Xanax XR (Alprazolam) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

Pill Identifier Search

February 8, 2012

Xanax XR

Anxiety »

Introduction to Anxiety

Generalized anxiety disorder (or GAD) is characterized by excessive, exaggerated anxiety and worry about everyday life events with no obvious reasons for worry. People with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder tend to always expect disaster and can't stop worrying about health, money, family, work, or school. In people with GAD, the worry often is unrealistic or out of proportion for the situation. Daily life becomes a constant state of worry, fear, and dread. Eventually, the anxiety so dominates the person's thinking that it interferes with daily functioning, including work, school, social activities, and relationships.

What Are the Symptoms of GAD?

GAD affects the way a person thinks, but the anxiety can lead to physical symptoms, as well. Symptoms of GAD can include:

Excessive, ongoing worry and tension
An unrealistic view of problems
Restlessness...

Read the Anxiety article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
next »

Xanax XR User Reviews >>

Xanax XR

View the Phobias Slideshow Pictures

Bipolar Disorder Overview

Take the PTSD Quiz

4865342

font size

XANAX® XR
(alprazolam) Extended-Release Tablets

DRUG DESCRIPTION

XANAX XR Tablets contain alprazolam which is a triazolo analog of the 1,4 benzodiazepine class of central nervous system-active compounds.

The chemical name of alprazolam is 8-chloro-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-s-triazolo [4,3-α] [1,4] benzodiazepine. The molecular formula is C₁₇H₁₃ClN₄ which corresponds to a molecular weight of 308.76.

The structural formula is represented below:

XANAX® XR (alprazolam) Structural Formula Illustration

Alprazolam is a white crystalline powder, which is soluble in methanol or ethanol but which has no appreciable solubility in water at physiological pH.

Each XANAX XR extended-release tablet, for oral administration, contains 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, or 3 mg of alprazolam. The inactive ingredients are lactose, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, and hypromellose. In addition, the 1 mg and 3 mg tablets contain D & C yellow No. 10 and the 2 mg and 3 mg tablets contain FD&C blue No. 2.

What are the possible side effects of alprazolam (Niravam, Xanax, Xanax XR)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

unusual risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger;
depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
hyperactivity, agitation, hostility, hallucinations;
feeling light-headed, fainting;
seizure...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Xanax XR »

What are the precautions when taking alprazolam (Xanax XR)?

Before taking alprazolam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other benzodiazepines (such as diazepam, lorazepam); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: severe lung/breathing problems (such as COPD, sleep apnea), liver disease, kidney disease, drug or alcohol abuse, glaucoma.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery, tell your...

Read All Potential Precautions of Xanax XR »

Last reviewed on RxList: 9/6/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.