Prilosec and Xanax

I would not take any drug like Xanax without checking with a doctor, it has very strong side effects and can be habit forming, so please check properly.

You should speak with your pharmicist.  They are more familiar with the drug's half-life...i.e. how long it lasts in your system...than a physician is.  Prilosec OTC is an extended release formula.  It takes up to 4 days to reach effective levels in your blood stream and probably takes a similiar length of time to get out of your system

Nita, I see no relationship between the two. If there is something you know that just came out (as it seems they are always coming out with new beliefs etc...) anyway, to my knowledge these two meds can be taken without having to get rid of one or the other.

The question was the time length between stopping the prilosec and starting xanax, not whether or not she needed to stop the Prilosec before starting the Xanax.  She already received 'guidance' on that point.

She needs to talk with her pharmacist because there is a contraindication to using Prilosec with antidepressants (such as valium and xanax), warfarin, digoxin, and some antifungal medications.  They are oxidized in the liver and can lead to liver damage/failure.  Concurrent usage should be cleared with your MD.  If both are used, liver and renal function tests, and others, need to be monitored.  (There's a reason Prilosec OTC is only recommended for 14 day courses...longer and you need to talk with your MD.)

I do not see a need to be over worried about waiting to take xanax after taking prilosec. Patients are frequently taking both at the same time. I would take them both at the same time myself. Any slight risk of a drug interaction would involve how fast xanax is metabolized, meaning that the xanax may be a little more effective than normal. However, the interaction is more theorhetical than one actually seen in clinical practice.

Prilosec OTC was limited to 14 days because of the possibility that someone may have a serious ulcer case if their heartburn is not relieved within 14 days.