Buspar

Buspar

Drug Name -- Buspar

Alternate Names – Buspirone

Manufacturer – Bristol-Myers Squibb

Type – Prescription (not controlled).

Pregnancy Issues – FDA Pregnancy Class B. Buspar is not expected to cause harm to a fetus or to cause birth defects. This, however, has not been proven over time. It is not known whether or not Buspar is transplacental. It is not known whether or not Buspar transfers into breast milk. [Both the transplacental issue and the breast milk transfer issue should be very easy for the medical community/manufacturer to determine. Official studies and/or statements have not been made by Bristol-Myers Squibb. This is an irresponsible action.]

Addiction Potential – According to BMS, Buspar shows no tolerance issues, and no physical or psychological dependence issues. Buspar is not a drug of abuse. Buspar is only to be used for short-term relief. This drug should not be administered long-term except in extreme cases and under the direct care of a psychiatrist (and not from a Primary Care Physician). Buspar does not affix to the GABAa receptor complex, as does the benzodiazepine class; the manufacturer admits that they do not understand the mechanism that causes Buspar to work (and associated dangers of that mechanism); while officially BMS states that Buspar is not addicting, there appear to be consequences (withdrawals) when stopping the drug. This would indicate physical (but not psychological) dependence issues. Dr. Peter Breggin has listed the withdrawals and has classified Buspar as an addictive psychoactive drug substance by empirical studies with patients. [See withdrawals below.]

Maximum Prescription Duration – According to the manufacturer, this drug should not be taken for more than four weeks. The manufacturer has determined that there is no demonstrated effectiveness of the drug beyond four weeks of administration. It is also not advisable to prescribe Buspar to patients who have previously been given any form of benzodiazepines (including Xanax and Valium). Since it is a bromide-based drug, the effects will become toxic if administered for a sustained period of time.

Cautions – Eating grapefruit, drinking grapefruit juice or consuming grapefruit by-products may cause sudden death. Buspar should not be administered to people with kidney or liver problems, or heart problems (including medicated hypertension). In long-term cases of administration blood tests must be administered for kidney and liver functionality since Buspar diminishes kidney and liver functions; Buspar should not be taken by individuals with seizure disorders; some people report feeling “mixed up” or “messed up” in their ability to make decisions and thus they become frozen in their ability to make decisions; alcohol should not be used in conjunction with Buspar; all sleeping drugs including hypnotics should be avoided (including over-the-counter sleep medications and Ambien).

Drug Interactions/Adverse affects – MAOI drugs may cause serious or fatal reactions with Buspar. These reactions including Marplan, Nardil, Azilect, Eldepryl, Emsam, or Parnate; Cold and allergy medicines; narcotics of all types; sleeping medication (prescription and non-prescription); muscle relaxers; seizure medication; Thorazine, Haldol, Serentil, Orap, or Mellaril; Decadron or Hexadrol; erythromycin (and its derivatives); Sporanox or Nizoral; Norvir; Rifadin, Rimactane, or Rifater; Capastat, Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater, Vancocin, or Vanocin; calcium blockers such as Tiazac, Cartia, Cardizen, Calan,Covera, Isoptin, or Verelan; seizure medications such as Carbatrol, Tegretol, Dilantin, Luminal, or Solfoton; the concomitant use of Buspar with other CNS-active drugs has not been studied and extreme caution should be used. [This list is not complete.]

Class – Azaspirodecanedione (not a benzodiazepine and not affixed to the GABAa receptor complex; this is a bromide-based drug substance that will be toxic over time. All bromides are dangerous to human life.)

Purpose – Reduction of anxiety symptoms, reduction of panic attacks, treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (not deemed as effective for other Axis I Anxiety Disorders).

