Xanax (alprazolam) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat anxiety and panic attacks. The drug comes as a tablet that you swallow. It’s usually taken three times daily.
Xanax is used to treat the following conditions in adults:
- generalized anxiety disorder that requires immediate treatment
- panic disorder with or without agoraphobia
Xanax contains the active ingredient alprazolam. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Xanax belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines.
This article describes the dosages of Xanax, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Xanax, see this Xanax overview.
Note: This article covers Xanax’s usual dosages, which are provided by the drugmaker. But when using Xanax, always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.
Xanax vs. Xanax XR
Another form of Xanax is available, which is called Xanax XR. This form of the drug is used to treat panic disorder only. It’s usually taken once daily.
Xanax tablets are immediate release, which means all of the drug is released into your body soon after a tablet dissolves.
Xanax XR tablets are extended release (XR). This means the drug is released slowly into your body over a period of time.
This article focuses just on Xanax. To learn more about Xanax XR’s dosage, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Here is information about the usual dosages of Xanax.
The following table highlights the basics of the drug’s dosage, with strengths given in milligrams (mg). Be sure to read on for more details.
| Xanax form | Xanax strengths | Xanax starting dosage |
|---|---|---|
| tablet | • 0.25 mg • 0.5 mg • 1 mg • 2 mg | 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg three times daily |
Note: Xanax is a controlled substance. This means it’s regulated by the U.S. government due to the risk of misuse. (With misuse a drug is taken in a way other than how it’s prescribed.) You should only take Xanax exactly as prescribed, and you should not share the drug with anyone else. It’s also recommended that you store Xanax in a safe place away from children.
What are the forms of Xanax?
Xanax comes as a tablet that you swallow.
What strengths does Xanax come in?
Xanax comes in the following strengths:
- 0.25 mg
- 0.5 mg
- 1 mg
- 2 mg
Different Xanax strengths come in different shapes and colors, as shown in the “Xanax images” section toward the end of this article. This can help you remember the strength of your tablet.
What are the usual dosages of Xanax?
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage of Xanax and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. Instead of increasing your dose to reach an average dosage, they’ll prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information that follows describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for generalized anxiety disorder
You’ll likely start by taking Xanax 0.25-mg or 0.5-mg tablets three times daily. If you respond well to the drug, your doctor may then increase your dosage slowly. The increase is usually once every 3 to 4 days. The maximum dosage recommended by the drugmaker is a total of 4 mg daily.
Dosage for panic disorder
You’ll likely start with Xanax 0.5-mg tablets three times daily. If you respond well to the drug and your doctor increases your daily dosage, they’ll do it slowly by 1 mg every 3 to 4 days. The highest dose reported by the drugmaker is a total of 10 mg daily, but it’s uncommon to take such a high dose.
Taper
If you decide to stop taking Xanax, your doctor will likely have you decrease your dose slowly. This is called a taper, and it’s done to help avoid withdrawal symptoms. (These are side effects that can happen when you suddenly stop taking a drug your body has become dependent on.) For information, see the “Xanax and withdrawal and dependence” section.
What’s the dosage of Xanax for children?
There’s no recommended Xanax dosage for children, though doctors sometimes prescribe the drug off-label for children. (Off-label use is when a drug is prescribed to treat a condition or age group it hasn’t been approved for.) To learn more about the uses and risks of Xanax in children, talk with your child’s doctor.
Is Xanax used long term?
No, Xanax is not usually used as a long-term treatment. It’s not known whether Xanax is safe to take for more than 4 months for generalized anxiety disorder or more than 10 weeks for panic disorder.
When stopping Xanax, you’ll likely do it slowly using a taper schedule. This will help decrease your risk of withdrawal symptoms. Talk with your doctor about what your dosage taper schedule will be.
Dosage adjustments
Your doctor will prescribe a lower Xanax dosage if any of the following apply:
- You are age 65 years or older.
- You have decreased liver function.
- You take a drug called ritonavir.
There are specific dosing guidelines for taking Xanax with ritonavir.
