Xanax is a controlled drug, meaning that it is illegal to take without a prescription from a medical doctor.
The approved indications for alprazolam, as listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, are: anxiety – short-term symptomatic treatment of anxiety, including treatment of anxious patients with some symptoms of depression.
Xanax medication is only available through prescription. This means you cannot get the medication in any pharmacy without a verified prescription from your doctor. While the drug is deemed effective for anxiety, it has serious side effects and it is addictive, especially if it is misused.
Most physicians or therapists will prescribe Xanax for “as-needed” treatment. When someone suffering from anxiety feels a surge of panic, or their anxiety prevents them from performing a task like driving or sleeping, taking a dose of Xanax can be extremely helpful.
Drugs with a shorter half-life are linked with higher potential for addiction and dependence because the effects wear off faster. That is one reason why doctors are typically hesitant to prescribe Xanax for long periods of time.
Other commonly prescribed drugs of this class include diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), temazepam (Restoril), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and midazolam (Versed).
Xanax is sometimes used as a frontline treatment for depression. The drug calms electrical activity in the brain, and that can help people feel a sense of euphoria and contentment. When Xanax is removed, people can experience a rebound form of depression.
Alprazolam may be taken every day at regular times or on an as needed (“PRN”) basis. Typically, your health care provider will limit the number of doses you should take in one day. Your health care provider will determine the dose and method of taking the medication that is right for you based upon your response.
Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorder (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks). Alprazolam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.
These medications are regulated by law and it is illegal to take Xanax without a prescription from a medical doctor. Xanax, like other benzodiazepines, can produce dependence and addiction. This risk is higher among people to take higher doses for extended periods but may occur even at lower doses.
How to Ask Your Doctor for Anxiety Medication. The first step in getting anxiety medication is meeting with your provider, whether that be your primary care doctor or a mental health professional. Talk to them about your symptoms in depth, and discuss what options could be best for you.
The most common benzodiazepines prescribed in Australia are temazepam, nitrazepam, diazepam, oxazepam and alprazolam. Other benzodiazepines available are bromazepam, clobazam, clonazepam, flunitrazepam, lorazepam, and triazolam.
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine used for short-term relief of anxiety or for treating panic disorders. It is a Schedule 8 drug, which means it must be controlled because it can be highly addictive.
Brand name: Alprazolam (DP)
Adults—At first, 0.5 to 1 milligram (mg) taken in the morning once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 10 mg per day.
Avoid operating machinery, driving, or performing tasks that require mental alertness while taking Xanax. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. The lowest effective dose of Xanax should be used for the shortest time possible.
As a Benzodiazepine, Xanax acts on the brain and central nervous system to produce a calming effect and ease anxiety symptoms. It is fast-acting, which is helpful for someone who is suddenly experiencing anxiety and needs relief quickly.
Popular benzodiazepines to treat OCD include:
Xanax (Alprazolam) Ativan (Lorazepam) Valium (Diazepam)
Benzodiazepines (also known as tranquilizers) are the most widely prescribed type of medication for anxiety. Drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly, typically bringing relief within 30 minutes to an hour.
For example, if you have general anxiety, a long-lasting benzo, like diazepam or clonazepam, might be the best first choice.
Kava is a well-studied herbal remedy that has been found to be a safe and effective alternative to prescription drugs for anxiety, without the side effects of benzodiazepines. Like many other relaxing herbal remedies, it works, at least in part, by increasing GABA.
Taking Xanax and melatonin together can temporarily increase your risk of side effects like sedation. You should always consult your physician or pharmacist first.
SSRI's are anti-depressants and are currently the most popular anti-depression / anti-anxiety drugs as they have fewer side effects than MAOI's. SSRI's include drugs such as Prozac, Luvox and Aropax. SSRI's must be taken on a daily basis for at least a few weeks before they are effective.