Xanax

Generic Name: Alprazolam

0.0/5

Uses

Xanax (alprazolam) is an anxiolytic (antipanic and antianxiety) benzodiazepine medication classified as a schedule IV controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). According to the DEA, a schedule IV drug has a low potential for abuse and a low risk for dependence. Alprazolam does have the potential for misuse, although some experts claim that the risk is low and similar to that of other benzodiazepine drugs.

This drug possesses antianxiety, sedative, muscle relaxing, and anticonvulsant properties. It slows down the chemical movement within the central nervous system, which results in the reduction of anxiety.

History of Xanax

Dr. Leo Sternbach is credited with the discovery benzodiazepines. Alprazolam was first released by Upjohn Laboratories (now a part of Pfizer) in 1981, as the first approved drug for panic attacks. Within two years, it became a “blockbuster” drug in the United States. Now, this medication is the most prescribed benzodiazepine in America.

Dosage FAQs

  • What is a safe does of this medication?
    This medication comes in immediate and extended release formulas. The following dosage information is for the immediate release version:

    • Anxiety: An initial dose of 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg of Xanax is administered orally, three times a day. The dose can be increased gradually every three to four days up to maximum daily dose of 4 mg in divided doses.
    • Panic: An initial dose of 0.5 mg of Xanax is administered orally, three times a day. This dose can be increased every three to four days. The maintenance dose of Xanax is between 1 mg to 10 mg per day in divided doses (with an average dose ranging between 5 mg to 6 mg per day).
    • Depression: An initial dose of 0.5 mg of Xanax is administered orally three times a day. The dose can be increased by no more than 1 mg every three to four days. An average dose of 3 mg of Xanax daily in divided doses has shown to be most effective. Maximum dose should not exceed 4.5 mg daily in divided doses.
    • For elderly individuals (adults aged 65 years or older) dosage should not exceed 2 mg per day without consent from a doctor because of a greater sensitivity to the effects of benzodiazepines.
  • How does my body process this drug?
    Xanax is readily-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It has a rapid onset of action and a bioavailability of 80% to 90%. About 80% of Xanax binds to albumin in the blood. The peak serum concentration is reached in one to two hours for immediate release tablets and nine hours for extended release tablets. The drug is metabolized in the liver and removed from the body in the urine.
  • How can I get the most out of my treatment with Xanax?
    This medication is primarily prescribed to treat the debilitating effects of anxiety and panic—two conditions that are treated using various types of psychotherapy. There is a growing body of research that highlights the efficacy of a combined approach to mental health treatment using both medication and therapy. Medication can dull the effects of mental health conditions while finding a therapist to work with may help a person learn more about their experiences, how to develop a self-care routine, and healthy coping strategies for when symptoms arise or become triggered.
  • How is this drug structured chemically?
    Xanax is a chemical analog of triazolam differing by the absence of a chlorine atom in the ortho-position of the 6-phenyl ring. Xanax has an average molecular mass of 308.765 and a molecular formula C17H13ClN4. It has a crystalline structure and is soluble in alcohol and insoluble in water.