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Alprazolam ER Coupon - Alprazolam ER 1mg tablet

alprazolam ER

Generic Xanax XR
Used for Panic Disorder

Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) is a long-acting benzodiazepine. It's taken by mouth once daily to treat panic disorder in adults. Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) can cause drowsiness, but less so compared to short-acting alprazolam (Xanax). Don't take alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) with alcohol because doing so can lead to serious side effects, such as confusion and agitation.

Reviewed by:
reviewerAllison Gourley, PharmD
reviewerKristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 6, 2024
basics-icon

What is Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR)?

What is Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) used for?

How Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) works

Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) is a long-acting benzodiazepine. It relaxes certain chemicals in the brain that are involved in feelings of panic. As it result, it can provide "anti-panic" effects throughout the day.

Drug facts

Common BrandsXanax XR
Drug ClassBenzodiazepine
Controlled Substance ClassificationSchedule IV
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
warnings-icon

Risks and warnings for Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR)

Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Sedation and difficulty breathing

  • Risk factors: Taking alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) with opioids or alcohol | History of lung conditions

Black Box Warning Taking alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) with opioids or alcohol can cause severe drowsiness, tiredness, and difficulty breathing, which can be life-threatening.

Some people with long-term pain might already be taking opioid medications. If this applies to you, let your care team know. The combination of alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) with opioid medication should be avoided because this raises the chance of overdose. Ask your care team if safer medication options are available. If you or a loved one notices that you're having trouble breathing or waking up easily, get medical help right away.

Potential for misuse, addiction, dependence, and withdrawal

  • Risk factors: History of substance misuse | Alcohol use | Taking more than 4 mg per day | Stopping alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) suddenly

Black Box Warning Taking alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) can raise the risk of misuse (using it for reasons other than prescribed) or addiction. This can happen even at the recommended dose of this medication. Misuse and addiction are serious concerns because they can lead to overdose, which can be life-threatening.

blank warning iconAdditionally, taking alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) over longer periods of time can raise the risk for physical dependence. If so, suddenly stopping alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including hallucinations, a change in behavior, and trouble sleeping. Sometimes, withdrawal symptoms can last weeks to years. Don't stop taking alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) without first talking to your HCP. Take alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) only as instructed to lower the risk of dependence and overdose.

Effect on driving and concentration

  • Risk factors: Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications that cause drowsiness

Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) can make you feel sleepy and affect your concentration and focus. Drinking alcohol while taking alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) and taking additional medications that make you feel drowsy can make this effect worse. Avoid activities that require you to be alert, like driving or operating machinery, until you know how the medication affects you.

Harm to babies

  • Risk factors: Taking alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) while pregnant

Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) can cause harm to your baby if you take the medication while you're pregnant. Newborn babies whose parent took alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) during pregnancy have experienced serious issues like breathing problems, excessive drowsiness, irritability, and feeding difficulties. If you're planning to have a baby or are currently pregnant, speak with your HCP about the best options for your anxiety or panic disorder.

Interactions with other medications

Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) can interact with other medications. For example, certain medications can cause alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) to reach dangerously high levels in the body, which raises your risk for serious side effects. These include some antifungal medications, cimetidine (Tagamet HB), and some mental health medications like fluvoxamine (Luvox). Talk to your care team about all the medications you're taking or plan to take, including over-the-counter medications and supplements. They might need to make adjustments to the dose of certain medications or recommend safer alternatives.

Use with caution in people with depression

  • Risk factors: History of depression

Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) can make depression worse. Sometimes, manic episodes have occurred when people with depression took alprazolam ER (Xanax XR). Watch for new or worsening signs of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, or any unusual changes in mood or behavior while taking alprazolam ER (Xanax XR). Get medical help right away if you or a loved one notices any of these changes.

Trouble breathing

  • Risk factors: Ages 65 years or older | Liver problems | Medical conditions that affect breathing

Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) should be taken with caution in people with certain breathing problems, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or sleep apnea. Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) can affect your breathing, so it can be dangerous for people with already existing breathing problems. Get medical help right away if you have breathing problems.

