Does Xanax (Alprazolam) Expire?

In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not Xanax expires.

Question

I'd like to know if Xanax expires and if it does, is it safe to take Xanax after the expiration date?

Asked by Lee On May 06, 2021

Answered by
Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist Staff

Published May 06, 2021
Last updated Mar 29, 2024

Key points

  • Xanax is the brand name for the benzodiazepine alprazolam.
  • Xanax, like all medications, does expire.
  • Stock bottles of Xanax from a distributor or wholesaler generally expire after 2 to 3 years.
  • Once a pharmacy dispensed Xanax to a patient, the expiration date is generally set at one year.
  • Expired Xanax may not be as effective as it once was.

Answer

Hi Lee and thanks for reaching out to us. 

Yes, Xanax (alprazolam), a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety or a panic attack, does expire as all medications do. In terms of when it expires, that depends on whether or not you are referring to the drug before it is dispensed by your pharmacy, or after.

When Does Xanax Expire?

Packaged Xanax, in a stock bottle direct from the manufacturer or wholesaler usually has an expiration date of 2-3 years once it reaches your local pharmacy. This is sometimes referred to as the shelf-life of the product.

Once the pharmacy dispenses Xanax to a patient, it will usually have an expiration date of either one year or the actual expiration date on the stock bottle, whichever is the soonest.

It’s standard practice for most pharmacy chains to put an expiration date of one year after dispensing due to the fact that you may not keep the drug stored in a controlled environment like your local pharmacy. Some states also legally require an expiration date of no more than one year after dispensing.

Concerns With Expired Xanax

Overall, benzodiazepines, like Xanax, tend to be stable medications. If stored correctly (i.e. kept out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry, place), then there’s a good chance that the medication still maintains its potency as long as it’s not past its actual expiration date.

However, if it is past its actual expiration date or stored improperly, it can slowly degrade and become not as effective as it once was.

The good news is that Xanax does not degrade into any harmful components, and I could not find any case reports of anyone experiencing any side effects after taking it after the expiration date, so I wouldn’t expect anyone to accidentally harm themselves (at normal doses) from taking the expired product (but again, it just may not be as effective).

However, even if your alprazolam might still be ok to take after it expires, I still wouldn’t recommend taking it.

For one, if it isn't as effective as it once was, it won't adequately treat the symptoms you are experiencing.

Additionally, I’ve seen a number of people become dependent on Xanax throughout the years. It can be a particularly addictive medication unless carefully used as directed.

If you are considering using an expired product, that may mean that you've had it sitting around and may not be necessarily using it for the initial reason it was prescribed to you. 

I would recommend contacting your physician, scheduling an appointment, and seeing if Xanax is the correct medication for you. If it is, they can restart you on it, and you can get a new, non-expired prescription from your neighborhood pharmacy. Xanax is relatively inexpensive, so there probably won’t be a significant cost to get a new prescription.

Final Words

As a final point, I've been asked whether or not you can tell if expired Xanax has degraded at all, and, unfortunately, is no specific way to tell if it has lost potency or degraded to a significant degree.

Some drugs, like aspirin, noticeably change (degraded aspirin smells like vinegar). Xanax does not undergo any demonstrable changes, aside from the fact the tablet may have lost some structural integrity over time and just may not work as well if you take it.

I hope this helps and you get a chance to see your physician soon! Feel free to write us again in the future.

References

About the Pharmacist

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD

Dr. Brian has been practicing pharmacy for over 13 years and has wide-ranging experiences in many different areas of the profession. From retail, clinical, program development, and administrative responsibilities, he's your knowledgeable and go-to source for all your pharmacy and medication-related questions! Dr. Brian Staiger also has herbalist training and educational certificates in the field of medical ethnobotany. Feel free to send him an email at [email protected]! You can also connect with Dr. Brian Staiger on LinkedIn.

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