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 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 this medicine if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Alprazolam or other tranquilizers. Tell your doctor 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 SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects of Alprazolam usually go away with continued usage. Common side effects of Alprazolam 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, irritability, 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/sleepiness, tremors, upper respiratory infections, weakness, weight gain or loss.
Rare side effects of Alprazolam 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.
DRUG INTERACTION
Alprazolam may intensify the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
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 for anxiety disorder is 0.25 mg, 2 or 3 times daily.
ALPRAZOLAM OVERDOSE
Alprazolam overdose symptoms may include confusion, coma, impaired coordination, sleepiness, slowed reaction time. An overdose of Alprazolam can be fatal especially if combined with alcohol.
Disclaimer:
The
information provided in this website is not intended to be used for
self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please consult your licensed health care
provider regarding all medical problems. You should never stop taking a prescription
drug or alter the dosage or dosing schedule without first consulting your
physician or health-care provider.
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