Xanax is a member of benzodiazepines, which is a group of drugs. Xanaxis used for treatment of various health conditions such as panic disorders, anxiety, and anxiety disorders due to depression. This form of medication may also be used for other purposes which are not indicated in some medication guides. Xanax acts on the nerves and brain (central nervous system) to come up with a calming feeling. It works through improving the effect of a natural body chemical (GABA).
This drug is used to treat specific health conditions like repeated anxiety episodes, anxiousness, panic disorder and anxiousness that is associated with depression. It is also effective for treating essential tremor. Before taking this medication, people have to be aware of its effects and appropriate dosage.
The dosage depends on the response to your treatment and medical condition. The dose can be increased until the drug starts working effectively. Following the instructions of your physician is highly essential. It will lessen the side effect risks in the future.
Xanax Cost Information
There are several aspects that may influence the price of Xanax. These prices are usually based without insurance and if you have prescription insurance, you should call the particular pharmacy to verify the exact price.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 0.25mg | 30 tablets | $63.07 |
| 0.5mg | 30 tablets | $77.17 |
| 1mg | 30 tablets | $101.04 |
Kmart |
| 0.25mg | 30 tablets | $60.48 |
| 0.5mg | 30 tablets | $75.52 |
| 1mg | 30 tablets | $100.17 |
Kroger |
| 0.25 mg | 30 tablets | $60.48 |
| 0.5 mg | 30 tablets | $74.73 |
| 1mg | 30 tablets | $98.88 |
Publix |
| 0.25 mg | 30 tablets | $60.48 |
| 0.5 mg | 30 tablets | $98.00 |
| 1mg | 30 tablets | $98.88 |
Rite Aid |
| 0.25 mg | 30 tablets | $90.00 |
| 0.5 mg | 30 tablets | $77.42 |
| 1mg | 30 tablets | $137.00 |
Target |
| 0.25 mg | 30 tablets | $60.48 |
| 0.5 mg | 30 tablets | $74.73 |
| 1mg | 30 tablets | $98.88 |
Walgreens |
| 0.25 mg | 30 tablets | $62.82 |
| 0.5mg | 30 tablets | $76.91 |
| 1mg | 30 tablets | $100.79 |
Walmart |
| 0.25 mg | 30 tablets | $60.67 |
| 0.5mg | 30 tablets | $74.36 |
| 1mg | 30 tablets | $97.54 |
Short-Term Side Effects
When it comes to short-term side effects, a person taking Xanaxmay experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, restlessness, high blood pressure and breathing rate, vomiting, insomnia, muscle pain, shedding of tears, chills, perspiration and more. Other common side effects are fatigue, depression, lightheadedness, sedation, decreased or increased appetite, decreased salivation, cognitive disorder and even abnormal coordination. These short term side effects will vary from one person to another.
Long-Term Side Effects
Most drugs usually provide side effects which can be at an intense or mild level. Xanax has been FDA-approved as a short term treatment which normally ranges for about 8 weeks of having a panic disorder. The long term side effects of taking Xanax can be classified into various conditions. These can be paradoxical reactions, physical side effects, psychological side effects, tolerance and brain atrophy. Paradoxical reasons include violent behavior, OCD, paranoia, hallucinations, phobias, aggressiveness, suicidal intentions and nervousness. For physical effects, these can be drowsiness, slurred speech, respiratory changes, memory loss, and confusion.
Interactions
Xanax can interact with the medications such as:
- Alphrazolam
- Selected Itraconazole/benzodiazepine
- Sedative hypnotics
- Fluvoxamine
- Cimetidine
- Lomitapide
- Ritonavir
- Boceprevir
- Ethyl alcohol
- Clozapine
- Nefazodone
- Rifampin
- Buprenorphine-naloxone
- Sodium oxybate
- Midazolam
- Adderall
- Nexium (esomeprazole)
- Synthroid (levothyroxine)
- Celexa (citalopram)
- Flexeril (chyclobenzaprine)
- Prozac (fluoxetine)
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Aspirin
- Ambient (zolpidem)
How It Works
Xanaxis one of the benzodiazepines and this group of medications provides numerous effects to the body for the person taking any of them. Some of the effects can be stopping seizures, reducing anxiety, relaxing muscles, causing sleepiness and impairing short term memory. It basically works inside the brain through enhancing the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) effects. GABA is a chemical used to create a natural calming feeling. It slows down and prevents nerve signals to your brain. This is one of the main reasons why Xanax as well as other benzodiazepines have been considered as sedatives, mild tranquilizers, or CNS (central nervous system) depressants. For this reason, this form of medication can effectively treat most symptoms caused by conditions such as anxiety and panic disorder. These are just two of many health conditions that can be treated by Xanax.
Brand Name Alternatives
The generic name for Xanax is Alprazolam. There are still other brand names that refer to Xanax. It has brand names such as NivaramT, Alprazolam IntensolT and Xanax XR in the United States. For its Canadian brand alternatives, it is usually labeled as Apo-Alpraz, Novo-Alprazol, Xanax TST, Alti-Aplrazolam, Nu-Alpraz and Mylan-Alprazolam. When it comes to Mexican brand names, you may find it labeled as Tazun, Alzam, Neupax, Farmapram, Tafil or Irizz.
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