ADULTS

Anxiety disorder
The usual 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 usual starting dose of regular Xanax is 0.5 milligram 3 times a day. This dose can 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.

If you're taking Xanax XR, the usual starting dose is 0.5 to 1 milligram once a day taken in the morning. Depending on your response, 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. Others, including older adults and those with liver disease or other serious illnesses, may need to use lower doses.

CHILDREN

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children under 18 years of age.

OLDER ADULTS

The usual 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.

Overdosage

An overdose of Xanax, alone or after combining it with alcohol, can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Xanax overdose may include: confusion, impaired coordination, sleepiness, slowed reaction time and coma.