Alprazolam Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Alprazolam is a tranquilizer prescribed primarily for short-term relief for anxiety disorders, panic attack, depression as well as nervous tension and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine, which increases the activity of nerve transmitters by blocking the action of higher brain areas, which brings the calming effect on the patient. In some cases Alprazolam is also used to treat alcohol withdrawal, fear of open spaces and strangers, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Alprazolam Side Effects

Alprazolam side effects usually go away with continued usage. Alprazolam side effects may include upset stomach, agitation, abnormal involuntary movement, allergies, anxiety, blurred vision, chest pain, confusion, constipation, decreased or increased sex drive, depression, diarrhea, difficult urination, dream abnormalities, drowsiness, dry mouth, fainting, fatigue, fluid retention, headache, hyperventilation (too frequent or too deep breathing), inability to fall asleep, increase or decrease in appetite, increased or decreased salivation, impaired memory, and irritability.

Less common Alprazolam side effects include lack of or decreased coordination, light-headedness, low blood pressure, menstrual problems, muscular twitching, nausea and vomiting, nervousness, painful menstruation, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, rash, restlessness, ringing in the ears, sedation, sexual dysfunction, skin inflammation, speech difficulties, stiffness, stuffy nose, sweating, tiredness, tremors, upper respiratory infections, weakness, weight gain or loss. Rare Alprazolam side effects may include Abnormal muscle tone, arm or leg pain, concentration difficulties, dizziness, double vision, fear, hallucinations, hot flushes, inability to control urination or bowel movements, infection, itching, joint pain, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, muscle spasm, rage, seizures, shortness of breath, sleep disturbances, slurred speech, stimulation, talkativeness, taste alterations, temporary memory loss, tingling or pins and needles, uninhibited behavior, urine retention, weakness in muscle and bone, yellow eyes and skin.

Alprazolam Side Effects Reporting

If you experience any Alprazolam side effects not mentioned above you should report it to your primary health care provider or FDA 1-800-FDA-1088 in the United States, Health Canada 1-866-225-0709 in Canada, MHRA 020 3080 6000 in UK, or TGA 1800 020 653 in Australia.

Alprazolam Overdose

Symptoms of Alprazolam overdose may include confusion, coma, impaired coordination, sleepiness, slowed reaction time. Alprazolam overdose can be fatal especially if combined with alcohol. In case of Alprazolam overdose, seek medical attention right away. If you miss a dose of Alprazolam, take it as soon as you can. However, if it is just about time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and go on with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose of Alprazolam.

ALPRAZOLAM CAUTION

Withdrawal symptoms may occur if Alprazolam is stopped abruptly.

Alprazolam should be gradually reduced and only your physician should recommend you on how to discontinue or alter your dose. Withdrawal symptoms include abnormal skin sensations, blurred vision, decreased appetite, diarrhea, distorted sense of smell, heightened senses, muscle cramps or twitching, problems concentrating, weight loss, and rarely, seizures. It can be avoided by gradually lowering the doses.

You should not take Alprazolam if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to it or other tranquilizers.

Tell your physician if you are taking antifungal drugs like Nizoral, have a history of palpitation, tachycardia, serious mental illness, kidney, liver, or lung disease.

Do not take Alprazolam if you have been diagnosed with narrow-angle glaucoma.

Alprazolam may cause you to become drowsy. Avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery or equipment.

Prolong use of Alprazolam may cause psychological and physical dependence.

Alprazolam should not be taken for more than 8 weeks unless otherwise advised by your physician.

As with all antianxiety drugs, there is likelihood that Alprazolam may encourage suicidal thoughts. If you notice any new or unusual symptoms after starting Alprazolam, contact your physician right away.

ALPRAZOLAM INTERACTION

Alprazolam may intensify the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking Alprazolam.

Possible drug interaction with Alprazolam with may include the following:

Antibiotics such as Biaxin and erythromycin
Antidepressant drugs, including Elavil, Norpramin, and Tofranil
Antihistamines such as Benadryl
Antabuse
Cordarone
Cardizem
Cardene
Darvon
Ergotamine
Grapefruit juice
Lanoxin
Luvox
Neoral
Oral contraceptives
Other central nervous system depressants such as Valium and Demerol
Paxil
Procardia
Prozac
Rifamate
Serzone
Tagamet
Tranquilizers such as Mellaril and Thorazine
Tegretol
Zoloft
Herbs like Catnip, hops and Kava.

ALPRAZOLAM AND PREGNANCY

Do not take Alprazolam if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. There is an increased risk of birth defects.
Alprazolam may appear in breast milk. If taking Alprazolam is necessary for your health, bottle-feed the infant.

ALPRAZOLAM DOSES

ADULTS
Anxiety disorder
Starting dose of Alprazolam is 0.25 to 0.5 mg 3 times a day. Maximum daily dose 4mg.
Panic disorder
Starting dose of Alprazolam is 0.5 mg, 3 times a day. Maximum is 10 mg.

CHILDREN
Alprazolam is not recommended for children under 18 years of age.

SENIORS
Starting dose anxiety disorder is 0.25 mg, 2 or 3 times daily.
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