Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Xanax XR as follows:
- Do not take diazepam, if you ever manifested any allergic responses to intake of diazepam or any other medications belonging to the benzodiazepine group, such as, oxazepam, lorazepam, prazepam, and diazepam. In the event of an allergic response with any of these medications, check with your physician regarding your safety with intake of Xanax
- Do not take Xanax XR along with alcohol, opioid pain medications, such as, hydrocodone and codeine, antipsychotic medications, antidepressant medications, anti-seizure medications, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, OTC cough syrups, and any other medications that carry a risk for depression of the central nervous system and the respiratory center, resulting in episodes of dizziness, confusion, difficulty breathing, and respiratory arrest. The individual influence of these medications on respirations and central nervous system can get added up, thus leading to severe respiratory depression, confusion, coma, and can even be fatal.
- Xanax XR intake can be habit-forming and carries an abuse potential. The risk for addiction and abuse can be even higher, especially in individuals with history of substance abuse. Xanax XR must be used with extreme caution or avoided in such individuals, to prevent any abuse and toxic side-effects with Xanax XR use.
