Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine (ben-Zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). Alprazolam affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with anxiety.
Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression.
Before taking this medicine
It is dangerous to purchase Xanax on the Internet or from vendors outside the United States. Medications distributed from Internet sales may contain dangerous ingredients, or may not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy. The sale and distribution of Xanax outside the U.S. do not comply with the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the safe use of this medication.
You should not take Xanax if you have:
narrow-angle glaucoma;
if you are also taking itraconazole or ketoconazole; or
if you are allergic to alprazolam or to other benzodiazepines, such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clonazepam (Klonopin), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).
To make sure Xanax is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
seizures or epilepsy;
kidney or liver disease (especially alcoholic liver disease);
asthma or other breathing disorder;
open-angle glaucoma;
a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior;
a history of drug or alcohol addiction; or
if you also use a narcotic (opioid) medication.