Side Effects – Buspar may cause illogical thinking, confusion, and illogical decision-making capabilities that may seriously effect life decisions; extreme emotional instability has been indicated in some cases (including despair that leads to suicidal ideation or suicide attempts), feelings of catastrophe and utter despair without the ability to act or react accordingly and logically; Buspar is only minimally reactive to alcohol and in its responsible use should not result in overdose symptoms; other side effects include lack of coordination; drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision; restlessness; nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea; insomnia; since Buspar binds to dopamine receptors, it may cause dystonia, pseudo-parkinsonism, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia; cardiovascular side effects include chest pain, hypotension, hypertension, congestive heart failure, heart attack, and bradycardia; central nervous system effects include dream disturbances, depersonalization, dysphoria, noise intolerance, euphoria, akathisia, fearfulness, loss of interest in life, dissociative reaction, hallucinations, suicidal ideation, seizures, slurred speech and psychosis; gastrointestinal effects include stomach problems including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, extreme flatulence, rectal bleeding, increased appetite and weight gain; muscular effects include muscle cramps, muscle spasms and arthralgias; sexual/genital side effects include leaking breasts, urinary hesitancy, menstrual irregularity, enuresis, nocturia, libido dysfunctions, and impotence.

Withdrawals – Some people report that initial cessation of Buspar results in extreme confusion and complete inability to act or react to life situations; illogical and damaging decisions can be made; vacating of all emotional response to life; extreme headaches similar to migraines; nausea; life-threatening neurological reactions; extreme anxiety; extreme and pathological depression; abdominal pains; aching; agoraphobia; blurred vision; altered and bizarre perceptions; diarrhea; distended abdomen; feeling of unreality; flatulence; food cravings and extreme weight gain; hair loss; heart palpitations; insomnia; lethargy; loss of balance; metallic taste; muscle spasms; nightmares; panic attacks; paranoia and unrealistic fears; persistent and unpleasant memories; hippocampus disruption resulting in short-term memory issues (unclear if these issues are permanent); speech difficulties; sweating; and sudden suicidal ideations/suicide attempts. [See Dr. Peter Breggin’s work regarding Buspar addiction and withdrawal at www.labelmesane.com.]

Sources – Drugs.com, realmentalhealth.com, labelmesane.com. psyweb.com

[Editorial Note: In my research of psychoactive drug substances I only include indications that come from the manufacturer or reputable drug-related focus groups. I do not include personal opinion or enhancements of facts from sources. With this drug, however, I must issue a caution due to information that I discovered on personal forums dedicated to this drug and its effects on people. Individuals who had taken or were currently taking Buspar consistently complained of severe alteration of decision-making abilities to the point where the diminution of those abilities severely altered life. Individuals consistently complained, also, of even more severe cognitive and emotional disturbances when attempting to discontinue use of the drug. One individual classified this drug as a “demon in pill form” and complained that it was destroying his life. Although this information is not scientific or tempered through official sources, users should beware of these potential effects from actual users.]

Lexapro

Lexapro

Drug Name -- Lexapro

Alternate Names – Escitalopram [Lexapro is a derivative of citalopram (Celexa)]

Manufacturer – Forest Pharmaceuticals

Type – Prescription (Not Controlled). FDA Black Box Warning – Increased suicide risk for some age groups (at a minimum).

Pregnancy Issues – FDA Pregnancy Category C. No substantial research has been conducted and it must be assumed that Lexapro is transplacental and may cause damage to the fetus or birth defects. Lexapro may cause serious or life-threatening lung problems in newborn babies whose mothers take the medication during pregnancy. Lexapro can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.

Addiction Potential – It is not conclusive that Lexapro is psychologically addicting. It does, however, result in tolerance issues over time. The drug should not be abruptly discontinued. Consult a doctor prior to stopping Lexapro. Some researchers have indicated that there may be withdrawal symptoms when Lexapro is discontinued (this is especially true in cases of abrupt cessation).

Maximum Prescription Duration – This is a long-term prescription that usually does not take full effect for at least four weeks. Over time, the patient may experience a diminishing effect of the drug and may need to consult a medical doctor about switching to another SSRI antidepressant. The switching process is complex and demands that the patient titrate off of Lexapro over time and then resume on another SSRI antidepressant after a two-week break between drugs. Patients may experience heightened symptoms during this process.

Cautions – Lexapro may increase suicidal ideations or suicide attempts for at least the first 12 weeks that it is taken. It may cause mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, impulsiveness, irritability, agitation, hostility, aggressiveness, restlessness, hyperactivity, or increased depression. Do not take if you have liver or kidney disease, seizures or epilepsy, Bipolar I Disorder (Lexapro may interact negatively with a manic or hypomanic condition), or a history of suicide attempts or suicidal ideations. [This list of cautions is not complete.]