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Side effects of Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR)

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Drowsiness (45%)
  • Sleepiness (23%)
  • Memory issues (15%)
  • Fatigue (14%)
  • Depression (12%)
  • Slurred speech (11%)

Less Common Side Effects

  • Poor movement control
  • Appetite changes
  • Changes in sex drive
  • Constipation

Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Severe sedation: drowsiness, slowed breathing, confusion, memory problems, slurred speech, loss of consciousness
  • Withdrawal symptoms: uncontrolled movements, blurred vision, trouble with sleep or memory, muscle pain and stiffness, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, irritability, hallucinations, convulsions or seizures, suicidal thoughts

Source: DailyMed

The following Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Being forgetful

changes in patterns and rhythms of speech

clumsiness or unsteadiness

difficulty with coordination

discouragement

drowsiness

feeling sad or empty

irritability

lack of appetite

lightheadedness

loss of interest or pleasure

relaxed and calm

shakiness and unsteady walk

sleepiness

slurred speech

tiredness

trouble concentrating

trouble performing routine tasks

trouble sleeping

trouble speaking

unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Blurred vision

body aches or pain

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles, or tingling feelings

changes in behavior

chills

clay-colored stools

confusion about identity, place, and time

cough

dark urine

decrease in frequency of urination

decrease in urine volume

diarrhea

difficult or labored breathing

difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)

difficulty with concentration

difficulty with moving

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

dry mouth

ear congestion

environment seems unreal

fainting

fear or nervousness

feeling of unreality

feeling warm

fever

general feeling of discomfort or illness

headache

hyperventilation

inability to move the eyes

inability to sit still

increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid

irregular heartbeats

itching or rash

joint pain

lack or loss of self-control

loss of bladder control

loss of coordination

loss of memory

loss of voice

mood or mental changes

muscle aches, cramps, pain, stiffness, or weakness

nausea

need to keep moving

painful urination

problems with memory

restlessness

runny or stuffy nose

seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

seizures

sense of detachment from self or body

shaking

shivering

sneezing

sore throat

sticking out of the tongue

stomach pain

sweating

swollen joints

talkativeness

tightness in the chest

trouble with balance

twitching, twisting, or uncontrolled repetitive movements of the tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs

uncontrolled twisting movements of the neck, trunk, arms, or legs

unpleasant breath odor

unusual dullness or feeling of sluggishness

unusual facial expressions

unusually deep sleep

unusually long duration of sleep

vomiting of blood

yellow eyes or skin

Rare

Actions that are out of control

attack, assault, or force

chest pain

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears

decreased awareness or responsiveness

deep or fast breathing with dizziness

ear pain

false or unusual sense of well-being

fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

feeling jittery

feeling unusually cold

generalized slowing of mental and physical activity

hearing loss

hoarseness

lack of feeling or emotion

loss of control of the legs

loss of strength or energy

nightmares

numbness of the feet, hands, and around mouth

severe sleepiness

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

sleep talking

swelling

talking, feeling, and acting with excitement

thoughts of killing oneself

uncaring

unusual weak feeling

voice changes

Incidence not known

Light-colored stools

upper right abdominal or stomach pain

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Confusion

loss of consciousness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods

decreased appetite

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

decreased sexual performance or desire abnormal ejaculation

difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

inability to have or keep an erection

increased appetite

increased in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

increased interest in sexual intercourse

increased weight

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

stopping of menstrual bleeding

watering of the mouth

weight loss

Less common

Blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin

change in taste bad unusual or unpleasant (after) taste

cracked, dry, or scaly skin

double vision

feeling of warmth

heavy bleeding

menstrual changes

pain

pelvic pain

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

seeing double

stomach bloating and cramping

sudden sweating

unexplained runny nose or sneezing

Rare

Acid or sour stomach

belching

bigger, dilated, or enlarged pupils (black part of the eye)

change in color vision

difficulty seeing at night

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

feeling of relaxation

heartburn

hives or welts

increased sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight

indigestion

redness of the skin

sensation of spinning

stomach discomfort or upset

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

red, irritated eyes

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips

swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males

unexpected or excess milk flow from the breasts

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Pros and cons of Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR)

