Xanax (Alprazolam)

What does Xanax do?

Xanax UK

Xanax is the branded name of the generic prescription medication that is known as alprazolam (also commonly referred to as ‘generic xanax’). Xanax has many different uses, with its primary use being a treatment for people that suffer from a medical condition such as a generalized anxiety disorder / panic disorder, or those that struggle with panic and anxiety (WebMD, 2024). Xanax can provide relief for patients that previously found it difficult to find it. Whether an individual is struggling with a mild or severe anxiety disorder or panic disorder they can often feel helpless, Xanax is ideal for combatting those feelings. It is a Class C controlled substance (Mind, 2021).

EU Meds have put together a beginner's guide to Xanax to help explain all of the most commonly asked questions that patients ask about the anxiety medication.

Video: An overview of Xanax

Take a look at the video below to get a simple overview of Xanax, including what it is used for, dosages, common side effects and precautions:

How does Xanax work?

Xanax works by regulating abnormal stimulations in the brain that are linked with excitement (Rehabs UK, 2024). The family of medications that Xanax belongs to is known as benzodiazepines (NHS Inform, 2024), sometimes referred to as a 'benzo' (NICE, 2023), the medication works in the brain and nervous system to provide a calming effect on a patient's mental health, which is why it is prescribed for an anxiety disorder or panic disorder. A Xanax tablet enhances the effect of the chemical Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid or GABA receptors in the body by blocking and preventing certain chemical messages (GQ, 2019). It is medicine typically taken as a 250mcg or 500mcg tablet dose. A higher dose or lower dose of Xanax should only be considered after consulting with your doctor or healthcare provider for medical help.

What are the potential symptoms of a Xanax overdose?

Losing consciousness, breathing slower, slower reflexes and severe drowsiness could be potential symptoms of Xanax overdose.

What warnings does Xanax come with?

Purchasing Xanax online or anywhere else should be done with care and caution, particularly for young people (Catch22, 2019), due to the widely reported potential risks associated with counterfeit medicines purchased from illicit drug dealer sources and cheap fake Xanax pills and benzodiazepine medication that may contain fentanyl (BBC News, 2019; NME, 2019; ITV News, 2023; Viatris, 2023). You should also speak to your doctor if you are considering a Xanax detox or if you want to stop treatment with the medication, they can advise on the safest way to stop treatment and avoid potential Xanax withdrawal symptoms (UK Addiction Treatment Centres, 2023).

For more information on the prescription medication patients should refer to the Xanax (alprazolam) patient information leaflet

Every patient suffering from anxiety disorders and panic disorders has a unique individual experience when taking Xanax as a treatment.

User Reviews for Xanax

Many users of Xanax have shared their user experience of treating their anxiety on reviews.

There are many Xanax user reviews available at Drugs.com, Web MD and everydayhealth.com.

You must speak to a doctor or your healthcare provider for medical advice before taking Xanax (alprazolam). They will assess your suitability for the medication and whether your health condition requires alprazolam or an alternative treatment.

What are the side effects of Xanax?

There are some potential side effects that person using benzodiazepine, such as a Xanax pill, may experience and be at an increased risk of. The below list features some of the most common symptoms to be aware of before you buy alprazolam (generic Xanax):

• drowsiness
• lightheadedness
• low energy
• depression
• headache
• confusion
• insomnia
• nervousness
• fainting
• breathing problems
• dizziness
• restlessness
• impaired coordination
• irritability
• allergic reaction
• memory impairment
• physical dependence (that results in withdrawal symptoms)
• Xanax abuse (addiction)
• withdrawal symptoms

Some other potential side effects, such as respiratory depression, may occur , however the above are the most common adverse effects. Mild side effects are often experienced, however, whether you experience more significant side effects, milder side effects, Xanax withdrawal symptoms and/or another adverse reaction, you should always contact your doctor, healthcare provider or local pharmacy for medical advice as soon as possible if you are concerned. The same applies before considering purchasing Xanax online to ensure that it is a safe and appropriate treatment for your individual needs.

Can you use Xanax for anxiety?

Xanax for Anxiety

A healthcare provider may prescribe Xanax for anxiety (including SAD - social anxiety disorder) disorders.

Although, Xanax use (alprazolam) is generally prescribed for a limited time (to avoid Xanax addiction and potential substance abuse) and a doctor would typically recommend weaning you off Xanax treatment (NHS, 2022). Xanax should only be taken if your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare provider recommend it to you as a treatment.

If you're interested in finding out more about Xanax as an anxiety treatment, take a look at EU Meds blog exploring the question 'Is using Xanax for anxiety recommended?'

Can you use Xanax for sleep?

Xanax for Sleep

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not approved Xanax as a treatment for the sleep disorder insomnia (Medical News Today, 2020). Xanax for sleep disorders (such as insomnia) is typically offered on an off label basis as it belongs to the benzodiazepine medications drug class, in contrast to sleeping pill sedative drugs such as Zolpidem.

Use of Xanax for sleep is only applicable if anxiety is a cause of insomnia (Sutphen, A., 2021). Xanax should only be taken if advised by your doctor or healthcare provider.

EU Meds blog 'Is using Xanax for sleep recommended' explores if the use of Xanax for sleep is recommended in further detail and explains how it can sometimes be prescribed as an off-label treatment for poor sleep, if the cause is due to anxiety.

What is the difference between Xanax and Xanax XR?

The key difference between Xanax and Xanax XR (Xanax Extended Release) tablets is that Xanax is a short-acting drug, compared to Xanax XR which is a long-acting drug.

