The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends never taking drugs beyond their expiration date as it is risky with many unknown variables. For example, how your drug is stored before you receive it, chemical make-up, and original manufacturing date can all affect potency of a drug.

Excluding certain prescription medicines such as nitroglycerin, insulin, and liquid antibiotics, most medicines stored under reasonable conditions retain at least 70% to 80% of their original potency for at least 1 to 2 years after the expiration date, even after the container has been opened.

Whether it’s safe to take something that’s expired really depends on what it is. Every medicine ages differently. Allergy medication, pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen), and cold medicine likely won’t hurt you. But avoid taking expired antibiotics, supplements, and eye drops.

Expired medical products can be less effective or risky due to a change in chemical composition or a decrease in strength. Certain expired medications are at risk of bacterial growth and sub-potent antibiotics can fail to treat infections, leading to more serious illnesses and antibiotic resistance.

It’s hard to tell how long your food if good for once the expiration date has passed, plus each food is different. Dairy lasts one to two weeks, eggs last almost two weeks, and grains last a year after their sell-by.

Xanax may still be potent and safe after its expiration date, but it’s not guaranteed. Some drugs, such as certain antibiotics, can actually be dangerous if taken after their expiration date, but Xanax isn’t one of those.

Xanax may be taken by teenagers if prescribed by a doctor in the case of a lack of response to other drugs or behavioral therapy. Xanax may be abused among kids and teens because of its euphoric effects, and long-term use or abuse can lead to physical dependence and addiction.

Studies have shown that the half-life of Xanax ranges from 6.3 to 26.9 hours, depending on the person. It takes several half-lives to fully eliminate a drug. For most people, Xanax will fully clear their body within two to four days.

At times, a longer-acting benzodiazepine, like Valium (diazepam), may be substituted for Xanax during detox. By keeping a small amount of a benzo in the bloodstream, drug cravings and withdrawal may be controlled for a period of time until the drug is weaned out of the system completely.

Xanax is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and insomnia. The drug is extremely addictive and should only be used under a doctor’s supervision.

It can be used short-term as a way to offer people immediate relief from their symptoms or as part of a long-term management plan for GAD or panic disorder. Xanax is often prescribed for panic attacks, which can occur as part of SAD.

Exercise is hugely beneficial when it comes to regulating your mood and anxiety, but with guidance from a trusted doctor, it is possible to use Xanax and exercise on a short-term basis.

While the effects Xanax has on neurotransmitters paints a picture of stimulation, these drugs actually make users quite tired. For this reason, lethargy is very common and can conversely lead to weight gain. Users may become extremely forgetful and others will take note of this.

Pharmacological therapies have been used to augment the effect of antidepressants; however, such therapies are associated with a range of adverse effects. Studies indicate that exercise may be safe and effective in augmenting depression treatment.

Alprazolam (Xanax) belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. People use Xanax to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It is the single most prescribed psychiatric medication in the United States.

Alprazolam may be taken every day at regular times or on an as needed (“PRN”) basis. Typically, your healthcare provider will limit the number of doses you should take in one day. Your healthcare provider will determine the dose and method of taking the medication that is right for you based upon your response.

For anxiety disorders, the dosage for adults typically starts at 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg three times per day. A doctor may incrementally increase the dosage to maximize the effect. However, the maximum dosage does not usually exceed 4 mg per day. For panic disorders, the required dose of Xanax may exceed 4 mg per day.

The Food and Drug Administration has announced a nationwide recall of a batch of alprazolam, a generic version of Xanax, because of potential contamination. The manufacturer, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, said Friday that the voluntary recall was because of the possible presence of a foreign substance.

But there’s another less recognized prescription drug problem: benzodiazepines like Ativan, Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin. While doctors are prescribing fewer painkillers, prescriptions for these anti-anxiety drugs are still going up.

Though not prescribed in the United States, flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) is sold illicitly on the streets. Used as a date rape drug, Rohypnol is a high-potency benzodiazepine with a relatively long half-life….High-potency Benzodiazepine List

• alprazolam (Xanax)
• lorazepam (Ativan)
• triazolam (Halcion)