Pros

  • Taken once daily
  • Taken by mouth
  • If appropriate, can be added on to antidepressant therapy to better manage panic disorders

Cons

pharmacist-tips-icon

Pharmacist tips for Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR)

pharmacist
  • Make sure to swallow alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) tablets whole. The tablet is made to slowly release the medication in your body throughout the day. Don't crush, chew, or split them because this could make the medication work differently for you.
  • If you've taken alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) for a while and want to stop the medication, let your care team know. They can help you do so safely by lowering your dose slowly over time to prevent withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, nausea, and seizures.
  • Avoid taking alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) with opioid pain medications because this combination can cause life-threatening side effects, like trouble breathing and confusion.
  • Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid activities that require you to be alert (like driving) until you know how this medication affects you.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking alprazolam ER (Xanax XR). Alcohol can make the side effects of the medication worse.
  • Limited research shows that alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) can be found in breastmilk. It's best to avoid taking this medication if you're breastfeeding because of the potential harm to babies, such as poor feeding and extreme sleepiness. If you're nursing, speak to your primary care provider about the safest options to treat your condition.
faq-icon

Common questions about Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR)

Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) is an extended-release version of short-acting (immediate-release) alprazolam (Xanax). Unlike the short-acting version that must be taken three times a day, alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) is just taken once daily. But alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) is only approved to treat panic disorder, whereas the short-acting alprazolam (Xanax) is approved to treat both anxiety and panic disorder. Ask your primary care provider if you have more questions about these 2 medications.

No, make sure to swallow the alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) tablets whole. The tablet is made to release the medication in your body slowly throughout the day. Don't crush, chew, or split them because this could make the medication work differently for you.

The "anti-panic" effects of alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) typically last 24 hours after a dose. This is why alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) is taken once a day. However, the medication can stay in your system for a few days.

Yes. As with all benzodiazepines, alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) can be habit-forming and has a risk for being misused or causing dependence. This is why alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) is a controlled medication. To lower the risk of addiction or dependence, your care team will prescribe the lowest dose of alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) needed to treat your symptoms. Talk with them if you have any concerns about taking alprazolam ER (Xanax XR).

Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) commonly causes drowsiness. It's generally recommended to take alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) once daily in the morning so that it can help control your symptoms . But discuss with your HCP about taking your dose at night instead if it's making you too sleepy.

More research is needed to understand the link between alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) and dementia. But memory loss is one of the more common side effects reported by people who take alprazolam ER (Xanax XR). Talk with your HCP about alternative panic disorder treatments if memory loss is a concern for you.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking alprazolam ER (Xanax XR). Doing so can heighten the side effects that they can both cause and be very dangerous. The combination can affect your breathing, slow your heart rate, cause dizziness, and can even lead to a loss of consciousness.

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Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) dosage

The average cost for 30 tablets of 1mg of Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) is $14.93 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 77.37% off the average retail price of $65.96.
tabletTablet
DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
1mg30 tablets$14.93$0.50
0.5mg30 tablets$14.74$0.49
2mg30 tablets$15.66$0.52
3mg30 tablets$21.26$0.71

Typical dosage for Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR)

  • Adults: The typical starting dose of alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) is 0.5 mg to 1 mg by mouth once daily, preferably in the morning.
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Interactions between Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) and other drugs

Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) will not be safe for you to take.

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What are alternatives to Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR)
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Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) images

Yellow Square 1 And G - Alprazolam XR 1mg Extended-Release Tablet
This medicine is Yellow, Square Tablet Imprinted With "1" And "G".Yellow Square 1 And G - Alprazolam XR 1mg Extended-Release Tablet

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References

Best studies we found

Actavis Pharma, Inc. (2023). Alprazolam extended release- alprazolam tablet, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.

Rickels, K. (2004). Alprazolam extended-release in panic disorder. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy.

Stein, M. B., et al. (2009). Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with panic disorder. American Psychiatric Association.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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