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Xanax (sometimes spelled Zanax), a benzodiazepine commonly prescribed by physicians and psychiatrists to help treat anxiety and panic disorder by enhancing the effects of the brain's own calming chemicals, has taken the leap from the pharmacy shelves out into cyber space. The purchase of Xanax online is undoubtedly easier than waiting in line at the corner drugstore. The question is, is it smarter?

The pros of purchasing Xanax online are obvious. Many online pharmacies make drugs available for much less than consumers would pay downtown. There is no line, so consumers aren't forced to take time out of their schedule that they really don't have to stand and wait for their medication. Purchasing Xanax online may provide patients with the option of an automated refill, making it easy for them to always have their prescription in stock. Since online pharmacies are completely confidential patients who prefer complete anonymity can have their prescription filled without having to worry about a personal association with the pharmacist.

Of course, that doesn't mean that buying Xanax online is the only (or in many cases the best) option. The primary concern of both patients and physicians is that along with the many legitimate online pharmacies currently in operation are those pharmacies that are operating overseas and lack the certification and licensure of a local company. These companies may make Xanax available without a prescription, a tempting option for the patient who doesn't have the time or money to pay a return visit to their doctor to get their prescription refilled but potentially hazardous because it eliminates the possibility of a physician making necessary adjustments to the dosage to compensate for the patient's height, weight, age and/or condition.

Take extra care when ordering from an online pharmacy because they are not going to have a record of your past prescriptions and medicine allergies the way that a neighborhood pharmacy should. Most pharmacies operate a 'red flag' system that allows them to quickly alert a patient to possible drug interactions that could have serious side effects. By choosing to buy Xanax online patients are cutting themselves off from that safety net. Although a good online pharmacy will ask for a record of other drugs being taken at the time, unless a patient uses that same pharmacy to fill their next prescription they may easily end up with a drug that either counteracts the effects of your Xanax or, in a worst case scenario, can bring on deadly side effects.

The bottom line is that purchasing Xanax online has a number of pros and cons, all of which patients should be aware of before authorizing a charge to your credit card. To find a qualified, certified location to buy Xanax online consumers should look for the following:

1)A prescription requirement. No legitimate pharmacy is going to be willing to dole out Xanax without having a prescription from a physician in hand. Any company that doesn't should be given a wide berth. Some online pharmacies may however have an in-house pharmacist available to consult you over the phone.

2)A VIPPS certification from the National Association Boards of Pharmacy. These companies have been tested by a national certification agency, meaning that they have passed the requirements of an offline pharmacy and are operating both legitimately and safely.

An online retailer can provide consumers with a fast, efficient way of getting their medication without having to deal with the internal workings of a pharmacy; however, patients should be advised to do their homework well in advance. If you order through an online pharmacy, do a little research on them first to make sure they are legitimate. There are websites that review online pharmacies and keep a database. Also make sure the pharmacy is aware of any other medications you are taking and checks for negative side effects.