Alprazolam

Alprazolam is an effective drug prescribed to patients who have panic disorders and anxiety disorders as a result of depression. The drug controls the levels of certain unbalanced chemicals released by the brain in patients who suffer from depression.

Alprazolam is a part of a group of medicines which go by the name of benzodiazepine. This class of drugs work in a way through which they calm the brain and the central nervous system, preventing panic attacks.

The drug is meant for oral consumption and should not be chewed or swallowed whole. Allow the tablet to dissolve when you place it in your mouth before gulping it down. In case you are taking the liquid form of Alprazolam, measure it properly and only take the dosage that has been prescribed.

Before you start the drug be sure to research some general information about it. For instance, the drug is not meant for patients who suffer from problems like glaucoma and allergies.

To ensure if Alprazolam is safe for consumption, inform your doctor if you have health issues like:

• Epileptic seizures
• Asthma
• Depression and suicidal thoughts
• Addiction to alcohol or drugs
• Taking narcotic medication.

Alprazolam can result in birth defects. Therefore it cannot be taken by pregnant women. Traces of the drug has been found in breast milk too and can have a negative impact on the infant. Thus, nursing mothers are also advised not to take Alprazolam.

Some side effects of the drug include tiredness, feeling sleepy, memory issues, and developing anxiousness. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms is also a common side effect of Alprazolam. Misuse of Alprazolam can result in overdosage and even death in extreme cases. This drug can become addictive, thus it should be kept away from individuals who have a history of drug addiction.

Use Alprazolam with caution in patients with depression, particularly if suicidal risk may be present. Episodes of mania or hypomania have occurred in depressed patients treated with alprazolam.

May cause physical or psychological dependence - use with caution in patients with a history of drug dependence. Acute withdrawal, including seizures, may be precipitated in patients after administration of flumazenil to patients receiving long-term benzodiazepine therapy.

Use Alprazolam with caution in patients with depression, particularly if suicidal risk may be present. Episodes of mania or hypomania have occurred in depressed patients treated with alprazolam.

May cause physical or psychological dependence - use with caution in patients with a history of drug dependence. Acute withdrawal, including seizures, may be precipitated in patients after administration of flumazenil to patients receiving long-term benzodiazepine therapy.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Anxiety

  Alprazolam is used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Uneasiness, difficulty in sleeping, sweating of hands and feet are some of the symptoms of anxiety disorder.

• Panic Disorder

  Alprazolam is used in the treatment of the panic disorder. Sweating, breathing problem, weakness and numbness in hands are some of the symptoms of panic disorder.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Allergy

  Avoid taking this medicine if you have a known allergy to Alprazolam or other benzodiazepines.

• Azole antifungal agents

  Avoid taking this medicine If you are using azole antifungal agents like Ketoconazole and Itraconazole. These medicines will increase the concentration of Alprazolam by increasing its availability in the body.

• Narrow Angle Glaucoma

• Pregnancy

• Asthma

• Depression

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Unsteadiness

• Sleeplessness

• Weight Loss

• Blurred Vision

• Heartburn

• Light Headedness

• Memory Impairment

• Irritability

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• How long is the duration of effect?

  This medicine is excreted in urine and the effect lasts for a duration of 44 hours for an immediate release tablet and 52 hours for an extended release tablet / disintegrating tablet.

• What is the onset of action?

  The peak effect can be observed in 1 to 2 hours for an immediate release tablet, 1.5 to 2 hours for a disintegrating tablet and 9 hours for an extended release tablet.

• Is it habit forming?

  Habit forming tendency has been reported

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  This medicine is known to excreted through human breast milk. It is not recommended for breastfeeding women.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  This medicine is contraindicated during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, you must consult a doctor before taking this medication.

• Does this affect liver function?

  It is advised to not consume the drug if you have any known problems in the organ. Talk to your doctor for further consultation. Reduce dose by 50% to 60% or avoid in cirrhosis.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  No, the drug should not be consumed if you have had alcohol before bed or during daytime because alcohol can add to the side effects experienced due to the tablet. Alcohol taken with Alprazolam can cause severe respiratory depression and breathlessness.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  It may affect the alertness of the patient taking this medicine. Thus it is suggested to avoid driving if taking this medication.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  It is assumed to be safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data is available to suggest requirement of dose adjustment. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medication.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Missed Dose instructions

  If you miss a dose of Alprazolam, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• India

• United States

• Japan

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Alprazolam as ingredient

• Ancolam 0.25 MG Tablet

  Sigmund Promedica

• Zoldac 0.25 MG Tablet

  Zydus Cadila

• Zolam 0.25 MG Tablet

  Stadmed Pvt. Ltd

• Alzolam 0.5 MG Tablet

  Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd

• Alprax 1 MG Tablet

  Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Alora 0.5 MG Tablet

  Shine Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Restyl 1 MG Tablet

  Cipla Ltd

• Alora 0.25 MG Tablet

  Shine Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Manorest 0.25 MG Tablet

  Orchid Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Alprax 0.25 MG Tablet

  Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

This medicine, like other benzodiazepines, has a high affinity for the benzodiazepine binding site in the brain. It facilitates the inhibitory neurotransmitter action of gamma-aminobutyric acid, which mediates both pre- and postsynaptic inhibition in the central nervous system (CNS). Enhancement of the inhibitory effect of GABA on neuronal excitability results by increased neuronal membrane permeability to chloride ions. This shift in chloride ions results in hyperpolarization (a less excitable state) and stabilization.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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• Interaction with Alcohol

  Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it increases the risk of depression and breathlessness.

• Interaction with Lab Test

  This medicine causes an increase in the level of alkaline phosphatase.

