Xanax
Usage Directions
Adults
Anxiety Disorder
The starting dose of Xanax is 0.25 to 0.5 milligram taken 3 times a day. The dose may be
increased every 3 to 4 days to a maximum daily dose of 4 milligrams, divided into smaller doses.
Panic Disorder
The starting dose of regular Xanax is 0.5 milligram 3 times a day. The dose may be increased by 1 milligram a day every 3 or 4 days. You may be given a dose from 1 up to a total of 10 milligrams, according to your needs. The typical dose is 5 to 6 milligrams a day.
In case you are taking Xanax XR, the starting dose is 0.5 to 1 milligram once a day taken in the morning. Depending on the response of your body, the dose may be gradually increased by no more than 1 milligram every 3 or 4 days. The usual effective dose is 3 to 6 milligrams a day. Some people may need a larger dose to relieve their symptoms while others, including older adults and those with liver disease or other serious illnesses, may need to use lower doses.
Consult your doctor periodically to reassess your treatment and make sure you're getting the right amount of xanax.
Children
Unfortunately, safety and effectiveness of xanax have not been established in children under 18 years of age, so it is highly recommended to avoid giving this medication to children.
Adults of Age 50+
The starting dose for an anxiety disorder is 0.25 milligram, 2 or 3 times daily. The starting dose of Xanax XR is 0.5 milligrams once a day. This dose may be gradually increased if needed and tolerated.
Switching from Xanax to Xanax XR
If you're taking divided doses of Xanax, the doctor will switch you to a once-daily dose of Xanax XR that equals the current amount you're taking. If your symptoms return after switching, the dose can be increased as needed.