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Is Xanax a correct medicine for ADHD?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Nidhi Jain

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At September 19, 2016
Reviewed AtAugust 8, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My son, who is 26 years old, now has been diagnosed with ADHD when he was 5 years old. He went to various psychiatrist to make sure that he is actually ADHD. Six doctors confirmed that he has ADHD and two doctors said he has bipolar disorder. He says that he was given Xanax as a treatment for the anxiety caused by ADHD and bipolar. He takes 10 tablets of 1 mg Xanax a day and sometimes, 11 to 12 tablets a day. Occasionally, when he takes less tablets, he smokes weed. He says that the combination of 5 to 8 tablets of Xanax with weed is equal to 10 tablets of 1 mg Xanax a day. He also takes tablet 300 mg Seroquel at night to help him sleep. My questions are is Xanax considered a medication for ADHD or bipolar? Is it advised to take 10 to 12 tablets of 1 mg Xanax a day? Is it fine to mix Xanax with weed? What is the appropriate medication for ADHD and bipolar? If xanax is appropriate for ADHD and bipolar, then how much is the appropriate dosage? Does he need to go to rehabilitation to clean his body of the high amount of Xanax and weed? Is it compulsory to continue a low dose of Xanax lifelong?

Answered by Dr. Nidhi Jain

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder also called as ADHD is a problem with hyperactivity and decrease attention. Bipolar disorder is the disorder in which increase talk, tall claims, decrease need for sleep and high energy are the most common symptoms. Xanax (Alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine. Xanax is not a suitable drug for ADHD. It can be given in low dose for the acute phase of bipolar. Also, it is not advisable to take around 10 tablets a day. Both, weed abuse and Xanax abuse are very bad for health. For ADHD, I suggest Methylphenidate and Amphetamine. For Bipolar disorder, mood stabilizers and sometimes antipsychotic medicines are prescribed. Xanax can be given in the acute phase of bipolar. The dose of Xanax is 0.5 mg once a day and not for long-term use. He definitely should get admitted in de-addiction center. Xanax should not be started again for him. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Nidhi Jain
Dr. Nidhi Jain

Psychiatry

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