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Alprazolam ER Coupon - Alprazolam ER 1mg tablet

alprazolam ER

Generic Xanax XR
Used for Panic Disorder
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.

Last reviewed on March 6, 2024
Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) is a controlled substance, which means that it's more likely to be misused or cause dependence. There are federal and state laws that limit the amount of medication that can be prescribed or dispensed within a certain period of time.
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.

Are you looking for information on immediate-release alprazolam (Xanax) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsXanax XR
Drug ClassBenzodiazepine
Controlled Substance ClassificationSchedule IV
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the 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.

risk-warning

Sedation and difficulty breathing

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

    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.

    risk-warning

    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

      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.

      Additionally, 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.

      risk-warning

      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.

        risk-warning

        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.

          risk-warning

          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.

          risk-warning

          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.

            risk-warning

            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.

              More on Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) warnings

              basics-icon

              What are the 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%)

              Other Side Effects

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

              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 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.

              pros-and-cons

              Pros and cons of Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR)

              thumbs-up

              Pros

              Taken once daily

              Taken by mouth

              If appropriate, can be added on to antidepressant therapy to better manage panic disorders

              thumbs-down

              Cons

              Can be habit-forming, so it's not typically used for long-term treatment

              Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms

              Not preferred during pregnancy

              pharmacist-tips

              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.

                  • 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.

                        faqs

                        Frequently asked questions about Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR)

                        What's the difference between alprazolam (Xanax) and 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.
                        Can I cut alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) in half?
                        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.
                        How long do the effects of alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) last?
                        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.
                        Does alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) have a risk of addiction?
                        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).
                        Does alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) make you sleepy?
                        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.
                        Does alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) cause dementia?
                        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.
                        Can you drink alcohol while taking alprazolam ER (Xanax XR)?
                        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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                        dosage

                        Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) dosage forms

                        The average cost for 30 tablets of 1mg of Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) is $17.61 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 77.66% off the average retail price of $78.83.
                        tablet
                        Tablet
                        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                        0.5mg30 tablets$14.29$0.48
                        1mg30 tablets$17.61$0.59
                        2mg30 tablets$17.10$0.57
                        3mg30 tablets$21.42$0.71

                        Typical dosing 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.

                        interactions

                        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.

                        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.

                        drug-cost

                        How much does Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) cost?

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                        contraindications-icon

                        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.
                        alternatives

                        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.
                        images

                        Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) images

                        Yellow Round 84 And Logo - Alprazolam 1mg Extended-Release Tablet
                        This medicine is Yellow, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Logo" And "84".Yellow Round 84 And Logo - Alprazolam 1mg Extended-Release Tablet
                        Yellow Square 1 And G - Alprazolam XR 1mg Extended-Release Tablet
                        This medicine is Yellow, Square Tablet Imprinted With "G" And "1".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.

                        View All References (1)
                        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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