax than with Klonopin.

Frequently asked questions about Klonopin and Xanax

What is Klonopin?

Klonopin is a long-acting benzodiazepine approved by the FDA for the treatment of panic disorders and seizures. It is available as immediate release tablets and oral disintegrating tablets. Klonopin can be used for seizure disorders in adults 18 years of age and older and in children under 10 years of age.

What is Xanax?

Xanax is a short-acting benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It is available as an oral tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, extended release tablet, and oral liquid. Xanax is usually prescribed for adults 18 years of age and older.

Are Klonopin and Xanax the same thing?

Klonopin and Xanax are not the same thing. Klonopin lasts longer in the body compared to Xanax. Klonopin may also be used to treat certain types of seizures in adults and children.

Is Klonopin or Xanax better?

Both Klonopin and Xanax are effective treatments for symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. In some cases, Klonopin can be taken once or twice a day, while Xanax may need to be taken several times a day. Withdrawal symptoms may be more likely while taking Xanax. Consult your doctor to determine the best treatment option.

Can I use Klonopin or Xanax during pregnancy?

Klonopin and Xanax are generally not recommended for use during pregnancy. There is a possibility that these drugs can cause birth defects. Many health professionals recommend avoiding benzodiazepines if you are pregnant. Check with your doctor to learn about available treatment options during pregnancy.

Can I take Klonopin or Xanax with alcohol?

Alcohol can make the side effects of Klonopin or Xanax worse and cause more serious side effects when taken together. Drinking alcohol while taking Klonopin or Xanax can cause severe drowsiness, loss of coordination, and respiratory depression. There are many cases of coma and respiratory depression in those who combine alcohol with benzodiazepines.

How do you feel Klonopin?

Klonopin has an anxiolytic effect that can help relax and calm anxiety symptoms. After taking Klonopin, you may feel more at ease and less scared or tense.