• Interaction with Medicine

  Cetirizine

  Use of Alprazolam with cetirizine or levocetirizine should be avoided if possible. Do not operate heavy machinery if you are using these medicines. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement of the medicine should be made under the doctor's supervision.

  Metoclopramide

  Use of Alprazolam with metoclopramide should be avoided if possible. Do not operate heavy machinery if you are using these medicines. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement of the medicine should be made under the doctor's supervision.

  Opioids

  Opioids like morphine, codeine, tramadol, hydrocodone or any cough preparations containing these medicines should be avoided when you are on Alprazolam or other benzodiazepines. Appropriate dose adjustments are to be made if coadministration is needed and monitoring of sedation, breathlessness, and hypotension is necessary.

  Azole antifungal agents

  Azole antifungal agents like ketoconazole and itraconazole should be avoided when you are Alprazolam due to the risk of increased concentrations of the medicine in the body which may cause increased sedation and changes in ECG. Inform the doctor if you are receiving these medicines when you are prescribed with Alprazolam. If coadministration is needed then alternative medicines like lorazepam and oxazepam could be considered.

  Antihypertensives

  You may experience hypotensive effects like dizziness, lightheadedness if these medicines are used together. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is necessary. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement of the medicine should be made under the doctor's supervision.

  Others

  This medicine interacts with Cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, clozapine, CNS depressants, diltiazem, disulfiram, digoxin, erythromycin, ethanol, fluconazole, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, grapefruit juice, isoniazid, itraconazole, ketoconazole, labetalol, levodopa, loxapine, metoprolol, metronidazole, miconazole, nefazodone, omeprazole, phenytoin, protease inhibitors like amprenavir and ritonavir, rifabutin, rifampin, troleandomycin, valproic acid, verapamil may increase the serum level and/or toxicity of alprazolam; monitor for altered benzodiazepine response. Kindly consult your doctor and inform him if you are taking any of these.

• Interaction with Disease

  Glaucoma

  Alprazolam is known to increase the fluid pressure inside the eye. It is contraindicated in acute narrow-angle glaucoma which is an eye disorder.

  Seizure Disorders

  The sudden stop of Alprazolam may cause withdrawal effects and can precipitate seizures. The dose should be reduced gradually. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting the doctor.

  Others

  • Rebound or withdrawal symptoms, including seizures may occur 18 hours to 3 days following abrupt discontinuation or large decreases in dose (more common in patients receiving >4 mg/day or prolonged treatment). Dose reductions or tapering must be approached with extreme caution. Between dose, anxiety may also occur.
  • Use with caution in patients receiving concurrent CYP3A4 inhibitors, particularly when these agents are added to therapy. Has weak uricosuric properties, use with caution in renal impairment or predisposition to urate nephropathy. Use with caution in elderly or debilitated patients, patients with hepatic disease (including alcoholics), renal impairment, or obese patients.
  • Benzodiazepines have been associated with anterograde amnesia. Paradoxical reactions, including hyperactive or aggressive behavior, have been reported with benzodiazepines, particularly in adolescent/pediatric or psychiatric patients. Does not have analgesic, antidepressant, or antipsychotic properties.

• Interaction with Food

  It is recommended to consume the tablet after some time of having food. Do not consume on empty stomach. Consuming grapefruit juice, tea or coffee before or after taking the tablet can cause serious side effects.

• Ques : What conditions does Alprazolam treat?

  Ans : This medication is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It belongs to a class known as benzodiazepines which act on the brain and central nervous system to produce a calming effect.

• Ques : Is Alprazolam a habit forming medicine?

  Ans : This medication can be habit-forming. Do not take it for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.

• Ques : How long do I need to use Alprazolam before I see improvement in my condition?

  Ans : This medication should be consumed, until the complete eradication of the disease. Thus it is advised to use as directed by your doctor.

• Ques : Is there any special dietary instruction I should follow?

  Ans : Talk to your doctor about drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.

• Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Alprazolam?

  Ans : Keep this medication in the container and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture.

• Ques : What are the symptoms of Alprazolam overdose?

  Ans : Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, problems with coordination, loss of consciousness.

• Ques : Is Alprazolam safe?

  Ans : This medication is safe if used at prescribed doses as advised by your medical practitioner.

• Ques : Is Alprazolam addictive?

  Ans : Yes, the use of this drug has addictive potential. Its use is associated with the risk of addiction for physical or psychological effects.

• Ques : Is Alprazolam an opioid?

  Ans : No, this medication is not an opioid, it belongs to a class of substances called benzodiazepines.

• Ques : Is Alprazolam an anti-depressant?

  Ans : No, it is not an anti-depressant. This medication is used to relieve excess anxiety associated with depression.

• Ques : Is Alprazolam a narcotic substance?

  Ans : No, it is not a narcotic substance. Alprazolam belongs to the class of medicines known as benzodiazepines.

• Ques : Can I take Alprazolam for a hangover?

  Ans : No, this medication can not be consumed to manage hangovers.

• Ques : Does Alprazolam reduce blood pressure?

  Ans : Yes, if you consume more than the prescribed dose of this medication, the lowering of blood pressure could be seen. It is advised to immediately consult the doctor if you experience a fall in BP.

• Alprazolam- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2021 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/alprazolam

• Xanax Tablets 500 micrograms- EMC [Internet]. www.medicines.org.uk. 2021 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:

  https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1656/smpc

• ALPRAZOLAM ER- alprazolam tablet, extended release- Daily Med [Internet]. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:

  https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=79619e0f-1600-40ea-e053-2a91aa0a2700