Should you avoid drinking alcohol when taking Xanax?

Yes. You should avoid drinking alcohol when taking Xanax, as they both affect the body in similar ways, which can impact your breathing and could lead to a high risk of an overdose (Change Grow Live, 2024; Ait-Daoud et al, 2018).

Should you avoid taking medical marijuana and Xanax together?

Yes, taking Xanax and medical marijuana at the same time should be avoided due to the risk of drug interaction increasing potential side effects during drug use (Mateo, A., 2018).

Should you avoid taking opioid medication and Xanax together?

Yes, taking Xanax (a benzodiazepine type drug) and opioid medications (such as oxycodone and vicodin) at the same time should be avoided to prevent potential overdose, as reported in various studies into Xanax misuse (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2022; BMJ, 2017).

Is Xanax a drug?

Yes, Xanax is a drug. The active ingredient in Xanax, alprazolam, is a class C controlled drug and is a benzodiazepine (NHS Borders, 2018). It is only licensed for private prescription in the UK and is not available on the NHS currently (Mind, 2021; GOV.UK, 2018).

Is Xanax addictive?

Yes, Xanax is addictive. As it is a benzodiazaepine drug, it should not be used longer than 4 weeks to reduce the risk of addiction and dependence on it and it will also start to lose effectiveness after this period of time as your body builds tolerance to it (NHS, 2022; NHS Borders, 2018). You should always consult your doctor prior to starting treatment with Xanax (alprazolam) to ensure that it is suitable for you and to discuss any concerns that you have.

Is Xanax legal?

Xanax is only legal in the UK if you have a private prescription for it, it is not available on the NHS. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional prior to starting treatment with the medication to ensure it's suitability and safety.

How long does Xanax last?

Xanax Dosage

A single Xanax dose can last in the body for from 31 hours to 134.5 hours (5.6 days). About half the dose of Xanax can be in their blood within a day. It will depend on factors related to the patient taking it. The sedative effects of Xanax typically wear off in 8 to 12 hours (Drugs.com, 2023). Your doctor will be able to advise you on if it is an appropriate treatment for your individual case.

How long does Xanax take to kick in?

Xanax will usually start to take effect within an hour or two of taking the initial dose.

What does Xanax feel like?

Xanax promotes feelings of calmness and relaxation in patients suffering from anxiety disorders and panic attacks by slowing down the activity taking place in their central nervous system (CNS). It may also trigger feelings of drowsiness and lightheadedness. You should always consult your doctor with any concerns you may have about a medication prior to starting treatment.

What does Xanax do sexually?

Xanax can vary in how it affects each individual who takes the medication but one of the most common reported potential side effects of taking Xanax (alprazolam) is a reduction in sex drive (libido) caused by the medication's effect on the central nervous system, which can potentially supress sexual feelings and thoughts.

What drug class is Xanax?

Xanax (alprazolam) is a class C controlled drug and belongs to the benzodiazepine drug category.

Is Xanax an opioid?

No. Xanax is not an opioid medication (narcotic), it is classed as a benzodiazepine (benzo) prescription medication.

Is Xanax a benzodiazepine?

Yes, Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine (benzo), a type of drug that acts on the brain and central nervous system to product a calming effect for patients experiencing a panic disorder or anxiety attack.

Is it safe to take Amitriptyline and Alprazolam together?

No. There is an increased risk of experiencing side effects such as confusion, drowsiness, dizziness and difficulty concentrating when taking Alprazolam (generic Xanax) and amitriptyline together (Drugs.com, 2024).

Is Mexican Xanax the same as Xanax?

No. Whilst Xanax and ‘mexican xanax’ (also known as a ‘Farmapram’) have the same active ingredient, alprazolam, there are some key differences to be aware of. Farmapram is an alprazolam tablet that is manufactured in Mexico and can be easily counterfeited, as opposed to Xanax, which is manufactured by Pfizer and has been extensively tested, researched and approved by various regulatory bodies (recovered.org, 2024). Counterfeit Xanax comes with it's own associated risks and dangers and should be avoided (Grigg et al, 2023).

Where to buy Xanax online?

Buy Alprazolam

You can buy Xanax tablets (for the treatment of situational anxiety symptoms) safely and legally on the EU Meds website. First, an online consultation with an registered prescriber is necessary before the drug can be provided, to assess if a valid prescription can be issued to you. Online counselling ensures that Xanax (Alprazolam) is the correct prescription medicine for your needs. This process helps to ensure that buying Xanax online is safe and suitable for you, similar to the process at an online pharmacy.

• Drugs.com - Xanax
• Drugs.com - Alprazolam
• Medicines.org.uk - Alprazolam Patient Information Leaflet
• Change Grow Live - Xanax Advice
• Medicines.org.uk - Alprazolam Summary of Product Characteristics
• UK Health Security Agency - Alprazolam: What are the facts?
• UK Government - Three new benzodiazepines to become Class C drugs
• Mind - Alprazolam: Sleeping pills and minor tranquillisers
• UKAT - Xanax (alprazolam) drug addiction
• Xanax rehab & Xanax addiction treatment - UKAT
• Xanax Addiction: Signs, Symptoms & Effects - Oasis Runcorn
• Xanax addiction: Signs, Symptoms & Causes - Primrose Lodge
• Benzodiazepine Addiction: Drug Users Symptoms and Treatment - Priory

• Beginner's Guide to Xanax
• Is Using Xanax for Sleep Recommended?
• Xanax for Anxiety