Drug Interactions/Adverse affects – Avoid all use of alcohol or other CNS depressants while taking Lexapro. Do not take with an MAOI such as Marplan, Nardil, Azilect, Eldepryl, Emsam, or Parnate. This drug interaction can be fatal. Do not take with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Naprosyn, Voltaren, Feldene, Relafen, Lodine, and any other NSAIDs. Carbatrol and Tegretol; Tagamet; Lithium; blood thinners such as Coumadin; other SSRI antidepressants such as (but not limited to) Elavil, Celexa, Prozac, Sarafem, Luvox, Tofranil, Pamelor, Paxil, or Zoloft. Lexapro may also interact with Axert, Frova, Imitrex, Amerge, Maxalt, or Zomig. [This is not a complete list of drug interactions.]

Class – SSRI antidepressant; FDA Black Box Warning (see above).

Purpose – Major Depressive Disorder; Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Side Effects – Lexapro may impair your thinking or reasoning abilities. Lexapro may induce mania or manic/hypomanic episodes. Allergic reactions including skin rash or hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; significant mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, impulsiveness, irritability, agitation, hostility, aggressiveness, restlessness, hyperactivity, worsening depression, or suicidal ideations. Lexapro may also cause very rigid muscles, high fever, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, overactive reflexes; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, feeling unsteady, loss of coordination; or headache, trouble concentrating, memory problems, weakness, confusion, hallucinations, fainting, seizure, shallow breathing or breathing that stops. [This is not a complete list of side effects.]

Withdrawals – Aggression, extreme anxiety, blurred vision, concentration impairment, constipation, crying spells and increased emotionality, depersonalization, diarrhea, dizziness. fatigue, flatulence, flu-like symptoms, hallucinations, hostility, indigestion, irritability, impaired speech, insomnia, lack of coordination, lethargy, migraine headaches, nausea, nervousness, paranoia, akathasia, stomach cramps, tremors, tinnitus, tingling sensations, disturbing thoughts, hallucinations, vivid dreams, and deepening depression.

Sources – Lexapro.com, drugs.com, blackboxrx.com, psyweb.com, psychdrugtruth.com

Abilify

Abilify

Drug Name -- Abilify

Alternate Names – Aripiprazole

Manufacturer – Bristol-Myers Squibb and Otsuka America Pharmaceuticals

Type – Prescription (Not Controlled) FDA Black Box Warnings: 1) Risk of death for elderly dementia-related psychosis patients; and, 2) increased risk of suicide and suicidal ideation when mixed with SSRI antidepressants in at least some age groups (which is its recommended usage for major depression).

Pregnancy Issues – This drug should not be used by pregnant women or women who are nursing.

Addiction Potential – Low. However, tolerance appears to develop due to negative effects from abrupt cessation of the drug. Further studies need to be conducted regarding physiological dependence.

Maximum Prescription Duration – Abilify is a long-term drug. Abilify takes between two and six weeks for full effectiveness.

Cautions – It is recommended by the manufacturers that Abilify should not be administered in dementia-related cases of psychosis. Abilify may cause death in such cases. It should not be administered to individuals with kidney or liver diseases, heart disease, high blood pressure, or heart rhythm problems; those who have had a heart attack or stroke; those who have a history of low white blood count; breast cancer; seizures or epilepsy; or diabetes. Do not drink alcohol while on Abilify. Abilify can cause a sudden change in heart rate and blood pressure. It may also impair judgment and reasoning. May cause swallowing problems. The drug should not be used if a person has had a suicide attempt or has suicidal ideations.

Drug Interactions/Adverse affects – Cold or allergy medicine; narcotics; sleeping pills; muscle relaxers; and medicine for seizures. Abilify should not be use with medications to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions; Tegretol; Luminol or Solfoton; Dilantin; Mycobutin, Rifadin, Rimactane or Rifater; Nizoral; Sporanox; Cardioquin or Quinaglute; Prozac, Luvox or Paxil.

