Xanax, as the other benzodiazepines, produces anxyolitic, sedative-hypnotic, muscle-relaxant and anti-convulsive effect. It acts by binding at specific benzodiazepines receptors in the CNS, facilitating and potentiating inhibition natural processes.

Specific chemical structure enables Xanax classic tricyclic antidepressant performance of anti-depressive activity. Anti-depressive action is considered to be a result of ascending beta-adrenergic transmission effect.

Xanax is rapidly absorbed from digestive tract. The peak blood levels are achieved within 1-2 hours. It is plasma protein binding in high percentage (80%); plasma half-life is about 11 hours (in elderly patients about 16). It is metabolized to alfa-hydroxy-alprazolam and excreted primarily in the urine.

INDICATONS

• anxyolytic disorders (generalized anxiety and certain anxiety symptoms)
• anxiety associated with depression disorders
• panic disorders with or without agoraphobia

For management of anxiety, the initial doses are 0,25-0,5mg, three times daily. Doses may be increased in 3-4 days intervals, but not exceeding 4mg daily (divided into several doses). In elderly and debilitated patients the recommended dose is 0,25-0,5mg, two to three times daily, and may be elevated, if needed.

For treatment of depression associated with anxiety the initiation dose is 0,25-0,5 mg, three times daily; the highest dose range is between 0,5 to 4mg (divided doses).

Panic disorders require doses higher than 4 mg daily to achieve effectiveness. Beneficial effect is produced by dosage of 1-10 mg daily, with mean dose of 5-6 mg. The usual starting dose is 0,5 mg given three times daily, and increase should be exercised every 3-4 days by 1 mg dose until required response reached.

As addiction may develop, treatment should be started with lower dosage that may be gradually increased, in intervals at least five times longer compared to drug plasma half-life.

Before taking any prescription medicine, it is important that you consult your doctor!