Xanax for Depression - Dosage & Side Effects

Xanax (alprazolam) is popular for anxiety. However, some people do use Xanax for depression, although this usage is much less common.Â

Dosage

Initial dose 0.25 to 0.5 mg three times daily for titration
Up to 4 mg per day for maintenance

Side Effects

drowsiness
light-headedness
depression
lack of enthusiasm
headache
confusion
sleep problems (insomnia)
nervousness
sleepiness
dry mouth
constipation
diarrhea
nausea and vomiting
palpitations
blurred vision
muscle twitching
weight change

Disclaimer:Â this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit ourÂ Terms of Use page.

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Darla Ferrara

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Darla Ferrara worked for years as an EMT and is now a full-time freelance writer who has created byline pieces for USAToday, Jillian Michaels, USARiseUP, New York Times -- About.com, Multibrief, MedCity News, LiveStrong, and AOL. She earned her Cardiac Arrest, Hypothermia, and Resuscitation Science Certification from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, her Nutrition for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Certification from the University of California, San Francisco, and her certification in Musculoskeletal Case Studies - Anatomy from Harvard Medical School.