How to take Xanax sublingually? (5 steps)
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
In this article, we will answer, “How to take Xanax sublingually?” We will also discuss how oral and sublingual forms of Xanax are different.
How to take Xanax sublingually?
To take Xanax sublingually, you should buy Xanax SL, which is specifically formulated for the sublingual route. It is available in 0.5 and 1 mg potency and is very effective in quick relief from anxiety and nervousness. (1)
First, you should find out whether Xanax SL is available in your area.
If it is not available and your prescription requires sublingual administration, the recommended approach is to use generic alprazolam oral disintegrating tablets rather than attempting to place regular oral Xanax under your tongue.
Generic Alprazolam in orally disintegrating formulations is easily available by the names of Niravam and Gabazolamine etc. (2)
You should discuss this with your doctor before making any changes. After getting the right formulation follow the following steps to take Xanax sublingually:
- Wash your hands properly to avoid contamination.
- Place the prescribed dose of Xanax SL (alprazolam) under your tongue.
- Allow the tablet to dissolve slowly under your tongue without swallowing it. This is key for sublingual absorption.
- Avoid eating or drinking for a few minutes to allow the medication to be absorbed through the sublingual mucosa.
- If you have to take 2 or more tablets of Xanax SL at the same time, place each tablet at a different sit under the tongue.
You’ll start to feel the effects relatively quickly, as sublingual administration can be faster-acting compared to swallowing the pill.
How Sublingual Xanax is different from the oral one?
Sublingual Xanax and oral Xanax are two distinct forms of the same medication, alprazolam, utilized to address anxiety and panic disorders. Their dissimilarities stem from their routes of administration.
Sublingual Xanax, as the name suggests, involves placing the tablet beneath the tongue, where it slowly dissolves. This method offers a faster onset of action compared to oral Xanax.
Xanax SL reaches peak concentration more swiftly than its oral counterpart. Importantly, sublingual Xanax boasts a bioavailability that’s on par with the oral form.
Sublingual Xanax does not require water during administration, which makes it easy for people who dislike swallowing solid oral pharmaceutical forms.
Pharmacodynamically, both sublingual and oral Xanax produce comparable effects, such as sedation, calmness, muscle relaxant and drowsiness.
However, due to its quicker onset of action, sublingual Xanax can lead to these effects more rapidly than oral Xanax.
Notably, both forms of Xanax possess the potential for misuse and dependence. Thus their use should always be monitored and supervised by a professional doctor. (3)
Can you use oral Xanax sublingually?
While oral Xanax is designed to be swallowed with water, some individuals may attempt to use it sublingually. However these two forms of administration are not identical, and this practice is discouraged unless advised by the doctor. (4)
Oral Xanax is not for sublingual use
Oral Xanax, in its standard tablet form, is primarily designed for oral ingestion. The tablet’s composition and coating are optimized for the digestive process in the stomach.
When an oral Xanax tablet is placed under the tongue, it may not dissolve correctly because binders and excipients in the oral form are different from those in sublingual dosage.
Sublingual administration is typically intended for medications specifically formulated for this purpose, which have properties that facilitate rapid dissolution and absorption under the tongue.
Attempting sublingual use with oral Xanax may result in the tablet remaining intact or dissolving unevenly, potentially leading to inconsistent absorption.
Incomplete absorption and unpleasant taste
When oral Xanax is used sublingually, it may not absorb completely. This means that not all of the medication may be effectively taken up by the body.
Incomplete absorption can lead to reduced efficacy, where the desired therapeutic effects may not be achieved fully. Also, oral Xanax is bitter in taste and this can make the experience unpleasant.
This can also result in a slower onset of action compared to its sublingual counterpart. This is because oral Xanax is not optimized for rapid absorption through the mucous membranes under the tongue.
Patients seeking quick relief from symptoms may not experience the same level of rapid response that sublingual Xanax can provide.
Sublingual Xanax cannot be taken with food while oral Xanax can be taken with or without food. For effective absorption of Xanax SL, you should wait for a few minutes after taking the dose and then you can have food.
Potential for side effects
Using oral Xanax sublingually can increase the risk of experiencing adverse effects. The unintended route of administration may lead to variations in the drug’s bioavailability.
This can potentially cause side effects such as sedation and impaired cognitive function to be more pronounced.
Patients may find themselves feeling overly sedated or experiencing weakness, poor balance, and troubled speech more acutely than if the medication were taken orally as directed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, given the availability of Xanax SL, I strongly recommend taking it sublingually rather than attempting to use oral Xanax sublingually. If it is not available choose generic alprazolam orally disintegrating formulations.
When using Xanax SL sublingually, remember to allow it to dissolve under your tongue, and avoid drinking water or eating for a few minutes to ensure effective absorption.
