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Taking XANAX XR
How Once-Daily Treatment Works

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Most benzodiazepines have to be taken 2 to 4 times within 24 hours for all day relief. You may feel calm after you take the medicine but then lose that feeling before it's time to take the next dose. That's because the medicine's effects can wear off between doses.

With XANAX XR, one dose gives you all day relief. When you swallow the pill, it does not melt right away. Instead, a soft gel coating forms around it. The gel coating helps the pill last longer in your body. This allows the medicine to be released more slowly, giving you all day relief.

As shown in the diagram, XANAX XR remains steady in your body throughout the day, compared with XANAX® (alprazolam). So you don't need to worry about your medication wearing off too soon or fluctuating up and down between doses.

Steady-State Plasma Concentration
Steady-State Plasma Concentration

XANAX XR reduces the peaks and troughs that may be associated with anticipatory anxiety and breakthrough symptons1,3

XANAX XR is contraindicated in patients with known sensitivity to this drug or other benzodiazepines, in patients with acute narrow-angle glaucoma, and in patients taking potent CYP3A inhibitors, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole.

Safety >>

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 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.