Class – Antipsychotic (alters dopamine and serotonin)

Purpose – Schizophrenia, Bipolar I Disorder, Depression (add-on used in conjunction with SSRI antidepressants – See FDA Black Box Warning above)

Side Effects – Constipation, an inner sense of restlessness or need to move (akathisia), headache, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, sleepiness, lightheadedness, and tremor; very high fever, rigid muscles, shaking, confusion, sweating, or increased heart rate and blood pressure. Abilify may cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which could be fatal. Other side effects include abnormal or uncontrollable movements. These may be signs of a serious condition called tardive dyskinesia which may be permanent. Elderly patients experience an increased potential for stroke (especially with dementia-related psychosis). Abilify increases blood sugar levels and should not be used by diabetics. Studies have indicated that Abilify (and like drugs) can cause coma and death when administered to diabetics.

Withdrawals – The most significant reports regarding withdrawals associated with cessation of Abilify are related to the recurrence of symptoms associated with the reason for taking the drug in the first place.

Sources – Abilify.com, psyweb.com, drugs.com

Celexa

Celexa

Drug Name – Celexa

Alternate Names – Citalopram

Manufacturer – Forest Pharmaceuticals

Type – Prescription (Not Controlled). FDA Black Box Warning – Increased suicide risk for some age groups (at a minimum).

Pregnancy Issues – It is not known if Celexa affects the fetus or not; thus it is not advisable to take Celexa while pregnant. Celexa does cross into breast milk and should be avoided by nursing mothers.


Addiction Potential – After eight weeks of continuous treatment patients suffered from consistent and identifiable withdrawal symptoms. Although SSRI antidepressants are not typically a drug of abuse, tolerance over time would be a significant indicator of physical addiction, especially with the presence of specific withdrawal symptoms with abrupt cessation. See Withdrawals below for a list of symptoms.

Maximum Prescription Duration – This is a long-term prescription that usually does not take full effect for at least four months. Over time, the patient may experience a diminishing effect of the drug and may need to consult a medical doctor about switching to another SSRI antidepressant.

Cautions – Celexa should not be taken with liver or kidney problems (Celexa diminishes both liver and kidney functionality and may damage both over time); by those who suffer from seizures, mania, Bipolar I Disorder, or who have suicidal thoughts or a history of suicidal attempts; contact a doctor immediately if you experience mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), if you feel more depressed, if you have had a previous suicide attempt or if you have thoughts about hurting yourself. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction including skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Drug Interactions/Adverse affects – Do not take with MAOIs such as Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate; any other SSRI antidepressants; any tricyclic antidepressant such as Elavil, Tofranil, Sinequan, or Pamelor; Tegretol or Felbatol; Tagamet, Zantac, or Prilosec; any antibiotic containing erythromycin; antifungals including Diflucan, Sporano or Nizoral; migraine medication such as Axert, Relpax, Frova, Amerge, Maxalt, Imitrex, or Zomig; asthma medication such as Accolate, Eskalith, Lithobid, or Lithonate; NSAID drugs such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Naprosyn, Voltaren, Feldene, Relafen, Lodine, and others (NSAID drugs are FDA Black Box drugs); or lithium. Celexa should not be taken in conjunction with Lexapro or by those who are allergic to Lexapro. [This list is not complete.]

Class – SSRI antidepressant; FDA Black Box Drug (see advisory above).

Purpose – Treatment of major depressive disorder.

Side effects – Abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, ejaculation disorders, fatigue, impotence, indigestion, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, painful menstruation, respiratory tract infection, sinus or inflammation, sweating, tremor, and/or, vomiting, amnesia, attempted suicide, confusion, coughing, decreased sexual drive, depression, excessive urination, fever, gas, impaired concentration, increased appetite, increased salivation, itching, joint pain, lack of emotion, loss of menstruation, low blood pressure, migraine, muscle pain, rapid heartbeat, rash, skin tingling, taste disturbances, visual disturbances, weight gain, weight loss, yawning. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, overactive reflexes; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, feeling unsteady, loss of coordination; headache, trouble concentrating, memory problems, weakness, confusion, hallucinations, fainting, seizure, shallow breathing or breathing that stops. [This list is not complete.]

Withdrawals – Withdrawals from any SSRI antidepressant can begin within eight hours of missing any dosage of the drug. The withdrawal symptoms can last for eight weeks or more – thus, becoming troubling to the patient. The persistence of withdrawal symptoms often leads to rebound depression that can be worse than the original depressive episode. The most prevalent symptoms include dizziness, nausea, fatigue, headache, gait instability and insomnia. SSRI withdrawal symptoms include a list of at least fifty effects (some more common and persistent than others).

