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Considering XANAX XR
Talking to Your Doctor About XANAX XR

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If you're wondering if XANAX XR may help you, talk to your doctor. He or she may suggest that XANAX XR will allow you to take your medicine just once a day.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your doctor's visit.

  • Write down your questions in advance. Bring the list with you and take notes during your visit to help yourself remember the answers later.
  • Write down the names of any medicines you are currently taking. If you're taking medicine for panic symptoms, what is the dose and how often do you take your medicine each day? (Consider asking about a convenient once-daily dose.)
  • You may want to consider bringing a family member or friend along to help you remember everything that is discussed and also for support.
  • Learn all you can about panic disorder before you visit the doctor so you can discuss it while you're there.
  • Keep a list of your symptoms, including where and when they occur. You may be able to spot trends or more easily see patterns when you write them down and look at your notes all at once.

For additional tips on talking to your doctor, see Talking to Your Doctor About Your Symptoms.

Real Stories: Living With Panic Symptoms >>

Important Safety Information: XANAX XR should not be used if you are allergic to benzodiazepines, have a condition called acute narrow angle glaucoma, or are taking the anti-fungal medications ketoconazole or itraconazole. XANAX XR is not recommended for use in pregnancy. Therefore, let your doctor know if you are pregnant, if you are planning to become pregnant, or if you become pregnant while you are taking this medication. Let your doctor know if you are nursing.

The most common side effect is sedation, but this often decreases or goes away in most people after their bodies get used to the drug. Until you experience how XANAX XR affects you, do not drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery, etc. Other common side effects, which occur in fewer patients, include sleepiness, memory impairment, impaired speech, abnormal coordination and/or muscle action, and reduced sexual drive. Some patients may experience side effects associated with psychological and/or physical dependence on XANAX XR. Medications like XANAX XR, even when used as recommended, may produce psychological and/or physical dependence. This may make it very difficult to discontinue treatment with XANAX XR. Discontinuation symptoms, including the possibility of seizures, may occur following abrupt discontinuation from any dose, but the risk may be increased with extended use at doses greater than 4 mg/day. It is important that you get your doctor's advice on how to discontinue treatment safely and carefully. Gradually tapering your XANAX XR dose will help to decrease the possibility of discontinuation symptoms.

For more information, see important safety information.


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The product information provided in this site is intended only for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.