XANAX XR: Symptoms - Talking to Your Doctor About Your Symptoms

Quick Facts About XANAX XR
Considering XANAX XR
Real Stories: Living With Panic Symptoms
Taking XANAX XR
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	Symptoms Checklist
	How Common Are They?
	Possible Causes
	Treatment With Medication
	Nonmedication Therapies
	Talking to Your Doctor About Your Symptoms
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Information for Healthcare Professionals


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Most psychiatrists, psychologists, and/or other mental health specialists should be able to treat panic disorder—as well as an increasing number of physicians who are learning to recognize this disorder. Consult with your own doctor first about the symptoms you are experiencing. (See the checklist below for information on how you can prepare for your visit.)

If you do not have your own physician, or if you have trouble finding or getting a referral for a specialist near you, you can try searching for one by using the resources of an organization like the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA). Its Web site provides a list of its members who have identified themselves as mental health providers. (The professionals on this list are not screened by the ADAA, and the descriptions of their practices are their own.) Click here for the ADAA's professional listings online.

Keeping Track of Your Symptoms
Some physicians and patients report that keeping track of what is happening in their daily lives and the symptoms surrounding their illness can help sufferers to better manage their illness. This is especially helpful for patients with panic disorder. By recording all the significant factors surrounding the attacks, they may eventually start to gain some insight on those "triggers" that may be specifically affecting their panic disorder.

What you use to keep track doesn't have to be fancy. A simple notebook will do. The important thing is to be serious about doing it. Here are a few suggestions on what to record in your notebook:

1.	Record as many things as you can prior to the attack. For example: Where were you? What were you doing? Who were you with?

2.	Record as much as you can about what you experienced during the attack.* For example: Was your heart pounding or racing? Were you sweating? Were you trembling or shaking? Did you have sensations of shortness of breath or smothering? Did you have a choking sensation? Did you have chest pain or discomfort? Did you have nausea or abdominal distress? Did you feel dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint? Did you have feelings of "unreality"? Did you feel like you were losing control or "going crazy"? Did you feel like you were dying? Did you experience any numbness or tingling sensations? Did you have any chills or hot flushes?

3.	At the end of the week, record in general how you felt. For example: I felt great this week! It was an "OK" kind of week. I didn't feel very good about things this week. I just felt lousy about everything all week!

Be persistent with recording all that you can. The data you collect may help you determine what may be contributing to your attacks. Knowing these patterns may eventually help you avoid—or be ready for—any future attacks.

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View a symptoms checklist that you can print out and fill in to help you discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

*These symptoms can be signs of another underlying condition; make sure to follow up with your physician and get regular check-ups.

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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.

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.