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Xanax (Alprazolam)
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Xanax is the brand name for the generic medication alprazolam. It is a prescription drug used to treat anxiety disorders and anxiety linked to depression.
In some cases, it may also be prescribed off-label for sleep disorders like insomnia, following a consultation with a doctor or healthcare professional. Xanax is also used to help manage panic disorders and panic attacks triggered by situations that cause distress, such as social anxiety, embarrassment, or feelings of helplessness. It works by regulating abnormal levels of excitement in the brain.
- Designed for short-term treatment of anxiety
- Fast-acting and long-lasting medication
- Provides effective sedation
- 100% genuine medication
- Shipped from registered pharmacies
More Information
A Pharmacist's Overview
 | Pharmacist, Amardeep Bagga (MPharm, MBA) provides a simple explanation of the medication below: 'Xanax is a benzodiazepine prescribed for short-term use to manage severe anxiety that causes significant distress or is disruptive to everyday life.'. If you think this is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you. |
Buying Xanax (alprazolam) Online
Where to buy Xanax online?
You can purchase Xanax tablets for situational anxiety symptoms legally on the PharmXtra website. Before a prescription is issued, you must complete our online consultation. This is then reviewed by a registered doctor to ensure the medication is safe and appropriate for you.
Summary of Xanax (Alprazolam)
| Type of drug | Benzodiazepine |
| Health conditions prescribed for | Generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorders / panic attack, seizure, epilepsy |
| Active Ingredient | Alprazolam |
| Brand names | Xanax |
| Available strengths | 0.25mg, 0.5mg |
| Available as | Tablets, bars, powder |
| Possible side effects | Drowsiness, tiredness, slurred speech, lack of balance/coordination, confusion, memory problems, anxiety |
| Patient Information Leaflet | For more information about this medication, see the Xanax patient information leaflet. |
Xanax - Key Information
What does Xanax do?
Xanax UK
Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam, a prescription medication commonly used to treat generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. It belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, which help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety (WebMD, 2024). Xanax can provide relief for people struggling with anxiety or panic attacks, helping them regain control of their daily lives. It is a Class C controlled substance in the UK, meaning it is only available on a private prescription (Mind, 2021).
Video: An overview of Xanax
Watch the video below for a simple overview of Xanax, including its uses, dosages, common side effects and precautions:
How does Xanax work?
Xanax affects the brain by increasing the impact of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a natural chemical that calms nerve activity (Rehabs UK, 2024). Xanax belongs to a family of medications known as benzodiazepines (NHS Inform, 2024), which are often referred to as 'benzos' (NICE, 2023). Xanax alters brain activity to create a calming effect, which is why it is prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders (GQ, 2019). It is typically available in 250mcg or 500mcg tablet doses, though your doctor may adjust this based on your individual needs.
What are the potential symptoms of a Xanax overdose?
Signs of a Xanax overdose may include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Slowed breathing
- Reduced reflexes
- Severe drowsiness
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
What warnings does Xanax come with?
Buying Xanax online or from unauthorised sources can be risky (Catch22, 2019), as counterfeit versions may contain dangerous substances such as fentanyl (BBC News, 2019; NME, 2019; ITV News, 2023; Viatris, 2023). This is particularly concerning for young people, as cases of fake Xanax-related harm have been widely reported. If you are considering stopping Xanax, speak to your doctor first to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Medical supervision is recommended for a safe detox process (UK Addiction Treatment Centres, 2023).
Patient Information Leaflet
For full details about Xanax, refer to the Xanax (alprazolam) patient information leaflet.
What experiences have Xanax users had?
Every person’s experience with Xanax for anxiety is unique.
User Reviews for Xanax
Many users have shared their feedback on sites such as Drugs.com, Web MD and everydayhealth.com.
It is essential to speak to a doctor before starting Xanax to ensure it is suitable for your condition.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Xanax?
There are some potential side effects that people using benzodiazepines, such as a Xanax pill, may experience. Potential side effects of Xanax include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Headache
- Confusion
- Depression
- Memory impairment
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Breathing difficulties
- Allergic reactions
- Physical dependence (which may lead to withdrawal symptoms)
- Risk of Xanax addiction
If you experience serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately. Always consult a healthcare professional before purchasing Xanax online to ensure it is safe for you.
Xanax FAQs
Can you use Xanax for anxiety?
Xanax for Anxiety
A healthcare provider may prescribe Xanax for anxiety, including social anxiety disorder.