Sources – Celexa.com (website contains the complete FDA Black Box information), drugs.com, psyweb.com, psychdrugtruth.com.

Valium

Valium

Drug Name -- Valium

Alternate Names – diazepam

Manufacturer – LaRoche Laboratories

Type – Prescription (DEA Schedule IV Controlled Substance)

Pregnancy Issues – Valium is transplacental and may cause serious birth defects. Valium should not be taken during pregnancy. Nursing mothers should not use Valium.

Addiction Potential – Extremely Strong (LaRoshe states that Valium should not be used for more than four months consecutively). Dependency occurs as soon as two weeks.

Maximum Prescription Duration – Four weeks according to professional studies (this is already beyond the threshold of addiction for a segment of the population). LaRoshe claims that the drug diminished in its effectiveness after four months due to tolerance issues (LaRoshe Laboratories).

Cautions – Do not use if you have liver or kidney function issues; do not use if you have had a stroke, have multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), myasthenia gravis, or sleep apnea, or if you are seriously depressed; do not take if you have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema or other respiratory diseases; do not take if you have had suicidal thoughts.

Drug Interactions/Adverse affects – Alcohol has an additive affect; do not take in conjunction with narcotics, sleeping pills, sedatives, or other benzodiazepines; do not take with antacids; do not take with SSRI antidepressants, antihistamines, pain relievers, seizure medications or muscle relaxants; antipsychotic drugs; barbiturates; Tagamet; Nizoral; Lanoxin; Antabuse; Rifamate; Dilantin; Amytal, Butisol, Mebaral, Seconal, Luminal, or Solfoton; Azilect, Eldepryl, Emsam, or Parnate; Abilify, Thorazine, Haldol, Serentil, Compazine, Compro, Pentazine, Phenergan, Phenadoz, or Promethegan; Duragesic, Actiq, Lortab, Vicodin, Dilaudid, Dolophine, Methadose, morphine, OxyContin; MAO inhibitors; Prilosec; oral contraceptives; Darvon; Zantac; or Rifadin.

Class – Benzodiazepine

Purpose – Anxiety disorders; reduction of anxiety symptoms; reduction of alcohol addiction withdrawal symptoms

Side Effects – Valium has been determined to be a carcinogen; may cause or worsen glaucoma; may cause confusion, abdominal cramps, blurred vision, dry mouth, racing heartbeat / palpitations, shaking / slurred speech, urination problems, headache; convulsions, hallucinations, memory loss, trouble breathing or staggering, trembling; allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, closing of your throat, swelling of your lips, face, or tongue or hives); sores in the mouth or throat, yellowing of the skin or eyes; a rash, or hallucinations; unusual risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger; depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself; hyperactivity, anxiety, agitation, hostility.

Withdrawals – vomiting, and unusual thoughts or behavior; seizures, heightened sensory perception, impaired concentration, confusion, dysosmia, clouded sensorium, paresthesias, muscle cramps, muscle twitch, diarrhea, blurred vision, appetite decrease, and weight loss. Other symptoms, such as extreme anxiety and insomnia, were frequently seen during discontinuation.

Sources – LaRoshe Laboratories Fact Sheets; psyweb.com; drugs.com; adrugrecall.com

Ambien

Ambien

Drug Name -- Ambien

Alternate Names – Zolpidem, Edluar

Manufacturer – Sanfi Aventis Pharmaceuticals

Type – Prescription (DEA Schedule IV controlled substance)

Pregnancy Issues – Ambien is transplacental and may cause harm to the fetus. It should not be taken while pregnant. Ambien should not be taken by nursing mothers.

Addiction Potential – Moderate to strong after two weeks of use. Addiction ensues in almost all cases of extended use with significant withdrawals. This drug is to be used for short-term relief of insomnia only (two weeks or less). Abuse is indicated when an individual takes more than 10mg per day.

Maximum Prescription Duration – Four to five weeks, maximum; no more than seven to ten days without a break.

