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Taking Xanax XR
Safety

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Here is some important information to keep in mind when taking XANAX XR.

  1. Do not drink alcohol while taking XANAX XR.
     
  2. Do not increase your dose, even if you think the medicine is not working. Talk to your doctor first.
     
  3. Do not discontinue taking XANAX XR abruptly.
     
  4. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet.
     
  5. Until you know how XANAX XR affects you, do not drive a car. And do not run any machine that could cause you injury or harm.
     
  6. Do not take XANAX XR if you are pregnant. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to have a baby. Also let your doctor know if you are nursing a baby.
     

What Are the Side Effects? >>

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.