Xanax for Teens: Uses, Benefits, and Potential Side Effects
Xanax, also known by its generic name “alprazolam,” is a prescription medication commonly used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. For teens, Xanax’s effects can make a huge difference in stopping panic attacks and anxiety in its tracks. However, medications can affect each teen differently – so Xanax isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution.
If your healthcare provider has recently prescribed Xanax for your child, you may have questions about its uses, benefits, and potential side effects. For instance, how safe is Xanax for adolescents? What should families know about its use? Are there better alternatives?
At Mission Prep, we know how scary it can be to start a new medication. We’re here to provide families and teens with the knowledge and support they need to safely use alprazolam for treating anxiety in teenagers. This guide can also help, providing everything you need to know about Xanax, including:
- What Xanax is and the conditions it can be used to treat
- Alprazolam dosage guidelines for teens
- Potential side effects of Xanax
- How to stop Xanax safely
- Withdrawal symptoms of Alprazolam
- Who can and can’t use Xanax
- Alternatives to using Alprazolam
What Is Xanax?
Because of its fast-acting nature, Xanax for short-term anxiety relief in teens is relatively common. Other reasons alprazolam might be prescribed include:1
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)- Panic Disorder
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Insomnia
- Depression
It’s important to note that while Xanax can be very effective in treating these conditions, it is not a long-term solution. In fact, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends that alprazolam should only be prescribed for short-term use (2-4 weeks) due to its high potential for dependence.2
If you’ve been prescribed alprazolam for treating generalized anxiety in teens, your child will likely still need to engage in other treatment options for anxiety. When medication is prescribed alongside therapy, long-term recovery outcomes improve. However, Xanax is a good starting point if a teen’s anxiety is severe and uncontrollable.
Benefits of Xanax for Anxiety and Panic Disorders
A sense of calm: By enhancing the effects of GABA, Xanax helps regulate feelings of stress and bring a sense of calm.3- Fast-acting relief: Xanax begins working within 30 minutes to an hour, offering quick relief from acute anxiety episodes or panic attacks.1
- Improved quality of life: Teens living with anxiety may experience better focus, improved relationships, and enhanced participation in school and social activities without the weight of panic disorder or social anxiety weighing them down.
- Reduced depression: Research shows that Xanax works better than a placebo and as effectively as traditional antidepressants in reducing symptoms of depression.4
While these benefits can be life-changing for some, they should always be carefully weighed against any potential risks. Your mental health care provider can help you better understand whether Xanax is the right treatment option for your child. We also highlight side effects associated with Xanax later in this article.
Alprazolam Dosage for Teenagers
When prescribed to teens, Xanax is carefully dosed based on weight, symptoms, and overall health. For instance, Xanax dosages for teenagers can differ depending on whether they have generalized anxiety or panic disorder.
Xanax Dosage for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Typically, a physician will start with the smallest effective dose for GAD. This could range from 0.75 to 1.5 mg daily, given in divided doses depending on the severity of anxiety symptoms.5
Increasing the dose for GAD is done cautiously, as teens are often more susceptible to side effects. The maximum dose for GAD might range from 0.5 to 4.0mg daily, given at different intervals.5
Xanax Dosage for Panic Disorder
This higher dose can be a good thing for people with panic disorder, where panic attacks can be sudden and intense. However, it’s important to work closely with a mental health provider to determine the right dose. Many teens and adults require between 5.7-10 mg of Xanax daily to help tackle their panic disorder.5
It’s essential that Xanax is only used under the guidance of a licensed medical professional. These dosages are just guidelines and not set in stone. For instance, your provider might use less Xanax for teen stress management for you than for someone else. It’s normal for dosage to be adjusted to achieve the right effects, so try not to become discouraged if your medication’s dosage needs to change.
Potential Xanax Side Effects and Risks for Teens
Some of the many common Xanax side effects for teens include:6
Drowsiness- Light-headedness
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Talkativeness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dry mouth and increased salivation
- Gastric issues like nausea or constipation
- Changes in appetite
While these side effects tend to be well tolerated and ease with time, if they persist, you may need to discuss the option of adjusting the dose or changing to another medication with your provider. Xanax also poses a risk of more serious effects, such as the following.
Severe Xanax side effects include:6
Shortness of breath- Seizures
- Hives or a skin rash
- Jaundice
- Confusion
- Problems with speech
- Issues with coordination or balance
If you experience any severe side effects, contact your provider right away and get medical help. Some of these symptoms, like seizures and shortness of breath, can be signs of withdrawal or overdose.
Safely Stopping Xanax for Teens
If your teen is tempted to stop taking alprazolam suddenly, it’s important to understand that this can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms like seizures. For this reason, the best way to prevent Xanax withdrawal symptoms in adolescents is to slowly taper the medication.
