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Xanax Patient Tips

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Aug 15, 2025.

1. How it works

2. Upsides

3. Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

Note: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. View complete list of side effects

4. Bottom Line

Xanax is used for the acute management off generalized anxiety disorder in adults or to treat panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. Drowsiness and unsteadiness upon standing, increasing the risk of falls, are the most common side effects reported. Xanax is potentially addictive and may cause emotional or physical dependence that may lead to overdose or death. Withdrawal symptoms (including convulsions, tremors, cramps, vomiting, sweating, or insomnia) have occurred with abrupt discontinuation.

5. Tips

6. Response and effectiveness

7. Interactions

Medicines that interact with Xanax may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Xanax. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed.

Common medications that may interact with Xanax include:

Alcohol may worsen the side effects of Xanax such as drowsiness and dizziness.

Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with Xanax. You should refer to the prescribing information for Xanax for a complete list of interactions.

Related/similar drugs

Frequently asked questions

References

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Xanax only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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