Does Xanax Cause Pericarditis?

Posted on Mon, 15 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 15 Sep 2014 Answered on

Thu, 2 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had symptoms of the pericarditis I had late July. I am aware stress aggravates the symptoms. I had taken generic zanex for 2 weeks prior. Only very small dose but daily when in a stressful period. I feel the fillers in that med. made me ill. I have seen that there is a record of that being true, and brand zanex has had no incidences. I want to take zanex when stressed. would you recommend this? I am scrupulous about meds.

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Xananx may be taken But......

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

Xanax is pfizer's alprazolam and an anxiolytic and has nothing to do with pericarditis symptoms. Yes one can take xanax in low doses for anxiety or sleep disturbances etc or stress. But there are many other healthy ways to do that like modifying diet and lifestyle, avoiding stimulants and caffeine and getting some psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy sessions.

Now xanax making you ill is possible as it is quite cautiously used in elderly people and has many adverse effects. Also concomitant use of some antifungals like ketoconazole etc my cause that too.

Here are some of the cautions to take as xanax may exacerbate following illnesses.

Anterograde amnesia reported with benzodiazepine use

Do not stop treatment abruptly; slowly taper to discontinuation (0.5 mg q3Days)

Use caution in elderly patients

Severe respiratory depression

Patients who recently received other respiratory depressants

Not for us in acute alcohol intoxication

Myasthenia gravis (allowable in limited circumstances)

Use caution in cases of respiratory disease (COPD), sleep apnea, renal/hepatic disease, open-angle glaucoma (questionable), depression, suicide ideation, drug abuse

CNS depressant; may impair ability to perform hazardous tasks

Paradoxical reactions, including hyperactive or aggressive behavior reported

Mania and hypomania episodes reported in depressed patients

I hope it helps. Get a psychiatrist and let them decide what is best for you.

Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.

May the odds be ever in your favour.

Regards
Khan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar