What is Alprazolam Er: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Alprazolam Er overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Xanax, Xanax, Xanax XR, Xanax XR, Xanax XR, Xanax XR

Generic Names:

  • Alprazolam Er

Uses:

  • Treats anxiety and panic disorder.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antianxiety

Forms:

  • Liquid, Tablet, Dissolving Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Alprazolam Er used for?

Xanax XR comes in tablet form and is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression. It works by affecting chemicals in the brain that may have become unbalanced and cause anxiety.

What form(s) does Alprazolam Er come in

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

  • Dissolving Tablet

  • Long Acting Tablet

What are common Alprazolam Er doses?

  • Tablet 0.5mg

  • Tablet 1mg

  • Tablet 2mg

  • Tablet 3mg

Common Alprazolam Er prescriptions

  • ALPRAZolam ER
    0.5mg tablet

  • ALPRAZolam ER
    1mg tablet

  • ALPRAZolam ER
    2mg tablet

  • ALPRAZolam ER
    3mg tablet

  • ALPRAZolam ER
    0.5mg tablet extended release 24 hour

  • ALPRAZolam ER
    1mg tablet extended release 24 hour

How to take Alprazolam Er

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Disintegrating tablet: Dry your hands before you handle the tablet. Place the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve.

  • Extended-release tablet: Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Protect the orally disintegrating tablets from moisture. Throw away any cotton that was in the bottle and reseal it tightly after each use.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Disintegrating tablet: Dry your hands before you handle the tablet. Place the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Extended-release tablet: Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Protect the orally disintegrating tablets from moisture. Throw away any cotton that was in the bottle and reseal it tightly after each use.

Alprazolam Er contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to alprazolam or similar medicines, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or you have narrow-angle glaucoma.

Alprazolam Er warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, glaucoma, lung problems, or a history of drug or alcohol abuse, depression, mental health problems, or seizures.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Respiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening), when used with narcotic pain medicines

  • This medicine can increase thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor right away if you start to feel depressed and have thoughts about hurting yourself.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

Alprazolam Er interactions

  • Do not use this medicine if you are also using ketoconazole or itraconazole.

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how alprazolam works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Amiodarone, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, cimetidine, cyclosporine, desipramine, diltiazem, ergotamine, erythromycin, fluconazole, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, imipramine, isoniazid, nefazodone, nicardipine, nifedipine, paroxetine, propoxyphene, sertraline, or theophyllineBirth control pillsSeizure medicine

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Alprazolam Er side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Seizure

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Blue lips, fingernails, or skin

  • Confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, problems with coordination or memory

  • Extreme drowsiness or weakness, slow heartbeat, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Constipation

  • Lightheadedness, drowsiness

  • Loss of interest in sex

  • Change in appetite or weight

  • Nervousness, restlessness