i have some expired xanax left from my old prescription what will happen if i take it? does it become more potent or less? anyone know? I used to have a lot of anxiety attacks and I haven't for awhile but do occationally and can't get a new script until next week
2006-06-09 11:37:40 · 16 answers · asked by graceful_78 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Call your pharmacist and ask them what the shelf life is for that medication. They will also be able to give you advice on whether or not to take the xanax.
If they tell you NOT to take it try and find a walk-in-clinic in your area. Explain to the doctor your situation and see if he or she will give you a script for a few pills until you can get to see your doctor next week. Take your old prescription with you so that they know that you have been prescribed the medication before and have some pills that have expired that you can't take. If you do that they will be less likely to think that you are just out trying to get meds.
Hope that helps.
2006-06-09 11:49:01 · answer #1 · answered by Andy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The drug reps just puts expiration dates on meds so that you have to keep buying. They are good for at least 2 yrs after the date. Depending on the drug, they usually loose their potency. I have Nurses and Nurse practitioners in my family, so this is why I know all this stuff, plus I am going to school for my BSN. It's ok to take the meds, I would however make an appointment with your doctor, he might want to put you on something else to help with the anxiety attacks.
2006-06-09 11:43:45 · answer #2 · answered by Hopelessly Dreaming 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think it becomes less potent - if its just a month old or so then it will be ok - i would call Walgreens or a 24Hr pharmacy so you could talk to a Pharmacy tech they will be able to tell you if its ok or not - if you really need it - see what they say and then go from there !! Hope this helps -
2006-06-09 11:43:50 · answer #3 · answered by lilrebelchick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If is more than a month past its sell by date which should be written on the bottle or packet, I would suggest to take it back to the chemist. They will give you a small amount after ringing your doctor to confirm if its ok.
2006-06-09 11:43:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is common practice, at least in the US, to have a drug "expire" at the end of one year.
Personally I have used them well beyond that without a problem.
You could call the pharmacy and ask them.
2006-06-09 11:42:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
although i wouldn't take expired medicine i think if they expired between a week and one month ago nothing wrong will happen, normally it's good for 5 years since it was produced
2006-06-09 11:42:16 · answer #6 · answered by sorryna 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on how past due it is. If it expired like a week ago I think you will be fine.
2006-06-09 11:40:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your insurance company offers a nurse hotline call for advice. How old is it?
I would not take it without medical advice first.
2006-06-09 11:41:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends look @ the experation date if there is none and it's been over 2yrs throw it out otherwise just take the recommended amount
2006-06-09 11:40:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should throw all expired medicine away.
2006-06-09 11:42:06 · answer #10 · answered by Steve 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