Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression. It works by slowing down the movement of chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced. This results in a reduction in nervous tension (anxiety)
 
 
Take Xanax exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. Xanax may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Xanax should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Measure the liquid form of Xanax with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. To take Xanax orally disintegrating tablets (Niravam): -Using dry hands, remove a tablet from the bottle and place the tablet on your tongue. It will begin to dissolve right away. -Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. -Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid after the tablet has completely dissolved.