Cautions – Ambien may cause a severe allergic reaction. These include: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Some people using this drug have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. Recent studies indicate that long-term use of Ambien damages memory storage and recall in the hippocampus. This damage may be permanent; Do not take Ambien if you have any of the following conditions: kidney disease; liver disease; lung disease such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep); myasthenia gravis; a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts; or a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

Drug Interactions/Adverse affects – Alcohol; contains lactose and should not be used by those who are lactose-intolerant; cold medicines, pain medication, muscle relaxants, and drugs for anxiety issues; Thorazine; Sporanox, Nizoral; Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater; SSRI antidepressants. [This list is not complete. Ambien is very reactive with a large number of drugs and the user should consult a qualified pharmacist regarding interactive potential of the drug.]

Class – Hypnotic/Sedative

Purpose – Short-term insomnia relief only.

Side effects – Ambien can cause side effects that may impair logical thinking or reactions; amnesia; depressed mood, thoughts of hurting yourself; unusual thoughts, risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger; anxiety, aggression, feeling restless or agitated; hallucinations, confusion, loss of personality; daytime drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, feeling "drugged" or light-headed; lack of coordination; amnesia, forgetfulness; vivid or abnormal dreams; nausea, constipation; sore throat; headache, muscle pain; or blurred vision. [This is not a complete list of side effects.]

Withdrawals – Behavior changes, stomach pain, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, sweating, anxiety, panic attacks, tremors, and seizure (convulsions); confusion; impulsiveness; potential long-term impairment of logical reasoning (some say this may be somewhat permanent); agitation; suicide or suicidal ideations; severe depression; hallucinations; delusional disorder; aggressive behavior; loss of personal identity; and insomnia (for an extended period of time). The insomnia suffered from withdrawals will likely be worse than the individual’s initial insomnia.

Sources – drugs.com, wrongdiagnosis.com, addictionsearch.com (The manufacturer’s webpage offers little or no substantial and quantitative information concern the drug).

Xanax

Xanax

Drug Name -- Xanax

Alternate Names – Alprazolam, Niravam

Manufacturer – Pfizer Pharmaceuticals

Type -- Prescription

Pregnancy Issues – Do not use if pregnant or nursing. This medication may cause birth defects.

Addiction Potential – Strong (dependency threshold indicated at 12 weeks by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals)

Maximum Prescription Duration – 12 weeks

Cautions – Do not take if you have asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems, glaucoma, kidney or liver disease (especially alcoholic liver disease), a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior or a history of drug or alcohol addiction. Do not eat grapefruit or grapefruit products while taking Xanax. This may have deadly effects.

Drug Interactions/Adverse affects – Not recommended for use with alcohol and other benzodiazepines; cold or allergy drugs; pain medicine; sleeping pills; muscle relaxers; medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety; birth control pills; Sporanox, Tagamet, Tiazac, Cartia, Cardizem; IsonaRif, Rifamate; Darvon, Darvocet; Diflucan, Sporanox, or Nizoral; acetaminophen (Tylenol), or any SSRI antidepressant drugs. Do not use if allergic to Nizoral, Librium, Tranxene, Valium, Ativan, or Serax. [This list may not be complete. Consult with a pharmacist for complete information.]

Class -- Benzodiazepine

Purpose – Anxiety reduction, panic attack reduction, Generalized Anxiety Disorder treatment.

Side Effects – Inter-dose effects include heightened anxiety and panic attacks. Serious and moderately serious side effects include hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; unusual risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger; depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself; hyperactivity, agitation, hostility, hallucinations; feeling light-headed, fainting; seizure (convulsions); urinating less than usual or not at all; muscle twitching, tremor; jaundice (yellowing of the skin eyes); amnesia or forgetfulness, trouble concentrating; sleep problems (insomnia); muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination, slurred speech; blurred vision; and nausea, vomiting, constipation, appetite or weight changes.

Withdrawals – Seizures, heightened sensory perception, impaired concentration, confusion, dysosmia, clouded sensorium, paresthesias, muscle cramps, muscle twitch, diarrhea, blurred vision, appetite decrease, and weight loss. Other symptoms, such as anxiety and insomnia, were frequently seen during discontinuation (Pfizer documentation).

Sources – Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Drugs.com