However, it is typically prescribed for short-term use (up to 4 weeks) to reduce the risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms (NHS, 2022).
If you're interested in finding out more about Xanax as an anxiety treatment, take a look at our 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) has not approved Xanax for treating insomnia (Medical News Today, 2020). However, it is sometimes prescribed off-label for sleep issues, as it belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs, unlike sedative sleeping pills such as Zolpidem.
Xanax may be used for sleep only when anxiety is the underlying cause of insomnia (Sutphen, A., 2021). It should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor or healthcare professional.
For more details, read our blog 'Is using Xanax for sleep recommended' which explains when Xanax may be prescribed off-label for sleep-related issues caused by anxiety.
What is the difference between Xanax and Xanax XR?
The main difference between Xanax and Xanax XR (Extended Release) is how long they last in the body. Xanax is a short-acting medication, while Xanax XR is designed for a longer-lasting effect.
Should you avoid drinking alcohol when taking Xanax?
Yes. You should avoid alcohol while taking Xanax, as both substances affect the central nervous system in similar ways. Mixing them can slow breathing and increase the risk of overdose (Change Grow Live, 2024; Ait-Daoud et al, 2018).
Should you avoid taking medical marijuana and Xanax together?
Yes. Taking Xanax with medical marijuana can increase the risk of drug interactions and side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired judgment (Mateo, A., 2018).
Should you avoid taking opioid medication and Xanax together?
Yes. Xanax (a benzodiazepine) and opioids (such as oxycodone and Vicodin) should not be taken together, as this combination increases the risk of overdose and serious side effects (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2022; BMJ, 2017).
Is Xanax a drug?
Yes. Xanax contains alprazolam, a Class C controlled drug in the UK. It belongs to the benzodiazepine group of medications (NHS Borders, 2018). It is only available through private prescription, not on the NHS (Mind, 2021; GOV.UK, 2018).
Is Xanax addictive?
Yes. Xanax can be addictive. It should not be used for more than four weeks to reduce the risk of dependence and tolerance (NHS, 2022; NHS Borders, 2018). Your doctor will assess whether it is suitable for you before prescribing it.
Is Xanax legal?
Xanax is legal in the UK only if you have a private prescription. It is not available through the NHS. Always consult a doctor before taking it to ensure it is safe and appropriate for you.
How long does Xanax last?
Xanax Dosage
A single dose of Xanax can stay in the body for 31 to 134.5 hours (up to 5.6 days), depending on individual factors. However, its sedative effects typically wear off within 8 to 12 hours (Drugs.com, 2023). Your doctor can advise youon whether it is a suitable treatment.
How long does Xanax take to kick in?
Xanax usually starts working within one to two hours after taking a dose.
What does Xanax feel like?
Xanax has a calming effect on the central nervous system, helping to reduce anxiety and panic symptoms. It may also cause drowsiness and lightheadedness. If you have concerns about taking Xanax, speak to your doctor before starting treatment.
What does Xanax do sexually?
Xanax can affect people differently, but one of its common side effects is a reduced sex drive (libido). This happens because the drug suppresses activity in the central nervous system, which may lower sexual desire.
What drug class is Xanax?
Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine and a Class C controlled drug in the UK.
Is Xanax an opioid?
No. Xanax is not an opioid. It is a benzodiazepine, which works differently from opioid medications.
Is Xanax a benzodiazepine?
Yes. Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine, a type of drug that slows down brain activity to reduce anxiety and panic symptoms.
Is it safe to take Amitriptyline and Alprazolam together?
No. Taking Xanax (alprazolam) with amitriptyline increases the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and difficulty concentrating (Drugs.com, 2024).
Is Mexican Xanax the same as Xanax?
No. While both Mexican Xanax (also known as 'Farmapram') and Xanax contain alprazolam, they are not identical. Farmapram is produced in Mexico and is more susceptible to counterfeiting, whereas Xanax is manufactured by Pfizer and approved by regulatory bodies (recovered.org, 2024). Counterfeit Xanax poses significant risks and should be avoided (Grigg et al, 2023).
More information:
- 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
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Medical Reviewer
Irfan Siddique
Dr Irfan Siddique is a qualified Medical Doctor licensed to practise in the UK by the General Medical Council (GMC). He earned his MBBS degree in 2017 from the University of Health Sciences, Lahore, and brings years of clinical experience and medical knowledge to his work.
