Xanax should not
be taken with ketoconazole or itraconazole. Alcohol
should be avoided by patients taking benzodiazepines.
Xanax can lead to addiction (dependency), especially
at high dosages over prolonged periods of time. Because
of Xanax's addicting potential, dosages should never
be increased by the patient. In patients addicted
to Xanax, abrupt discontinuation of the medicine can
lead to symptoms of withdrawal (insomnia, headaches,
nausea, vomiting, light headedness, sweating , anxiety,
and fatigue). Seizures can occur in more severe cases
of withdrawal. Consequently, patients on Xanax for
extended periods of time should slowly taper the medication
under a doctor's supervision rather than abruptly
stopping the medication.
Xanax is habit forming. You can become
physically and psychologically dependent on the medication.
Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication
or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor.
Withdrawal effects may occur if Xanax is stopped suddenly
after several weeks of continuous use. Seizures may
be a side effect of sudden discontinuation of the
medication. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction
in dose.
The most frequently reported are
drowsiness, coordination difficulties with dizziness.
Release of hostility and other paradoxical effects
such as irritability, excitability and hallucinations
are known to occur with the use of benzodiazepines.
Other side effects less frequently reported, listed
by body systems, include the following:
Neurologic:
Blurred vision, headache, seizures, slurred speech,
difficulty in depth perception.
Psychiatric:
Agitation, mental confusion, depression, irritability,
nervousness, sleep disturbances, euphoria, lethargy,
stupor.
Gastrointestinal:
Dry mouth, nausea, nonspecific gastrointestinal disturbances,
vomiting.
Musculoskeletal:
Muscle spasm, muscle weakness.
Cardiovascular:
Hypotension, palpitations, tachycardia.
Dermatologic:
Pruritus, rash.
Genitourinary:
Incontinence, change in libido.
Hematologic:
Decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit, increased and
decreased WBC.
Hepatic:
Elevations of alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, AST
(SGOT), ALT (SGPT).
Miscellaneous:
Increased and decreased blood sugar levels. |