Your healthcare provider is the best resource for stopping Xanax safely for adolescents. They can slowly reduce your dose over time to prevent withdrawal symptoms and help manage any potential side effects. Therefore, it’s important to follow your provider’s instructions carefully and not stop taking Xanax abruptly, even if your teen feels like they no longer need it.
The following are Xanax withdrawal symptoms to keep an eye out for when tapering the medication.
Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
Xanax and sleep problems in teenagers is well documented in withdrawal, as well as:7
- Rebound anxiety
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Psychosis
To avoid these uncomfortable symptoms, some people may continue taking Xanax even when they no longer need it for its intended purpose. However, this is also not a good idea, as long-term use of Xanax can lead to further problems.
The Risks of Long-Term Xanax Use
Additionally, evidence shows that benzodiazepines like Xanax can have other negative long-term effects, including:9
Increased mortality- Cognitive decline
- Early-onset dementia
- Increased risk of falls and accidents
Fortunately, your healthcare provider will likely recommend only using alprazolam for a short time. Doing so can help avoid these negative effects while still providing your teen with relief from anxiety.
Which Teens Shouldn't Use Xanax?
Alprazolam or benzodiazepine hypersensitivity- Known allergies to any of Xanax’s components in the drug dosage form
- Pulmonary diseases
- Been using CNS depressants, especially opioids, alcohol, and other benzodiazepines
Your health provider will want to know if any of these apply to your teen before prescribing Xanax. Even if your child isn’t able to take Xanax, there are other anti-anxiety medications that could help give them relief from social anxiety, GAD, or panic disorder. We discuss some of these alternatives below.
Alternatives to Xanax for Managing Anxiety
Xanax is not the only solution for anxiety, and there are several alternatives that can be effective for teens, including:
- SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): Medications like Prozac or Zoloft are often prescribed as long-term solutions for anxiety, with fewer risks of side effects.
- SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors): Similar to SSRIs but with an added norepinephrine boost, these are typically prescribed for more severe cases of anxiety.
- Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective non-medication approaches for managing anxiety and developing coping strategies. Other therapies include exposure therapy (ERP), trauma therapy, and eye movement reprocessing and desensitization (EMDR). Mission Prep provides a variety of evidence-based mental health treatments for anxiety.
Mission Prep: Supporting Teen Anxiety Treatment and Long-Term Solutions
Xanax can be a powerful tool for helping teens manage symptoms of anxiety or panic disorder – but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. The risks, particularly for adolescents, mean that it’s not suitable for all teens.
At Mission Prep, we’re here to offer guidance and support to families so they can get their teen the mental health treatment that fits their symptoms and needs. Contact us today to explore our inpatient and outpatient mental health treatments in California and Virginia. Our team is here to look beyond prescriptions and help your teen safely and effectively navigate their mental health journey.
References
- George, T., & Tripp, J. (2023, April 24). Alprazolam. StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538165/
- Lader, M. (2014). Benzodiazepine harm: How can it be reduced? British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 77(2), 295–301. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.12059
- Pallanti, S., Zohar, J., Kasper, S., Möller, H.-J., & Hollander, E. (2024). Revisiting benzodiazepines (GABA enhancers): A transdiagnostic and precision medicine approach. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 170, 65–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.11.042
- Evans, S. M., Foltin, R. W., & Fischman, M. W. (1999). Food “cravings” and the acute effects of alprazolam on food intake in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Appetite, 32(3), 331–349. https://doi.org/10.1006/appe.1998.0222
- Indonesian National Agency of Drug and Food Control. (2018). PT Pfizer Indonesia local product document: Generic name: Alprazolam, trade name: Xanax SL CDS. https://registrasiobat.pom.go.id/files/assesment-reports/01696920296.pdf
- Alprazolam: MedlinePlus drug information. (n.d.). MedlinePlus.gov. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684001.html#why
- Ait-Daoud, N., Hamby, A. S., Sharma, S., & Blevins, D. (2020). A review of alprazolam use, misuse, and withdrawal. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 12(1), 4–10. https://doi.org/10.1097/ADM.0000000000000350
- Noyes, R., Perry, P. J., Crowe, R. R., Coryell, W. H., Clancy, J., Yamada, T., & Gabel, J. (1986). Seizures following the withdrawal of alprazolam. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 174(1), 50–52. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005053-198601000-00009
- Brett, J., & Murnion, B. (2015). Management of benzodiazepine misuse and dependence. Australian Prescriber, 38(5), 152–155. https://doi.org/10.18773/austprescr.2015.055
