Xanax shows an immediate effect to help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and panic.
It starts to kick in within an hour of taking the prescribed dose to give a calming effect.
Xanax is the brand name of the active drug alprazolam.
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Xanax belongs to the class of drugs calledbenzodiazepines(BZDs).
BZDs decrease excitement in the brain.
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How Long Does Xanax Take to Start Working?
Xanax starts to kick in within an hour or two after taking an initial dose.
It is quickly absorbed by the body to produce a sedative and relaxing effect.
However, many other factors could affect how long Xanax kicks in.
It may differ depending on the following:
How Long Does Xanax Last?
Xanax reaches its peak concentration in your body one to two hours after taking it.
This means it starts working within an hour after taking the first dose.
The mean plasma elimination half-life is the time half of the drug concentration takes to eliminate from the body.
Xanax’s half-life is about 11.2 hours (range: 6.3 to 26.9 hours) in healthy adults.
It is metabolized in the liver.
Xanax dissolves quickly in the body.
Never take more or less than advised to avoid any severe side effects.
Consult your healthcare provider before stop taking this medicine.
Your healthcare provider will taper your dose gradually before stopping it altogether.
Sudden withdrawal may lead in severe withdrawal syndrome.
How Does Xanax Work?
Xanax (alprazolam) belongs to a class of psychoactive medications called benzodiazepines.
This increases GABA levels which help to alleviate anxiety and panic disorder symptoms.
Xanax is unsafe for some people due to the risk of severe adverse effects.
It is contraindicated (not safe to use) in the following conditions.
It should only be used as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Benzodiazepines can cause a variety of side effects when used inappropriately.
To ensure safe usage, closely monitor the use in the following conditions and take precautions if needed.
What Should I Do Before Taking Xanax?
Xanax should be taken exactly as prescribed and not stopped early without your healthcare provider’s approval.
Always tell your healthcare provider about all your medications before taking Xanax to avoid adverse effects and drug interactions.
Xanax Interactions
Xanax may interact with certain other medications and cause interactions.
Consult your healthcare provider before taking any drug while using Xanax.
CYP3A inhibitors affect medication clearance from the body.
This can increase Xanax concentrations which can, in turn, increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Examples of CYP3A inhibitors include the following:
Ritonavir
Reduce Xanax dosage when ritonavir and Xanax are taken together.
Using Xanax with a strong CYP3A inhibitor, except ritonavir, is contraindicated.
CYP3A Inducers
Concomitant use of CYP3A inducers can increase Xanax metabolism.
This can decrease Xanax levels in the body.
Reduce the digoxin dose if necessary.
Xanax is an immediate-acting drug and takes only nearly an hour to start working.
It absorbs better than other benzodiazepines and works in a relatively lower time.
This property of Xanax could also lead to its abuse.
Xanax has some side effects and is contraindicated in different situations.
These include pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Combining Xanax with other substances, such as alcohol or opioids, can be life-threatening.
Always use Xanax as your healthcare provider prescribes.
Do not share this medicine with anyone.
When stopping Xanax, your healthcare provider will gradually decrease the dose.
This helps to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Don’t suddenly stop taking Xanax, even if you feel well.
However, it may take longer to show its effects in some people.
The half-life of Xanax is nearly 11.2 hours in healthy adults.
Xanax comes with an FDA warning to avoid suddenly stopping the drug.
A gradual dose reduction is required before quitting the drug.
It mainly occurs in people physically dependent on Xanax or taking it for the first time.
The symptoms will go away after the complete elimination of the drug from the body.
Store Xanax in a tightly closed container.
yo keep it away from heat, light, and moisture.
Discard all unwanted and unused medications properly.
Ask your pharmacist or local authorities to find ways to discard the medicines.
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2018;12(1):4-10. doi:10.1097/ADM.0000000000000350
Dailymed.Xanax (alprazolam) tablets.
Griffin CE 3rd, Kaye AM, Bueno FR, Kaye AD.Benzodiazepine pharmacology and central nervous system-mediated effects.Ochsner J.
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