Alprazolam is widely used to treat anxiety, panic and stress by calming the brain. The Oschner Journal explains that benzos like Xanax bind to GABA receptors so that this neurochemical cannot. This makes neurons less excitable and leads to almost immediate symptom relief. This relief, or the “high” benzos provide, comes with side effects that can include amnesia, respiratory depression and more. Use can lead to misuse, abuse and addiction.
The White, Rectangle Pill with imprint XANAX 2 contains alprazolam 2 mg. It is supplied by Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals Group. Original Mylan A4 pill on the other hand also contains alprazolam 2 mg but it is produced by Mylan a global pharmaceutical company providing 7 billion people access to high quality medicine including prescription generic, branded generic, brand-name and biosimilar drugs, as well as over-the-counter (OTC) remedies. While Xanax is a popular brand name, you may be more familiar with other generic Alprazolam like Mylan A4 are less popular.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Xanax 2mg or Mylan A4?
It is dangerous to purchase Xanax 2mg or Mylan A4 on the Internet or from vendors outside the United States. Medications distributed from Internet sales may contain dangerous ingredients, or may not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy. The sale and distribution of alprazolam outside the U.S. does not comply with the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the safe use of this medication.
You should not take alprazolam if you have:
- narrow-angle glaucoma;
- if you are also taking itraconazole or ketoconazole; or
- if you are allergic to alprazolam or to other benzodiazepines, such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).
To make sure alprazolam is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- seizures or epilepsy;
- kidney or liver disease (especially alcoholic liver disease);
- asthma or other breathing disorder;
- open-angle glaucoma;
- a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior;
- a history of drug or alcohol addiction; or
- if you also use a narcotic (opioid) medication.
Do not use Xanax 2mg or Mylan A4 if you are pregnant. This medicine can cause birth defects. Your baby could also become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking alprazolam. Mylan A4 or Xanax 2mg can both pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using alprazolam.
The sedative effects of Mylan A4 and Xanax 2mg may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking alprazolam.
Neither Xanax 2mg or Mylan A4 is approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take Xanax 2mg or Mylan A4 ?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Never use alprazolam in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in treating your symptoms.
Both Mylan A4 and Xanax 2mg are habit-forming. Never share this medicines with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.
Misuse of habit-forming medicine can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Do not swallow the orally disintegrating tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.
Call your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well in treating your panic or anxiety symptoms.
Do not stop using Xanax 2mg or Mylan A4 suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using alprazolam.
If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.
Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Alprazolam is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line. An overdose of Xanax 2mg or Mylan A4 can be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, loss of balance or coordination, feeling light-headed, and fainting.
What should I avoid while taking Mylan A4 or Xanax?
Both Xanax 2mg and Mylan A4 can impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with alprazolam and lead to unwanted side effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor.
Are the possible side effects of Mylan A4 the same with Xanax?
Yes, get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
- racing thoughts, increased energy, unusual risk-taking behavior;
- confusion, agitation, hostility, hallucinations;
- uncontrolled muscle movements, tremor, seizure (convulsions); or
- pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest.
Common side effects may include:
- drowsiness, feeling tired;
- slurred speech, lack of balance or coordination;
- memory problems; or
- feeling anxious early in the morning.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
What other drugs will affect alprazolam?
Do not take Xanax 2mg and Mylan A4 together. In addition, taking alprazolam with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, prescription cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
- cimetidine;
- digoxin;
- fluvoxamine;
- nefazodone;
- ritonavir or other medicines to treat HIV or AIDS; or
- antifungal medicine –fluconazole, voriconazole.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Xanax and Mylan A4, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
Street Names
When a person is taking more Xanax or Mylan A4 pill than prescribed or taking it without a prescription, he or she may have to turn to friends, family members or a drug dealer. This is when and where street names are most often used. Xanax is sometimes given a nickname based on the color or shape. Pills may be white, yellow or blue and come in varying doses. Names can include the following:
- Z-bars
- Bars
- School bus
- Yellow boys
- Footballs
- Handlebars
- White boys
- White girls
- Bicycle parts
Some typical costs for Alprazolam include the following:
.5 mg = $1.00 to $2.00
.25 mg = $.75
1 mg = $2.00 to $3.00
2 mg = $4.00 to $5.00
These prices depend on availability and the difficulty or expense of obtaining them. Additionally, they may not contain Alprazolam at all or may contain other drugs as well. “Manufacture of counterfeit medications has increased with the epidemic of prescription drug abuse,” reports CBS News, adding that overdose deaths have increased dramatically due to Xanax being laced with other, more powerful, drugs like fentanyl. No matter the name used, Xanax and Mylan A4 abuse can be dangerous. Getting help for addiction puts an end to these risks.
Finding Help For Xanax and Mylan A4 Addiction
If you or a loved one is addicted to these drugs, reach out for help. It’s never too early or too late to speak up. There is hope and health on the other side of addiction, and you can find it. READ: Difference Between Ksalol 1mg vs Xanax
