Xanax (Alprazolam) belongs to the group of benzodiazepine drugs and is used to treat anxiety disorders, agoraphobia, panic attacks and other mental disorders. Xanax (Alprazolam) is often called a calmer due to its relieving effect and is the one to cope with general symptoms of panic disorder and anxiety such as nervousness, aches, restlessness, concentration problems.

Sometimes it can be prescribed to patients who experience epileptic seizures. In this case Alprazolam acts as a muscle relaxant. Patients suffering from anxiety associated with depression are also responsive to treatment with Alprazolam.

Xanax (Alprazolam) are available in a form of pill of 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 mg. The dosage should be prescribed individually to each patient depending on the conditions treated. Usually the doses for treating panic disorders is higher than that used for the treatment of anxiety. While the daily dose for treating anxiety shouldn't be larger than 4 mg, the effective dose used to manage with panic attacks can be increased up to 6 mg daily. As a rule, the starting doses are low and they are gradually increased to the one recommended by your doctor. Whatever the dose is, it shouldn't be enlarged more than 1 mg daily and not more than every 3 or 4 days.

There is no strict instructions when to take Xanax (Alprazolam), so it can be taken with or without food. However you should take Xanax (Alprazolam) regularly following your dosing schedule. If for some reason you missed a dose, take it as soon as possible, but if there is time for your next dose, you shouldn't take it up with your missed one, otherwise you will overdose the medication. You should be aware of that fact that Xanax (Alprazolam) can cause physical dependence when it's taken regularly and for a long time.

Thus Xanax (Alprazolam) can bring to withdrawal effects if you suddenly stop taking it. The withdrawal symptoms may be the following: headache, seizures, insomnia, depression, nervousness and some others. In order to prevent them, the dose should be reduced gradually, in this case it is better to consult your doctor for additional information about Xanax (Alprazolam) doses and inform about any withdrawal symptoms immediately.

There is another peculiarity of this medication: it's becoming less effective over time. When it is taken for a long-time treatment course it may not work as well as it worked at the beginning of your treatment. If you notice any worsening, inform your doctor immediately. Also inform your doctor about other medications if taken. The thing is that some medications can intensify Xanax (Alprazolam) effect and cause some unusual symptoms.