Xanax

Leaflet attached to the packaging: patient information

Xanax,0.25 mg, tablets
Xanax,0.5 mg, tablets
Xanax,1 mg, tablets
Xanax,2 mg, tablets
Alprazolam

Read the leaflet carefully before taking the medicine, as it contains important information for the patient.

• Keep this leaflet, so you can read it again if you need to.
• If you have any doubts, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• This medicine has been prescribed specifically for you. Do not pass it on to others. The medicine may harm another person, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
• If the patient experiences any side effects, including any side effects not listed in this leaflet, they should tell their doctor or pharmacist. See section 4.

Table of contents of the leaflet

• 1. What is Xanax and what is it used for
• 2. Important information before taking Xanax
• 3. How to take Xanax
• 4. Possible side effects
• 5. How to store Xanax
• 6. Contents of the packaging and other information

1. What is Xanax and what is it used for

The active substance of Xanax is alprazolam. It belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines (anxiolytic medicines).
Xanax is indicated for the treatment of symptoms of anxiety disorders in adults, only in situations where symptoms are severe, prevent normal functioning, or are very troublesome for the patient. This medicine is intended for short-term use only.

2. Important information before taking Xanax

When not to take Xanax

• if the patient is allergic to alprazolam and other benzodiazepines, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6);
• if the patient has myasthenia gravis (a disease characterized by excessive fatigue and muscle weakness);
• if the patient has severe respiratory failure;
• if the patient has sleep apnea syndrome;
• if the patient has severe liver failure.

Xanax should not be taken by children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Warnings and precautions

Before starting treatment with Xanax, the patient should discuss it with their doctor

• if the medicine is taken for a long time, as dependence on the medicine may occur, especially in patients prone to drug or alcohol abuse. The need for continued treatment should be periodically assessed by the doctor;
• if the dose of the medicine is reduced or it is stopped suddenly [possible occurrence of withdrawal symptoms (see section 4)];
• if the medicine is taken by patients with depression, with suicidal thoughts or tendencies;
• if the patient is taking other benzodiazepines (increased risk of dependence);
• if the patient is taking opioids, sleeping pills, sedatives, or drinking alcohol (the effect of these medicines or alcohol may be enhanced);
• if restlessness, psychomotor agitation, irritability, aggression, delusions, anger, nightmares, hallucinations, psychosis, inappropriate behavior, or other behavioral disorders occur. If these symptoms occur, the use of the medicine should be discontinued and the doctor should be consulted;
• if the patient has glaucoma;
• if the patient has kidney or liver function disorders. Like other benzodiazepines, Xanax may cause anterograde amnesia, which occurs a few hours after taking the medicine. In such a case, the patient should have uninterrupted sleep for 7-8 hours. Benzodiazepines and similar-acting substances should be used with caution in elderly patients, due to the risk of excessive sedation and (or) muscle weakness, which may lead to falls, often with serious consequences for such a patient.

Episodes of hypomania and mania have been reported in association with the use of Xanax in patients with depression.
Before planned surgery, the patient should inform their doctor about taking Xanax.

Xanax and other medicines

The patient should tell their doctor about all medicines they are currently taking or have recently taken, as well as any medicines they plan to take.

• Particular caution should be exercised when taking Xanax with opioids, as they have a depressant effect on the respiratory system (slow down and shallow breathing). This is associated with a risk of excessive sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and even death.
• Xanax may enhance the effect of antipsychotic, sedative, anxiolytic, antidepressant, narcotic analgesic, anticonvulsant, anesthetic, and antihistamine medicines.
• In the case of narcotic analgesics, there may be an increase in euphoria, which can lead to an increase in psychological dependence.
• Alcohol should not be consumed during treatment with Xanax.
• It is not recommended to take Xanax at the same time as certain antifungal medicines for internal use (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole).
• Particular caution should be exercised and the dose reduced when taking Xanax and nefazodone, fluvoxamine, and cimetidine.
• Particular caution should be exercised when taking alprazolam with fluoxetine, propoxyphene, oral contraceptives, sertraline, diltiazem, and macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin, or troleandomycin).
• Concomitant use of Xanax and HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir) requires dose modification or discontinuation of alprazolam.
• Patients taking alprazolam and digoxin should be closely monitored for signs of digoxin toxicity.
• Theophylline may decrease the effect of benzodiazepines.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding, thinks they may be pregnant, or plans to have a child, they should consult their doctor before taking this medicine.
Xanax should not be taken during pregnancy.
If the medicine is taken during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking alprazolam, they should be examined for potential fetal risk.
If it is necessary to administer the medicine in the last trimester of pregnancy, high doses should be avoided and the newborn should be monitored.
Benzodiazepines pass into breast milk in small amounts. Xanax should not be taken during breastfeeding.

