Since Xanax can interact with a long list of prescription and over-the-counter medications, be sure to disclose to your doctor what medications you are currently taking. We all have dozens of neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, that allow neurons to communicate with each other throughout the body, and the amino acid GABA is one of them. Alprazolam is the generic version of the brand-name drug Xanax. Alprazolam is a fast-acting drug that helps you relax by boosting the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity. Cristina Po Wenger is a medical writer and mental health advocate with a Sociology Degree from the University of Stirling.
- Pregnancy registries collect information about the effects of a drug when it’s used during pregnancy.
- Your doctor may increase your daily dosage slowly, depending on how your body responds to the drug.
- This article focuses on the Xanax immediate-release tablet.
- Xanax can cause similar side effects in males and females who take the medication.
Related Disease Conditions
You can also ask your medical professional whether any of these drugs are right for you. Although Xanax and opioids work differently in your body, they can cause similar side effects. You’ll likely feel the effects of Xanax for several hours after each dose. If you have symptoms of low blood pressure while taking Xanax, talk with your medical professional. They may suggest that you check your blood pressure periodically with a home monitor.
