Hair Restoration Seattle

206.209.0988
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube Yelp Tiktok
206.209.0988
Menu

Doctor’s Advice on How Much Xanax to Take Before Surgery

Dr. Javad Sajan / August 26, 2024
People Read: 30
If you are about to undergo a surgery, having anxiety is natural. Almost everyone feels panicky but it must be treated with medication if it is causing extreme trouble. Panic disorder before surgery can be dangerous as the body needs to support the treatment. The calmness of mind and body is vital for post-surgery recovery as well.To combat this challenge, doctors advise a drug called Xanax to calm down the anxiety. The important factor here is the amount of the dosage to be taken. Let’s explore the dosage advised by the doctor in this article.  

Introduction to Xanax

The medication is used to treat anxiety-related conditions like panic attacks and anxiety disorder. It comes in the form of a tablet which is taken by swallowing it. The active ingredient is alprazolam which makes the drug do the work it is supposed to. The group of drugs is known as benzodiazepines.  

General Dosage of Xanax

To start with, doctors advise taking a small dosage of Xanax and adjust the dosage to reach the right amount. Here is a breakdown of different dosage forms:  

  • Dosage for General Anxiety Disorder

If you have general anxiety disorder Xanax can be taken in the amount of 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg tablets three times daily. If the drug suits you well then the doctor might increase the dosage slowly. The maximum recommended dosage is 4 mg daily. 

  • Dosage for Panic Disorder

You will likely start with 0.5 mg three times per day. Once your body responds well to the drug, the doctor will increase the dosage to 1 mg in a gap of 3 to 4 days. The highest dose could be 10 mg daily, which is a very rare case scenario. 

Can You Take Xanax for Long-Term?

You must not take Xanax on a long-term basis. It is considered safe for around 10 weeks for panic disorders and 4 months for general anxiety disorder.Whenever you are stopping the dosage, you will use a taper schedule which means slowly decreasing the dosage before complete discontinuity. As the body will be dependent on the medication it could be harmful to suddenly stop taking the medication. Your doctor will guide you through the taper schedule you must follow which depends on your response to the dosage and level of anxiety you have.  

Factors Affecting the Dosage of Xanax

The dosage of Xanax is adjusted according to different factors, such as:
  1. Age: The dosage is lower if you are aged above 65 years.
  2. Liver Function: If the function of the liver is decreased then the dosage will be lower.
  3. Other medication: If you are already taking a drug like ritonavir, your doctor will advise you to take a lower dosage.
 

Final Thought 

Xanax is a medicine taken to calm down anxiety and panic disorders. Many people face these issues when they are about to undergo a big surgery. The medication of Xanax is taken with slowly adjusting its dosage. The same process is followed when you want to stop the medication, that is called taper. The medication should be taken under the guidance of a certified doctor and not be taken without a proper prescription. Consult your doctor if you are concerned about anxiety issues and complete a proper examination before taking any drug.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Sajan
Dr. Sajan

Dr. Javad Sajan is an expert hair restoration specialist who offers many techniques and methods for in-depth care. With decades of experience and training in hair restoration, Dr. Sajan is known for his incredible results with hair transplants and other unique hair treatments. Dr. Sajan is a leading hair restoration provider and works to create ideal results for every patient.