Your doctor will also decrease your Xanax dose if you’re taking other medications that cause your liver to process Xanax more slowly. If you still have side effects, your doctor may decrease your dose further. There’s not a specific lowest dose that’s usually prescribed.
Some drugs affect liver function so much that they’re not safe to take with Xanax at all. Examples include Prezista (darunavir) and Noxafil (posaconazole). If you need to take one of these drugs, your doctor will likely have you stop your Xanax treatment with a taper first.
Here are answers to some common questions about Xanax and dosage.
Is the dosage of Xanax based on body weight?
No, your dosage of Xanax is not based on your body weight. You’ll likely start on a low dose, and your doctor may increase it slowly based on your reaction to the drug.
What is a Xanax bar?
A Xanax bar usually refers to a Xanax tablet that’s shaped like a rectangle. This wording is often used in the context of misuse and addiction. (Misuse means a drug is taken differently than how it was prescribed. Addiction means a drug is used even if it leads to harmful outcomes.)
For more information about the risks of misuse and addiction with Xanax, see the boxed warning information at the start of this article.
Xanax comes in several different shapes and colors, as shown in the “Xanax images” section toward the end of this article. This is helpful when a doctor prescribes more than one strength of Xanax to make up a daily dose.
Is Xanax used for sleep problems? If so, what’s the dosage?
Xanax is sometimes used off-label for insomnia (difficulty sleeping). (Off-label use is when a drug is prescribed to treat a condition or age group it hasn’t been approved for.) If your doctor prescribes Xanax for this condition, they’ll determine the dosage that’s right for you.
While off-label uses are often safe and effective, you may be able to find an option for difficulty sleeping that’s safer than Xanax. Benzodiazepines (the drug group Xanax belongs to) have a higher risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms than other drugs that treat this condition.
With dependence, your body gets used to a drug and needs it for you to feel like you usually do. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug your body has become dependent on. For more information about the risk of Xanax withdrawal and dependence, see the “Xanax and withdrawal and dependence” section.
Is there a Xanax dosage used for dental work or before other medical procedures?
Xanax has been used off-label to help with anxiety and sedation before medical procedures, including dental work. The manufacturer does not recommend a specific dose for this purpose.
Another drug used for this purpose is Valium (diazepam), which is a benzodiazepine like Xanax. Find out more about the similarities and differences between these drugs in this Valium vs. Xanax comparison.
Talk with your doctor or dentist if you have anxiety before medical procedures.
The dosage of Xanax you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using the drug to treat
- your age
- the form of Xanax you take
- side effects you may have from Xanax
- other medications you take
- other conditions you may have (see “Dosage adjustments” earlier in this article)
Xanax comes as a tablet you swallow with water, usually three times daily. You can take it with or without food.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Xanax, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Accessible drug containers and labels
If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print or use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
If you have trouble opening medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to supply Xanax in an easy-open container. They may also have tips to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.
If you miss your Xanax dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time. Don’t take two doses at once.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Xanax on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Xanax than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to serious side effects. The drugmaker reports that overdoses have happened with Xanax alone and when Xanax was combined with other drugs or alcohol.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
In rare cases, a Xanax overdose can be fatal.
What to do in case you take too much Xanax
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Xanax. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Xanax has a boxed warning for withdrawal. (See the beginning of this article for more details on the boxed warnings for Xanax.) Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug your body has become dependent on. With dependence, your body gets used to a drug and needs it for you to feel like you usually do.
Withdrawal symptoms are more likely in people who take higher doses and people who take the drug for a longer amount of time. Symptoms of these reactions include:
Long-term withdrawal symptoms that can last weeks to 12 months or more include:
Your doctor will likely prescribe a dosage taper schedule to help you avoid withdrawal symptoms. Your daily dose will likely be decreased by 0.5 mg in 3-day (or longer) intervals. If you have any symptoms of withdrawal, talk with your doctor right away. They may decide to pause or slow your taper schedule.
Taking Xanax late in pregnancy may cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Symptoms may include irritability, problems with feeding, and tremors. If you take Xanax in late pregnancy, your newborn will be monitored for withdrawal symptoms. For more information, see this Xanax and pregnancy article.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
