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What are alprazolam extended-release tablets?
ALPRAZOLAM EXTENDED-RELEASE (Xanax® XR) is a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines belong to a group of medicines that slow down the central nervous system. Alprazolam relieves anxiety and nervousness and helps to treat panic attacks. Federal law prohibits the transfer of alprazolam to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Generic alprazolam extended-release tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• alcohol or drug abuse problems
• bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis or other mental health conditions
• glaucoma
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea or other breathing difficulties
• myasthenia gravis
• Parkinson's disease
• porphyria
• seizures or a history of seizures
• shortness of breath
• snoring
• suicidal thoughts
• an unusual or allergic reaction to alprazolam, other benzodiazepines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take alprazolam extended-release tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What drug(s) may interact with alprazolam extended-release tablets?
Do not take Alprazolam with any of the following:
• alcohol
• grapefruit juice
• ketoconazole
• itraconazole
• some medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
Alprazolam may also interact with the following medications:
• bosentan
• caffeine
• cimetidine
• cyclosporine
• disulfiram
• ergotamine
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
• herbal or dietary supplements such as kava kava, melatonin, dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA, St. John's Wort or valerian
• imatinib, STI-571
• isoniazid
• levodopa
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam, lorazepam or triazolam
• medicines for depression, mental problems or psychiatric disturbances
• medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, voriconazole)
• mifepristone, RU-486
• prescription pain medicines
• probenecid
• rifampin, rifapentine, or rifabutin
• some antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin)
• some medicines for colds, hay fever or other allergies
• some medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems (amiodarone, digoxin, diltiazem, nicardipine, verapamil)
• some medicines for seizures (carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone)
• theophylline
• troglitazone
• zafirlukast
• zileuton
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking alprazolam extended-release tablets?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your body can become dependent on alprazolam, ask your prescriber or health care professional if you still need to take it. However, if you have been taking alprazolam regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may get severe side effects. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Even after you stop taking alprazolam it can still affect your body for several days.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how alprazolam affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy and fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking alprazolam.
What side effects may I notice from taking alprazolam extended-release tablets?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• confusion, forgetfulness
• depression
• difficulty passing urine
• difficulty sleeping
• difficulty speaking
• lightheadedness or fainting spells
• mood changes, excitability or aggressive behavior
• muscle cramps
• staggering or jerky movements, tremors
• weakness or tiredness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• constipation or diarrhea
• drowsiness, dizziness
• dry mouth, decrease or increase in amount of saliva
• increase or decrease in appetite
• menstrual changes
• sexual dysfunction
• weight changes
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
