What Is Xanax?

Risks To Consider

As a controlled substance, Xanax carries a risk of emotional and physical dependence, and patients should discuss this risk with their healthcare team. Patients are more likely to become dependent on this medicine if it is taken at higher doses or for a long period. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take Xanax, and it is not approved for pediatric use. Xanax may not be appropriate for individuals who have certain psychiatric conditions or for those with lung disease or severe liver or kidney problems. Patients who have been prescribed Xanax 'off-label' for the treatment of insomnia should be aware the medication reduces the time one spends in deep sleep, and this could mean that an individual feels less refreshed upon waking in the morning. If Xanax is discontinued abruptly, the patient may develop rebound insomnia that could be worse than their initial sleeping issues. Xanax needs to be discontinued gradually under medical supervision to reduce the chance of experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Get familiar with potential medication interactions with Xanax next.