Driving and operating machinery

Xanax causes impairment of psychophysical fitness. Before taking Xanax, the patient should familiarize themselves with current local traffic laws.
While taking Xanax, the patient should not drive vehicles or operate machinery.

Xanax contains lactose monohydrate

If the patient has previously been diagnosed with intolerance to some sugars, they should consult their doctor before taking the medicine.

Xanax contains sodium

The medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per tablet, which means the medicine is considered "sodium-free".

Xanax contains sodium benzoate (E 211)

• Each tablet of this medicine with a strength of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg contains 0.11 mg of sodium benzoate.
• Each tablet of this medicine with a strength of 2 mg contains 0.23 mg of sodium benzoate.

3. How to take Xanax

This medicine should always be taken as directed by the doctor. In case of doubts, the patient should consult their doctor or pharmacist.
Treatment should be as short as possible. The doctor should frequently assess the patient's condition and the need to continue treatment, especially if the severity of the symptoms decreases and may not require pharmacological treatment. The total treatment time should not exceed 2-4 weeks. Long-term treatment is not recommended.
When starting treatment, the doctor will inform the patient about the limited duration of therapy, the gradual reduction of the dose during withdrawal of the medicine, and the possibility of withdrawal reactions.
During the use of benzodiazepines, including Xanax, dependence and emotional or physical dependence may develop. This risk may increase with the dose and duration of treatment, so the smallest effective dose should be used for the shortest possible time, and the need to continue treatment should be frequently assessed with the doctor.
Recommended dose
The dose is determined by the doctor based on the severity of symptoms and the patient's individual response to treatment. If severe side effects occur after administration of the initial dose, the doctor may decide to reduce the dose.
Symptomatic treatment of anxiety disorders
The recommended initial dose is 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg three times a day.
The doctor may decide to increase it, depending on the patient's needs, to a maximum daily dose of 4 mg divided into smaller doses taken throughout the day.

Use in children and adolescents

Xanax should not be taken by children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Use in patients with kidney or liver function disorders

Use in patients with severe liver failure is contraindicated.

Use in elderly patients

The recommended initial dose is 0.25 mg two or three times a day.
If necessary, the doctor may decide to gradually increase the dose, depending on the patient's tolerance to the medicine. If side effects occur, the doctor will decide to reduce the initial dose.

Taking a higher dose of Xanax than recommended

Taking a higher dose of Xanax than recommended may cause: ataxia (lack of coordination), drowsiness, speech disorders, coma, and respiratory depression. If worrying symptoms occur, the patient should immediately consult their doctor.

Missing a dose of Xanax

A double dose should not be taken to make up for a missed dose.

Stopping treatment with Xanax

The patient should not stop taking the medicine on their own.
Since the treatment is symptomatic, after its discontinuation, the symptoms of the disease may return.
The doctor will decide to gradually reduce the dose.
If the patient has any further doubts about taking this medicine, they should consult their doctor.
Information about taking Xanax, 2 mg
If necessary, these tablets can be divided into halves or quarters.
To do this, the tablet should be placed on a hard surface with the indentation facing down. By pressing it with your thumb, you can break the tablet into two equal parts containing 1 mg of alprazolam each.
If necessary, each resulting part (half) can be further divided. To do this, they should be placed on a hard surface again with the indentation facing down and pressed with your thumb again. This way, two quarters containing 0.5 mg of alprazolam each can be obtained from each half.
The following parts of Xanax tablets can be obtained in this way:
The obtained halves and (or) quarters of the tablets can be stored in a specially designed cork for a glass bottle.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Xanax can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
If any of the following side effects persist or are troublesome, the patient should inform their doctor. The occurrence of some side effects depends entirely on the patient's individual susceptibility and the dose of the medicine. Side effects are usually observed at the beginning of treatment. They disappear as treatment continues or when the dose is reduced.
Frequency of side effects observed in clinical trials and after the medicine was introduced to the market:

Very common - may occur in more than 1 in 10 people:

• depression,
• sedation,
• drowsiness,
• ataxia (lack of coordination),
• memory disorders,
• speech disorders,
• dizziness,
• headache,
• constipation,
• dry mouth,
• fatigue,
• irritability.

Common - may occur in up to 1 in 10 people:

• decreased appetite,
• confusion,
• disorientation,
• decreased libido (sex drive),
• increased libido,
• anxiety,
• insomnia,
• nervousness,
• balance disorders,
• coordination disorders,
• concentration disorders,
• excessive need for sleep,
• lethargy,
• tremors,
• blurred vision,
• nausea,
• skin rash,
• sexual disorders,
• weight loss,
• weight gain.

