*An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not FDA-approved. Prescribers can decide to use a medication off-label because, in their professional judgment, they believe it may offer a benefit to someone.
To get prescribed Xanax online, you will first need to find an online psychiatry provider who can and will prescribe controlled substances. Not all online platforms will prescribe benzodiazepine medications like Xanax due to special regulations for controlled substances. State laws can affect access as well.
Your primary care physician may be able to refer you to a prescriber who can evaluate you and prescribe Xanax. If you are looking for online access to your prescription, we have thoroughly evaluated online providers like Talkiatry and Circle Medical that can and will prescribe benzodiazepines like Xanax, and found them each to be a good place to get started with an evaluation. If your provider feels Xanax is a good fit for your anxiety symptoms, they may prescribe you Xanax online.
Boxed Warning: Risks of Alprazolam (Xanax) include misuse, addiction, withdrawal and even death
Alprazolam, the active ingredient in Xanax, has a black box warning. These are the most serious types of warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Taking Xanax, a benzodiazepine, with other opioid medications increases your risk for serious side effects that include severe sedation, slower breathing, coma, and death. Xanax should not be taken with an opioid unless there are no other options.
- Taking Xanax can lead to misuse (abuse) and addiction of the medication, which can increase your risk of overdose and death.
- Using Xanax can lead to physical dependence and this risk increases the longer you take Xanax. If you suddenly stop taking Xanax, you can experience withdrawal. Withdrawal can be life threatening. Xanax should only be discontinued by gradual tapering of the dose.
Xanax is a controlled substance, which means that it’s more likely to be misused or cause dependence. There are federal and state laws that limit the amount of medication that can be prescribed or dispensed within a certain period of time.
Personalized Treatment for Anxiety
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who accepts insurance. Talkiatry psychiatrists can evaluate you for anxiety and implement a personalized treatment plan, including medication. If appropriate for you and allowed by your state, this can include controlled substances. Get started with a short online assessment.
Key Takeaways to Get Prescribed Xanax Online & In Person
To get prescribed Xanax online, start by getting an evaluation from an online provider who can and will prescribe controlled substances, such as Talkiatry.
Xanax alternatives may be necessary for some to consider, including other benzodiazepines and antidepressants.
Brand name Xanax can cost between $168-$193 for a 30-day supply of the smallest dosage available without insurance. Xanax coupons, savings cards, and discounts may all help lower costs.
How to Get Xanax Prescribed Online or In Person
To get prescribed Xanax online or in person, you will first need an evaluation to determine whether it is a good fit for treating your symptoms of anxiety. The process of getting diagnosed and potentially prescribed Xanax online or in person may vary for people of different ages.
Due to special regulations for controlled substances, it is important to find an online psychiatry provider who can and will prescribe benzodiazepines like Xanax. For in-person prescription options, a good place to start is with your primary care provider.
How to Get Xanax Prescribed Online
Here is how to get a Xanax prescription online in six steps.
Step 1: Book an Appointment With an Online Psychiatry Provider
The first step is to book an appointment with an online provider that can and will prescribe controlled substances, such as Talkiatry. Due to special regulations for controlled substances, it can be difficult to find a provider to prescribe medications like Xanax online. We have thoroughly reviewed this platform, and in using this service ourselves, we have found it to be a good place to get started with an evaluation.
Step 2: Get a Psychological Evaluation & Discuss Your Symptoms
At your appointment, your provider will evaluate your overall health, medical history, and your anxiety-related issues. They will also ask about any previous treatments for your anxiety and why those did or didn’t work. This discussion will help the provider know whether Xanax may be safe and appropriate for you.
Step 3: Get Treatment Recommendations
Your provider will develop a treatment plan to help you manage your anxiety symptoms. This plan may include behavioral therapy, medication such as Xanax, or both. An alternative medication may be recommended if Xanax isn’t the best fit. If Xanax is determined to be a good fit for you, your provider will review the risks, benefits, and how to take the medication.
Step 4: Fill Your Online Xanax Prescription
If offered, your prescriber will give you a prescription for a 30-day supply, which you may fill through their online platform. You may be able to get Xanax medication delivered to your home, but it can vary widely depending on the state you live in. All online psychiatry platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Step 5: Schedule Follow-up Appointments
Your prescriber will need to meet with you either at your initial evaluation or your first refill. This is a federal requirement for Schedule IV controlled substance medications such as Xanax. Your prescriber will check on your symptoms, determine if Xanax is still suitable, and adjust the dosage if needed.
Step 6 : Discuss Prescription Refills With Your Provider
Schedule IV controlled substances such as Xanax cannot be refilled automatically. Your prescriber may offer no more than an initial prescription and 5 refills within a 6-month timeframe. After 6 months, a new and separate prescription will need to be written for additional medication.1
How to Get Xanax Prescribed In Person
In six steps, here is how to get a Xanax prescription in person.
Step 1: Book an Appointment With a Healthcare Provider
For an in-person anxiety evaluation, a good place to start is with your primary care provider. This may be a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. If they determine it is needed, they can refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist who can further evaluate whether to include Xanax as a part of the treatment plan for you.
Step 2: Get a Psychological Evaluation & Discuss Your Symptoms
An appointment for in-person psychological evaluations is similar to online evaluations. You and your provider will discuss how your anxiety symptoms affect your daily functioning.
Step 3: Get Treatment Recommendations
After completing the evaluation, your provider will develop a treatment plan that may include behavioral therapy, medication such as Xanax, or both. This plan will address how to manage your anxiety symptoms in different settings, such as home or work. If Xanax is determined to be a good fit for you, your provider will review the risks, benefits, and how to take the medication.
Step 4: Choose Where to Get Your Xanax Prescription Filled
If offered, your prescriber will give you a prescription for a 30-day supply, which you may fill at your preferred local pharmacy or an online psychiatry platform. You may be able to get a Xanax medication delivered to your home, but it can vary widely depending on the state you live in. All online psychiatry platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Step 5: Schedule Follow-up Appointments
Due to regulations for prescribing controlled substances, a new prescription with a prescriber visit is required each month. At first, your prescriber will meet with you monthly to check on your symptoms and adjust your Xanax dosage. Depending on how the medication works for you, your prescriber may offer multiple prescriptions you can fill and change your check-in visits to once every 6 months.
Step 6: Discuss Prescription Refills With Your Provider
Schedule IV controlled substances such as Xanax cannot be refilled automatically. Your prescriber will check on your symptoms, determine if Xanax is still suitable, and adjust the dosage if needed. Your prescriber may offer no more than an initial prescription and 5 refills within a 6-month timeframe. After 6 months, a new and separate prescription will need to be written for additional medication.1
Personalized Treatment for Anxiety
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who accepts insurance. Talkiatry psychiatrists can evaluate you for anxiety and implement a personalized treatment plan, including medication. If appropriate for you and allowed by your state, this can include controlled substances. Get started with a short online assessment.
How Much Does Xanax Cost?
The cost of Xanax can vary based on several factors, including your location, the pharmacy you use, and whether you have insurance, as well as on the dosage and length of prescription (number of days) your doctor prescribes.
Xanax Prices
The cost of Xanax currently ranges from $168-$203 for a 30-day supply of 0.25 milligrams without insurance. Your Xanax prescription may cost much less with insurance depending on your plan and coverage. A similar prescription of the generic form of Xanax, alprazolam, costs $11-$23. The cost of Xanax will also vary based on the dosage and amount prescribed. Coupons for Xanax are often available and may reduce your out of pocket costs.
Note: Cash prices listed are derived from multiple sources. The prices listed are an estimate only and cannot be guaranteed. For exact prices, please contact the pharmacy.
Walmart
$196
Walgreens
$193
CVS / Target
$202
RiteAid
$175
Kroger
$188
Costco
$203
Hy-Vee
$168
Publix
$181
Albertsons
$176
Does Insurance Cover Xanax?
Depending on your insurance company, your plan may cover your Xanax prescription. Policies can change coverage at any time and some may only cover generics.
Commercial insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE all have different requirements and policies for medication coverage. Contact your insurance provider directly to learn whether your prescription may be covered.
Here are online anxiety treatment platforms that accept insurance:
- Talkiatry may prescribe controlled substances in some cases and is only available to those with insurance.
