Question 1

i have a generic brand of xanax (alprazolam) that expired 10/24/12. can i still take them?

Accepted Answer

If you must, prob'ly: Meds dispensed by a pharmacy will have an expiration date of 1 year after the date of dispensing. It stands to reason that not every drug will lose its potency/"self destruct" exactly one year after you purchase it. I usually recommend that if a pt has leftover meds, and no new rx to fill, you can certainly continue to use the expired med until you do get a new rx. If effective, then you've saved$.

Question 2

can xanax (alprazolam) hurt you if you take it and it's expired. ?  it's percribed for me but i take it rarely.

Accepted Answer

No harm: But over time it will gradually lose its potency.

Question 3

are benzos (xanax, ativan, (lorazepam) etc) still as effective 2 years after the rx was filled?  it says it has "expired" but chemically i cannot see how or why

Accepted Answer

Unclear: Most medications tend to deteriorate over time simply because they are to some degree chemically unstable. The longer the time, the more they have deteriorated. However, this is a generalization, and it varies to what degree it is true for any specific medication. Two years is long enough such that one cannot verify a medication's potency. Most likely at least some potency has been lost.

Question 4

having a panic attack. prescribed xanax (alprazolam) for panic 2 years ago and have several left but prescription expired on 4-05-12. are they still safe to take?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety Medication: I think it's best to ask your pharmacist about the expiration date on your prescription. He/she would know best.

Question 5

is taking .25 mg of xanax (alprazolam) a day long term safe?

Accepted Answer

Not recommended: Xanax (alprazolam) is best for short term use - a few weeks.  Long term use can lead to dose escalation as that dose may no longer be effective in treating your issue.  You may want to discuss other options, which are not habit-forming, with your doctor which will best treat your issue.  Good Luck.

Question 6

why do i feel so sluggish when im not taking my xanax (alprazolam)?

Accepted Answer

Puzzling: Xanax (alprazolam) itself has a sedating effect, rather than an activating one.  So it's odd that you would feel more sluggish not taking it, than taking it.  It would be a good idea to talk with the physician who prescribed your xanax, (alprazolam) and see what else is happening with you.  Perhaps other medicines are on board now that could be adding to this effect.

Question 7

can you just stop taking .25 xanax if it was 1 a day for a short time?

Accepted Answer

: Yes, it should be fine if you just take for a week or two. If you want to be concern free you can go with every other day for a couple times then as needed or stop.

Question 8

can you give me advice for my first time taking 0.5 mg xanax (alprazolam)?

Accepted Answer

Be prepared: Xanax (alprazolam) can be sedating so I would be prepared to not have to go anywhere for several hours to see how the dose affects you.

Question 9

hi can i take one 4 mg zanafex about an hour after taking a 1 mg xanax? safely?

Accepted Answer

Be Careful: The two medicines you are certainly different types of medications but both can have similar side effects which may make the combination concerning. For example both are associated with drowsiness which is a concern if you are driving or operating machinery or similar activities and all of these activities should be avoided. Take the Zanaflex and wait a minimum of 2 to 3 hours and see how u feel

Question 10

help help help, i have just started taking xanax (alprazolam) and i am a addict?

Accepted Answer

Caution: Great that you are concerned and can see this could be a problem. There are times when short, judicious use of xanax (alprazolam) may be appropriate but make sure you've considered safer alternatives and are using other methods to manage your anxiety. Be honest with your prescribing physician.

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Doctor answers about:

Taking expired xanax

A member asked:

I have a generic brand of xanax (alprazolam) that expired 10/24/12. can i still take them?

A member asked:

Can xanax (alprazolam) hurt you if you take it and it's expired. ? it's percribed for me but i take it rarely.

A member asked:

Are benzos (xanax, ativan, (lorazepam) etc) still as effective 2 years after the rx was filled? it says it has "expired" but chemically i cannot see how or why

A member asked:

Having a panic attack. prescribed xanax (alprazolam) for panic 2 years ago and have several left but prescription expired on 4-05-12. are they still safe to take?

A member asked:

Is taking .25 mg of xanax (alprazolam) a day long term safe?

A member asked:

Why do i feel so sluggish when im not taking my xanax (alprazolam)?

A member asked:

Can you just stop taking .25 xanax if it was 1 a day for a short time?

A member asked:

Can you give me advice for my first time taking 0.5 mg xanax (alprazolam)?

A member asked:

Hi can i take one 4 mg zanafex about an hour after taking a 1 mg xanax? safely?

A member asked:

Help help help, i have just started taking xanax (alprazolam) and i am a addict?

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