Xanax 0.5mg Tablets

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine medicine used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorder. It works by calming abnormal over-activity in the brain.

It is usually prescribed for the shortest time possible because of the risk of dependence.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you. Never take more, more often or for longer than prescribed.

• Extended-release tablets must be swallowed whole; do not chew, crush or break them.
• Orally disintegrating tablets melt on the tongue.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due. Never take a double dose.
• Do not stop suddenly. Your doctor will lower the dose slowly to avoid withdrawal effects such as seizures.

Common side effects include:

• sleepiness, dizziness or tiredness
• headache or irritability
• dry mouth
• changes in appetite or sex drive

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• slow or difficult breathing, or extreme sleepiness
• seizures
• yellow skin or eyes
• confusion, or problems with balance or coordination
• a rash, swelling, or trouble breathing or swallowing

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have glaucoma
• have lung, kidney or liver disease, or seizures
• have depression or have had thoughts of harming yourself, or have misused alcohol or drugs
• are aged 65 or over
• take opioid painkillers or cough medicines, other sedatives, some antifungals, cimetidine, antihistamines, antacids or St John's wort
• eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice
• have phenylketonuria (some melt-in-the-mouth tablets contain aspartame)

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture, and out of the reach of children.

Opioids and alcohol: taking it with opioid medicines or alcohol can cause dangerous breathing problems, deep sedation or coma.

Dependence: it can be habit-forming and cause withdrawal if stopped suddenly.

Driving: do not drive or use machines until you know how it affects you.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.