Uncommon - may occur in up to 1 in 100 people:

• mania,
• hallucinations,
• anger,
• agitation,
• dependence,
• amnesia,
• muscle weakness,
• urinary incontinence,
• irregular menstrual cycles,
• withdrawal syndrome.

Frequency not known (cannot be estimated from the available data):

• hyperprolactinemia (elevated prolactin levels),
• hypomania,
• aggressive behavior,
• hostile behavior,
• thought disorders,
• increased psychomotor activity,
• drug abuse,
• autonomic nervous system disorders (which controls the function of internal organs, smooth muscles, and glands),
• dystonia (muscle tone disorders),
• gastrointestinal disorders,
• hepatitis,
• liver disorders,
• jaundice,
• angioedema,
• photosensitivity reactions,
• urinary retention,
• peripheral edema (swelling of the ankles, feet, or toes),
• increased intraocular pressure.

Additionally, especially in patients taking other psychotropic medicines, with mental disorders, or abusing alcohol, a paradoxical reaction may occur with symptoms such as anxiety.
Other side effects have been observed rarely or very rarely: motor disorders, epilepsy, psychotic symptoms, a feeling of changed self, agranulocytosis (a significant decrease in the number of granulocytes), allergic reactions, or anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions).
Benzodiazepines may cause physical and psychological dependence. If physical dependence occurs, sudden discontinuation of Xanax may cause withdrawal symptoms: headache, muscle pain, increased anxiety, tension, agitation, disorientation, irritability, changed perception of the environment or oneself, impaired hearing, stiffness, and tingling of limbs, hypersensitivity to light, noise, and touch, hallucinations, and epileptic seizures, insomnia, and mood changes. These symptoms are usually more severe in patients treated for a long time, with high doses of benzodiazepines, and in the case of sudden or rapid withdrawal of the medicine.

Reporting side effects

If any side effects occur, including any side effects not listed in this leaflet, the patient should tell their doctor or pharmacist. Side effects can be reported directly to the Department of Monitoring of Adverse Reactions to Medicinal Products of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices, and Biocidal Products
Al. Jerozolimskie 181C, 02-222 Warsaw
tel.: +48 22 49 21 301, fax: +48 22 49 21 309
Website: https://smz.ezdrowie.gov.pl
Side effects can also be reported to the marketing authorization holder or its representative.
Reporting side effects will help gather more information on the safety of the medicine.

5. How to store Xanax

The medicine should be stored out of sight and reach of children.
Store in a temperature below 25°C. Store in normal humidity conditions.
Do not use this medicine after the expiration date stated on the carton after: Expiration Date (EXP). The expiration date refers to the last day of the specified month.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. The patient should ask their pharmacist how to dispose of medicines that are no longer needed. This will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the packaging and other information

What Xanax contains

• The active substance of Xanax is alprazolam.
• The other ingredients of the medicine are: lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium octylsulfobursztynian (85%) + sodium benzoate (15%) (E211), colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, cornstarch. Additionally, Xanax 0.5 mg tablets contain sodium lake with erythrosine, and Xanax 1 mg tablets contain sodium lake with erythrosine and aluminum lake F.D. and C. Blue No. 2.

What Xanax looks like and what the packaging contains

Xanax, 0.25 mg: white, elliptical-oval tablets with a dividing line, marked with "Upjohn 29" on one side and a dividing line on the other side of the tablet
Xanax, 0.5 mg: pink, elliptical-oval tablets with a dividing line, marked with "Upjohn 55" on one side and a dividing line on the other side of the tablet
Xanax, 1 mg: lavender, elliptical-oval tablets with a dividing line, marked with "Upjohn 90" on one side and a dividing line on the other side of the tablet
Xanax, 2 mg: white, elongated tablets with a triple dividing line, marked with "U 94" on one side and a triple dividing line on both sides of the tablet
The packaging contains 30, 50, or 100 tablets in PVC/Aluminum blisters in a cardboard box (Xanax, 0.25 mg, Xanax, 0.5 mg, Xanax, 1 mg) or in an orange glass bottle in a cardboard box (Xanax, 2 mg).

Marketing authorization holder:

Upjohn EESV, Rivium Westlaan 142, 2909 LD Capelle aan den IJssel, Netherlands

Manufacturer:

Pfizer Italia S.r.l., Localita Marino del Tronto, 63100 Ascoli Piceno (AP), Italy
Mylan Hungary Kft., Mylan utca 1, Komárom, 2900, Hungary
To obtain more detailed information about this medicine, the patient should contact the representative of the marketing authorization holder:

Viatris Healthcare Sp. z o.o.

tel. 22 546 64 00

Date of the last update of the leaflet: