Xanax or Alprazolam is an anti anxiety medication from the group of drugs known as benzodiazepines.  These anxiety medications are known to directly affect the brain and may cause you to be more relaxed, make you more tranquil, sleep better, or they can slow down the nervous system transmissions in such a way as to act as an anticonvulsant.  Many doctors prefer benzodiazepines to other anti anxiety medications that can be used with a similar effect, because they tend to be safer, have fewer side effects, and are usually as effective if not more so than these other medications.  Xanax comes in the regular form as well as an extended-release form referred to as Xanax XR 

What is Xanax usually prescribed for? 

This anti anxiety medication is usually prescribed for anxiety, tension, fatigue, and agitation.  It is also sometimes prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome, panic attacks, depression, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). 

Xanax precautions and warnings: 

You should not take Xanax (Alprazolam) if you know that you are sensitive to or allergic to any other benzodiazepine medication including clonazepam. Xanax is also known to aggravate narrow-angle glaucoma, but is still sometimes prescribed if you have open-angle glaucoma. 

Some other conditions where Xanax should probably be avoided are severe depression, severe lung disease, sleep apnea (intermittent cessation of breathing during sleep), liver disease, drunkenness, and kidney disease.  In each of these conditions, the depressive effects of Xanax or similar antianxiety medications may be enhanced or could be detrimental to your overall condition. 

Xanax should not be taken by psychotic patients as it is not effective for them and can trigger unusual stimulation, excitement or rage. 

Xanax and other benzodiazepines are not meant to be used for more than three or four months in a row.  Your condition should continue to be reassessed before continuing this anti anxiety medication beyond that period of time. 

Xanax and similar anti anxiety medications may be addictive.  Drug withdrawal may develop if you stop taking it after only four weeks of regular use, but is more likely after a longer period of use.  These withdrawal symptoms may start with anxiety and progress to tingling in the hands or feet, sensitivity to light, sleep disturbances, cramps, tremors, muscle tension or twitching, poor concentration, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, appetite loss, sweating, and changes in your overall mental state.