When Will My Medication Start to Work?

It may take several days to several weeks to see if Xanax will work for you. It may take longer or shorter in some patients to feel any beneficial effects, due to differences in symptoms and other factors.

Any Other Important Information?

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks of this or any medication with your doctor. The habit-forming potential is high. Do not stop taking this drug abruptly, this could cause psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms. Do not use if you had negative reactions to other benzodiazepine.

What are the Side Effects?

Remember that only some people will experience side effects and that no one experiences side effects in exactly the same way. If you experience any side effects, contact your doctor or clinician right away and continue taking your medication. The following list may not contain all of the side effects associated with this medication.

Most common side effects:

Drowsiness, light-headedness, depression, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation

Infrequent side effects:

Headache, confusion, tremor, dizziness, nervousness, hypotension,
blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, weight gain or loss.

Are there any Drug Interactions?

Remember, always follow your physician's recommendations on how to take your medication. Even if you are taking one of the following substances, continue taking your medication as prescribed and consult your physician. Also, if you are taking any herbal remedies, vitamins, and/or over-the-counter medications, be sure to tell your physician. The following section offers some, but not necessarily all, of the possible drug interactions.

Do not take this medication with ethanol, Buspar (buspirone), TCA antidepressants, narcotics, or other CNS depressants. This combination can increase CNS depression. Be sure not to take other sedative, benzodiazepines, or sleeping pills with this drug. The combinations could be fatal. Do not smoke or drink alcohol when taking Xanax. Alcohol can lower blood pressure and decrease your breathing rate to the point of unconsciousness.
Tobacco and marijuana smoking can add to the sedative effects of Xanax. Xanax may increase the effects of Lanoxin (digoxin). Xanax may decrease the effects of Sinemet (levodopa). Sporanox (itraconazole), Nizoral (ketoconazole), Tagamet (cimetidine), Antabuse (disulfiram), Prozac (fluoxetine), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Rifamate (isoniazid), macrolide antibiotics (i.e. erythromycin), Prilosec (omeprazole), oral contraceptives, Norvir (ritonavir), and Depakene (valproic acid) may increase the effects of Xanax. Tegretol (carbamazepine), Rimactane (rifampin), and Theo-Dur (theophylline) may decrease the effects of Xanax.