- Brightside Health accepts many major insurance plans. It does not prescribe controlled substances but can be an option if you are prescribed antidepressants for your anxiety.
For in-person prescription appointments, you may be asked to provide insurance information when you book it or when you arrive. You can find out which local providers are covered by your insurance plan.
Personalized Treatment for Anxiety
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who accepts insurance. Talkiatry psychiatrists can evaluate you for anxiety and implement a personalized treatment plan, including medication. If appropriate for you and allowed by your state, this can include controlled substances. Get started with a short online assessment.
Who Is Xanax a Good Fit For?
Xanax can be a safe and effective FDA-approved treatment for symptoms of anxiety, and it can be helpful for other conditions and symptoms for some people. While it carries risk of misuse, some find Xanax to be helpful for reducing symptoms and improving daily functioning.
Here’s who may benefit from a Xanax prescription:
- Those who have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (FDA-approved treatment)2
- Those with a diagnosis of panic disorder (FDA-approved treatment)2
- Those with insomnia (non-FDA-approved treatment)
- A secondary treatment for those with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (non-FDA-approved treatment)
Who Shouldn’t Be Prescribed Xanax?
Each person responds to medication differently and Xanax may not be a good fit for everyone. Xanax is FDA-approved as a safe and effective treatment for adults with symptoms of anxiety, panic disorder, and specific phobias, but there are exceptions to consider.
People who should take extra caution before using Xanax include:
- Children and teens
- Pregnant and breastfeeding parents
- Those with other mental health conditions
- Those with a history of substance abuse
- Those with kidney or liver problems
- Those with breathing problems
This is not a complete list of warnings and precautions for taking Xanax and not all possible reactions may occur. Discuss with your doctor to see if Xanax is right for you.
Xanax Alternatives
There are several prescription Xanax alternatives available. Both benzodiazepines and antidepressant medications can help reduce anxiety symptoms. Alternatives to Xanax include other benzodiazepines, such as Ativan, Klonopin, and Valium. These medications are for short-term use only and often not the first treatment offered. There are also several antidepressant medications FDA-approved to treat anxiety symptoms
Antidepressant Medications
Lexapro and Paxil are all antidepressant medications that are FDA-approved to treat anxiety disorders. Antidepressants such as Zoloft and Prozac may also be used off-label to treat anxiety symptoms. Off-label use means that a prescriber may use a medication as non-FDA-approved treatment because they believe it may benefit a patient.
Having multiple Xanax alternatives is important for people who need or wish to avoid benzodiazepine medications. Because benzodiazepines are controlled substances, they may be difficult to obtain online.
Antidepressants may also be easier for online psychiatrists to prescribe depending on your state, diagnosis, and other factors. If you are looking for an online provider that can prescribe Xanax alternatives, both Talkiatry and Brightside can offer antidepressants where they may be a good fit.
Generic Xanax
Also, the generic version of Xanax may be prescribed as an alternative to the brand name for several reasons. It contains the same active ingredient as the brand name medication, which is alprazolam. The generic form also has the same treatment benefits as brand name Xanax and is less expensive.
Over-the-Counter Xanax Options
There are various over-the-counter Xanax alternatives that claim to help with the treatment of anxiety, such as supplements and medications. However, none of these are FDA-approved. Quality studies are limited and do not show that such treatments improve anxiety symptoms.
Some over-the-counter treatments may interact with other medications you may be taking. Check with reputable sources and your healthcare providers before taking any supplements.
Personalized Treatment for Anxiety
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who accepts insurance. Talkiatry psychiatrists can evaluate you for anxiety and implement a personalized treatment plan, including medication. If appropriate for you and allowed by your state, this can include controlled substances. Get started with a short online assessment.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
If you think getting a Xanax prescription may help you treat your anxiety symptoms, one place to start is by talking to your primary healthcare provider. They know your health history and may be able to prescribe medication, if needed. Xanax is most commonly used to treat symptoms of panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
And if they think a psychiatrist or other specialist would be best for you, they can make a referral. Alternatively, if you do not have a primary healthcare provider, an online psychiatry provider such as Talkiatry is a good place to start.
