What is XANAX XR?
XANAX XR is a prescription medication for the treatment of patients with panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. It belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. Some medicines of this kind have to be taken 2 to 4 times a day. You may feel calm after you take the medicine but then lose that feeling before it's time to take the next dose. That's because the medicine's effects can wear off between doses if not taken as directed by your doctor.
XANAX XR gives you the benefits of a benzodiazepine in a once-daily formula. Take it in the morning, and it can help you all day long. You won't have to watch the clock or feel like you might miss a dose by mistake.
XANAX XR can effectively reduce the occurrence of panic attacks, which include periods of intense fear accompanied by 4 or more of the following symptoms:*
|
|
How long does it take to work?
When you start taking XANAX XR, you may not feel its effects right away. This is because it is released slowly into your system so that it will last throughout the day. As shown in the chart below, XANAX XR took 1.6 hours to reach maximum benefit, compared to 1.5 hours with XANAX® (alprazolam) (see full prescribing information for XANAX) suggesting that it essentially works just as quickly.
 |
| Nine-wk, open label, switch study of 30 patients with panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia (DSM-IV™). Dosage—patients were stabilized for 3 wk on XANAX (0.75-10 mg/d), then switched to equivalent dose of XANAX XR. Results depicted are from Wk 3 and 4 for XANAX and XANAX XR, respectively, and based on patient diary data, in which patients kept an hourly record of degree (on a 0- to 10-point scale) of anxiolytic benefit they received from each dose of medication. Diaries were compiled and analyzed to determine the time it took, in hours, to reach a maximum score after the first morning dose. |
While all patients are different, some patients may begin to see improvement in their symptoms as early as the first week. However, the full effect may take several weeks. To get the full benefit of your medicine, be sure to take it as prescribed by your doctor.
| * | These symptoms can be signs of another underlying condition; make sure to follow up with your physician and get regular checkups. |
Next: How does XANAX XR work?
