What is Xanax? And explain briefly about its uses in the treatment of panic attack

Panic attack

Xanax better known as Alprazolam is a rapid-acting drug. The drug is used for curing anxiety disorders and panic attacks, social anxiety disorder (SAD) or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Alprazolam has a fast symptomatic relief, and hence it is widely by doctors around the world for treating their patients.

How long Xanax has been used for medication?

Xanax has been used for medication over 30 Years

Commonly referred by its generic name alprazolam, It was originally developed by Upjohn Labs during the late 1960’s as a sleep aid and also with muscle relaxant properties, but researchers soon identified that it has other properties too. Xanax, in the generic class known as benzodiazepines, works to calm down the overreaction of the central nervous system. Xanax was found to be the effective drug for panic disorder and anxiety and the FDA approved the uses in 1981. Xanax has been one of the most successful anti-anxiety drugs used for treating the anxiety attack.

What is a Panic Attack and what are its symptoms?

A panic attack is not just a dreaded feeling you get when you know you missed to pay your mortgage. Panic disorder or panic attacks are usually repeated episodes of intense fear inside which may be an expected issue or unexpected issue. Some visible physical symptoms are similar to the body’s normal response to danger the fight or flight phenomenon. If we see the Symptoms of a panic attack it usually starts very quickly and it includes rapid heartbeat rate, shortness while breathing, dizziness, tingling, and sometimes anxiousness. Anxiety medication may be used for short-term while other preferred medications like SSRI antidepressant, Psychotherapy, talk therapy can be used for long term.

Is Xanax suitable for old age?

The elderly patients are very sensitive to the effects caused by benzodiazepines and in common they should be avoided in that patient who is over 65 years of age. The reason for not allowing the drug to consume is because older adults usually have a low metabolism (liver break down) of this class, which may increase the side effects caused by drugging. If there is a documented requirement , a physician who monitored low doses and drugs that are taken in shorter duration’s (half-lives) will help them to minimize the side effects like dizziness & weakness that may lead to bone fractures.

What are the Precautions taken while using Xanax?

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to the drug or to other benzodiazepines such as diazepam, lorazepam or if your body is allergic to these drugs. This above drugs may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your doctor to know more details.

Before using Xanax, tell your doctor or pharmacist your complete medical history, especially if you have severe lung or breathing problems (such as COPD, sleep apnea), liver disease, kidney disease, drug or alcohol use, and glaucoma.

This drug may cause you dizziness or drowsiness so do not consume while driving and while using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.  Completely avoid alcoholic beverages.

During any surgery, it is very important to tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including all prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be extra sensitive to the side effects that are caused by these drugs, especially loss of coordination due to dizziness and drowsiness. These side effects can result in the risk of falling

Xanax is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the potential harm it can cause to an unborn baby. It is mandatory to consult your doctor for more details.

This drug passes into breast milk and it may have undesirable effects on the nursing infant. Therefore breastfeeding mothers using this drug is not strictly recommended. Kindly consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

How Should I take Xanax?

Take only the exact prescribed amount by the doctor. Do not take the medicine in a larger amount. Do not take the medicine longer time than recommended by the doctor. Never share other patient medicine for you never provide your medicine to other people.

Your regular symptoms may come back when you stop using Xanax after using Xanax over a long period of time. The patient may have seizures or withdrawal symptoms to the moment when you stop using Xanax.

The withdrawal symptoms commonly noted are blurred vision, trouble in concentrating, loss of regular appetite and diarrhea also muscle twitching, numbness or tingling

Never stop using Xanax immediately without proper first talking with your doctor. You may need to use the drug in less quantity and slowly lesser before you stop the medication completely as prescribed by the doctor.

For sure this medication is helping your condition to become normal, It is important that your doctor should completely check your complete progress on a regular basis. Never miss any scheduled to visit your doctor in the clinic.

Always Store Xanax in room temperature away from cold moisture and heat never expose it to light. Always remove if there is any cotton from the bottle of the disintegrating tablets and always keep the bottle extremely tightly closed.

Keep a complete track of how many pills you have been using from each and every new bottle of this particular medicine. Benzodiazepines are kind of drugs you should be always aware that if any person in the household accidentally is using this medicine.