How is Xanax prescribed?

Xanax is an anti anxiety medication prescribed in doses from 1 to 10 mg as needed or several times a day. More on the prescription uses for Xanax, Xanax dosage, cost, and signs of Xanax abuse here.

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You need a prescription for Xanax (alprazolam) from a medical doctor in order to legally consume Xanax in the U.S. Why? Because how Xanax works is based on the chemical properties of alprazolam, which is classified as a Schedule IV drug under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act due to its abuse and addiction liability. More here on general Xanax prescription info, including cost, dosing and signs of abuse. We invite your questions about Xanax at the end.

What do doctors prescribe Xanax for?

Xanax is a prescription drug that helps people suffering from anxiety or panic attacks manage symptoms. Xanax calms the body and brain by altering the chemicals in the brain. Because Xanax can cause a “high,” it’s also frequently abused.  One dose of Xanax stays in your system for over a week or more, although it’s quite difficult to overdose on Xanax and Xanax overdose complications usually result after taking many times the recommended dose of Xanax.

Xanax prescription dosage

For someone suffering from periodic panic attacks, Xanax is only prescribed as needed. Depending on the severity of a person’s anxiety attacks, Xanax may be prescribed anywhere from 1-10 mg of Xanax. For a chronic anxiety disorder, it will be prescribed several times a day, with doses up to 4 mg per day.

Xanax prescription cost

Xanax will cost more if you don’t have good insurance coverage, but it should be relatively affordable no matter your situation. Without insurance, it can run around $30-40 per month. With insurance, it’s likely to be about half that, $15-20. Some drug stores may offer generic Xanax containing alprazolam at reduced prices as part of a prescription program.

Can you get Xanax over the counter?

No, you can’t get Xanax over the counter. If you’re experiencing panic attacks or anxiety, you need to speak to your doctor about your concerns and find out if Xanax is the right medication to treat your symptoms. Alprazolam is very addictive, so Xanax is probably not the best option if you need to take anti-anxiety medication every day.

Signs of Xanax prescription drug abuse

You are abusing Xanax if you’re taking more Xanax than prescribed or taking it without a prescription. If you’re using Xanax for anything other than it’s intended purpose – for instance, to get “high,” that’s Xanax abuse. Regular abuse of Xanax does have risks. You’ll experience physical withdrawals when you stop taking the drug if you become addicted, and you’ll also feel cravings to take the drug regularly.

Xanax prescription questions

Do you still have questions about taking or obtaining Xanax prescriptions? Please leave your questions about Xanax here. We are happy to help answer your questions personally and promptly. If we do not know the answer to your particular question, we will refer you to someone who does.

Reference Sources: DailyMed: Aprazolam
PubChem: Alprazolam

ToxNet: Alprazolam
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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