Prepare for your first appointment by collecting important information about your condition. Write down your main symptoms and how they affect your life. Describe your goals for treatment, discussing your interest and concerns about using medications.
Questions to ask your care team about getting a Xanax prescription include:
- How often should I come for checkups for my Xanax prescription?
- What common side effects will I likely experience when I start my Xanax medication?
- How long will the medication’s side effects last?
- Should I be concerned about addiction and withdrawal symptoms of the medication?
- What are the best online psychiatry options?
- Are there over-the-counter alternatives for Xanax exist?
- What should I do if Xanax does not work for me?
- What will happen if I stop my medication abruptly?
Prescriber’s Tips
Your prescriber will share important information about your Xanax prescription. They will explain how to take and store your medication, what to avoid when taking it, and what to do about side effects. Follow these tips for safe and effective use of Xanax.
- Take Xanax as prescribed, do not change your dose or stop taking it unless your prescriber tells you to. Taking too much Xanax may lead to overdose and increase your risk of misuse or addiction.
- Get emergency help right away if any of the following happens: shallow or slowed breathing, breathing stops (which may lead to the heart stopping), excessive sleepiness (sedation)
- Avoid operating heavy machinery or dangerous activities until you know how the medication affects you.
- Take your medication at the same time each day. Doing so can help you remember to take it, making it as effective as possible.
- Tell your prescriber right away if you have any worsening mental health symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Xanax?
Xanax is a benzodiazepine medication that is FDA-approved medication for treating symptoms of anxiety and panic disorder.2
How Does Xanax Work?
Xanax works by enhancing the effects of a body chemical called GABA. Xanax affects the central nervous system to create a sense of calm.
Who Can Prescribe Xanax?
Xanax can be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider who is registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). These providers may be primary care physicians, psychiatrists, neurologists, or nurse practitioners.
Can You Get Xanax Prescription Refills Online?
Controlled substances such as Xanax cannot be refilled online if the initial evaluation was done remotely. Refills must be done with an in-person visit to a medical practitioner. Talk to your provider to make sure you can get your prescription refills when you need them.
Are There Refill Limits for Xanax Prescriptions?
There are limits to prescriptions for controlled substances. While prescriptions cannot be refilled, a prescriber may provide refills for up to a 6-month supply.1
How Can I Get Xanax Delivered to My Home?
You may be able to get Xanax delivered to your home, but it can vary widely depending on the state you live in. All online psychiatry platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Can Urgent Care Prescribe Xanax?
This is not likely due to Xanax being a controlled substance. If you have a prescription already, contact your primary provider or local pharmacy for help. If you do not have a prescription, you will need a psychiatric evaluation first. An urgent care or walk-in clinic is not equipped to provide this type of evaluation.3
How Long Is a Xanax Prescription Good For?
The amount of Xanax for an initial prescription or refill is no more than a 34-day supply. Your prescriber may provide refills for up to a 6-month supply.1 Talk to your prescriber if you may have trouble scheduling an appointment before your supply runs out.
Can You Get a Xanax Prescription Refilled Early?
Schedule IV controlled substances like Xanax have limitations on refills and may only be refilled a few days before the refill date.
How Much Is Xanax Without Insurance?
The cash cost of brand name Xanax can range from $168-$193 for a 30-day supply of the smallest dosage available.
Can You Get Prescribed Xanax Without Anxiety?
Yes, prescribers may use Xanax to treat other conditions off-label, such as insomnia, depression, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Off-label means that a prescriber may use a medication as non-FDA-approved treatment because they believe it may benefit a patient.
Do You Need a Prescription for Xanax?
Yes, Xanax is only available with a prescription.
Is There a Generic Version of Xanax?
Yes, a generic version of Xanax is available and has the active ingredient alprazolam.
What Are the Effects of Misusing Xanax?
Signs of Xanax misuse may include blacking out, drowsiness, memory loss, slurred speech, feelings of euphoria, and running out of the medication early.
ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
-
Controlled Substances Listed in Schedule II. (May 14, 2024). ECFR.gov. Retrieved from https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-II/part-1306/subject-group-ECFRe4ae2bfb4eae102
-
DailyMed – XANAX- alprazolam tablet. (January 18, 2023). DailyMed.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
-
Spencer, Aiden. (May 19, 2016). What Type of Medication Can an Urgent Care Doctor Prescribe? AJMC.com. Retrieved from https://www.ajmc.com/view/what-type-of-medication-can-an-urgent-care-doctor-prescribe
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated cost information in FAQ in “How Much Does Xanax Cost Without Insurance?” and “Key Takeaway” section
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated cost information in FAQ in “How Much Does Xanax Cost Without Insurance?” and “Key Takeaway” section
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated cost information in FAQ in “How Much Does Xanax Cost Without Insurance?” and “Key Takeaway” section
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated cost information in FAQ in “How Much Does Xanax Cost Without Insurance?” and “Key Takeaway” section
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated cost information in FAQ in “How Much Does Xanax Cost Without Insurance?” and “Key Takeaway” section
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Added “Key Takeaways” feature. Edited for clarity. Consolidated sections called “Do I Need a Xanax Prescription?” and “What Can I Expect When Getting a Xanax Prescription?”, retitled as “Who Is Xanax a Good Fit For?”; Revised and retitled sections titled “How to Get Xanax Prescribed Online & In Person”, “Questions to Ask Your Provider”, “Xanax Alternatives” with additional subsections “Antidepressant Medications”, “Generic Xanax”, and “Over-the-Counter Xanax Options”. Created additional FAQs, updated sources as needed.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated cost information in Key takeaways for getting prescribed Xanax online and FAQ in “How Much Does Xanax Cost Without Insurance?” section. Updated prescribing information resource in source list.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes:Updated formatting and added new article content including drug overview summary block, cost table, and alternatives comparison slider. Also updated “Questions to Ask Your Provider” and “Prescriber Tips” page features.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Added new sections titled “How Much Does Xanax Cost?”, “What Can I Expect When Getting a Xanax Prescription?”, “Prescriber’s Tips”, “FAQs”, “Does Insurance Cover Xanax?”. Revised sections titled “Do I Need a Xanax Prescription?”, “How to Get Xanax Prescribed Online & In Person”, “Who Shouldn’t Be Prescribed Xanax”, What Are Xanax Alternatives?”, “Are There Over-the-Counter Xanax Options?”, “Questions to Ask Your Health Team About How to Get Xanax”. Reviewed and added relevant sources. Edited for readability and clarity.
Author: Diana Rangaves, PharmD, RPh
Reviewer: Heidi Moawad, MD
Your Voice Matters
Can't find what you're looking for?
Request an article! Tell ChoosingTherapy.com’s editorial team what questions you have about mental health, emotional wellness, relationships, and parenting. Our licensed therapists are just waiting to cover new topics you care about!
Leave your feedback for our editors.
Share your feedback on this article with our editors. If there’s something we missed or something we could improve on, we’d love to hear it.
Our writers and editors love compliments, too. :)
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, ChoosingTherapy.com has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. ChoosingTherapy.com is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
Personalized Treatment for Anxiety
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who accepts insurance. Talkiatry psychiatrists can evaluate you for anxiety and implement a personalized treatment plan, including medication. If appropriate for you and allowed by your state, this can include controlled substances. Get started with a short online assessment.
Online Psychiatry
Circle Medical Anxiety and Depression Treatment. Meet with an online doctor today! All prescriptions are based on necessity determined by a medical professional. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. No membership or hidden fees. Same day appointments. Visit Circle Medical
Online Therapy
BetterHelp Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 30,000 therapists, who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $65 per week and is FSA/HSA eligible by most providers. Take a Free Online Assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you. Free Assessment
Anxiety Newsletter
A free newsletter from the experts at ChoosingTherapy.com for those impacted by anxiety. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign Up
Online Anxiety Test
A few questions from Talkiatry can help you understand your symptoms and give you a recommendation for what to do next.
Best Online Psychiatry Services
Online psychiatry, sometimes called telepsychiatry, platforms offer medication management by phone, video, or secure messaging for a variety of mental health conditions. In some cases, online psychiatry may be more affordable than seeing an in-person provider. Mental health treatment has expanded to include many online psychiatry and therapy services. With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming to find the one that is right for you.
