Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Quickly Does Xanax Work?StorageHow Does Xanax Work?When to Use XanaxSide Effects and SafetySevere Side EffectsXanax Interactions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How Quickly Does Xanax Work?
Storage
How Does Xanax Work?
When to Use Xanax
Side Effects and Safety
Severe Side Effects
Xanax Interactions
Boxed WarningUse of opioids with benzodiazepines may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.Xanax has a risk of abuse, misuse, and risk of addiction. It can lead to an overdose which may lead to death.Abruptly stopping Xanax may lead to a severe withdrawal reaction which can be life-threatening.
Boxed Warning
Use of opioids with benzodiazepines may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.Xanax has a risk of abuse, misuse, and risk of addiction. It can lead to an overdose which may lead to death.Abruptly stopping Xanax may lead to a severe withdrawal reaction which can be life-threatening.
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.
Anxietyis a mild or severe feeling of fear or worry. Apanic attackoccurs when the body experiences overwhelming fear, apprehension, and anxiety. This results in intense psychological (mental) and physical symptoms.
Xanax belongs to the class of drugs calledbenzodiazepines(BZDs). BZDs decrease excitement in the brain. They are among the most widely prescribed medications in the United States.
This article highlights the mechanism of action, the time it takes to work, and other important information on using Xanax safely.
Checking the time.Westend61 / Getty Images
Westend61 / Getty Images
However, many other factors could affect how long Xanax kicks in. It may differ depending on the following:
Xanax tablets are available in dosage forms of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 milligrams (mg).
General dosage regimens of Xanax include the following:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Panic disorder
Discontinuation or Dose Reduction
Dosage Recommendations in People Over 65 Years
Dosage Recommendations in People with Liver Conditions
Dosage Modifications for Drug Interactions
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. It also works for a shorter amount of time than other benzodiazepines.
These properties have led to abuse in young people using Xanax for recreational purposes.
How Xanax Should be Taken
Store Xanax tablets in the tightly closed container they came in. Store away from heat, direct light, and areas susceptible to high moisture levels (e.g., the bathroom).
Keep all the medicines locked out of sight and reach of children and pets, preferably in a locked cabinet.
Ask your local pharmacist for more information about properly discarding unwanted medication.
Xanax (alprazolam) belongs to a class of psychoactive medications called benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines, including Xanax, bind to the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the central nervous system (brain and nerves).
This increases GABA levels which help to alleviate anxiety and panic disorder symptoms.
The FDA approved Xanax for use in adults for the following conditions:
Xanax is also prescribed off-label for the treatment of other conditions, such as:
Who Shouldn’t Take Xanax?
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.
Common Side Effects
Some common side effects of Xanax include the following:
Some side effects of Xanax are severe and need medical help.
Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of the following problems:
Warnings and Precautions
The use of Xanax needs close monitoring to avoid any potential adverse effects in certain conditions.
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.
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 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 may interact with certain other medications and cause interactions. Consult your healthcare provider before taking any drug while using Xanax.
Some major drugs classes that interact with Xanax include the following:
Opioids
Use of benzodiazepines like Xanax andopioidsincreases the risk of respiratory depression.Closely monitor for respiratory depression and sedation.
Examples of opioids include the following:
CNS Depressants
Xanax produces additive CNS depressant effects when used with other CNS depressants.
Examples of psychotropic medications include the following:
CYP3A Inhibitors
Using Xanax with potent CYP3A inhibitors is not advised, except with ritonavir.
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.
Examples include the following:
Digoxin
When using digoxin and Xanax, digoxin levels and toxicity need to be monitored frequently. Reduce the digoxin dose if necessary.
Other Considerations
Consider the following when taking Xanax:
Summary
Xanax is a benzodiazepine drug used to treat panic disorder and anxiety symptoms.
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.
Frequently Asked QuestionsXanax starts working for everyone and produces calming effects to relieve anxiety and panic within an hour of taking an initial dose. 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 may take longer to leave the body in people with liver disease, older adults, people with obesity, or those taking specific medications.Xanax comes with an FDA warning to avoid suddenly stopping the drug. Suddenly stopping Xanax may lead to severe withdrawal effects, which can be life-threatening, such as coma or death. A gradual dose reduction is required before quitting the drug.On the other hand, Xanax comedown is like an unpleasant hangover effect caused due to long-term use of 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. Please keep it away from heat, light, and moisture. Keep all the medications locked out of the reach and sight of children and pets, preferably locked in a cabinet.Discard all unwanted and unused medications properly. Ask your pharmacist or local authorities to find ways to discard the medicines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Xanax starts working for everyone and produces calming effects to relieve anxiety and panic within an hour of taking an initial dose. 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 may take longer to leave the body in people with liver disease, older adults, people with obesity, or those taking specific medications.
Xanax starts working for everyone and produces calming effects to relieve anxiety and panic within an hour of taking an initial dose. 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 may take longer to leave the body in people with liver disease, older adults, people with obesity, or those taking specific medications.
Xanax comes with an FDA warning to avoid suddenly stopping the drug. Suddenly stopping Xanax may lead to severe withdrawal effects, which can be life-threatening, such as coma or death. A gradual dose reduction is required before quitting the drug.On the other hand, Xanax comedown is like an unpleasant hangover effect caused due to long-term use of 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.
Xanax comes with an FDA warning to avoid suddenly stopping the drug. Suddenly stopping Xanax may lead to severe withdrawal effects, which can be life-threatening, such as coma or death. A gradual dose reduction is required before quitting the drug.
On the other hand, Xanax comedown is like an unpleasant hangover effect caused due to long-term use of 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. Please keep it away from heat, light, and moisture. Keep all the medications locked out of the reach and sight of children and pets, preferably locked in a cabinet.Discard all unwanted and unused medications properly. Ask your pharmacist or local authorities to find ways to discard the medicines.
Store Xanax in a tightly closed container. Please keep it away from heat, light, and moisture. Keep all the medications locked out of the reach and sight of children and pets, preferably locked in a cabinet.
Discard all unwanted and unused medications properly. Ask your pharmacist or local authorities to find ways to discard the medicines.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Food and Drug Administration.Xanax (alprazolam) tablets label.
Dailymed.Xanax (alprazolam) tablets.
Griffin CE 3rd, Kaye AM, Bueno FR, Kaye AD.Benzodiazepine pharmacology and central nervous system-mediated effects.Ochsner J. 2013;13(2):214-223.
Ibáñez J, González de la Aleja J, Gallego JA, et al.Effects of alprazolam on cortical activity and tremors in patients with essential tremor.PLoS One. 2014;9(3):e93159. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0093159
MedlinePlus.Alprazolam.
Food and Drug Administration.FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA urges caution about withholding opioid addiction medications from patients taking benzodiazepines or CNS depressants: careful medication management can reduce risks.
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