Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Xanax XR as follows:
- Xanax XR, especially when taken in high doses, can lead to depression of respiratory center in the brain and difficulty breathing. Severe cases might also lead to emergency situations, such as, respiratory arrest and can result in serious debility and death. Xanax XR must be used with extra caution in individuals with history of breathing issues, such as, asthma and COPD, to prevent development of any episodes of severe SOB and respiratory arrest.
- Xanax XR use in expectant mothers could harm the unborn baby and result in birth defects. So, Xanax XR use should be avoided during pregnancy and in women planning to get pregnant.
- When taken together, Xanax XR can interact with a number of other medications and can precipitate serious reactions. Some medications, such as, oral contraceptives, antibiotics, anti-GERD agents like omeprazole, inhibit the enzyme systems needed for the metabolism of Xanax Concurrent administration of these medications with Xanax XR can prolong the duration of Xanax XR action, secondary to inhibition of Xanax XR metabolism, and result in toxicity. Avoid taking Xanax XR with grapefruit juice, as it can also inhibit the enzyme systems needed for the metabolism of Xanax XR and result in toxicity with Xanax XR.
