Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet

Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet 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 0.5 MG Tablet 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 0.5 MG Tablet, 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.

Inform your doctor if you have health issues like epileptic seizures, asthma, suffer from depression and suicidal thoughts, addiction to alcohol or drugs or take narcotic medication, to ensure if Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet is safe for consumption.

Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet 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 0.5 MG Tablet.

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 0.5 MG Tablet .

Misuse of Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet 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.

• Anxiety

  Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet 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 0.5 MG Tablet 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.

• Allergy

  Avoid taking this medicine if you have a known allergy to Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet 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 0.5 MG Tablet by increasing its availability in the body.

• Narrow Angle Glaucoma

• Pregnancy

• Unsteadiness

• Loss Of Coordination

• Drowsiness

• Blurred Vision

• Sleeplessness

• Decreased Appetite

• Weight Loss

• Double Vision

• Sudden Sweating

• Heartburn

• Fatigue

• Rash

• Tremor

• 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.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women. Use only if clearly required under the supervision of the doctor.

• 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?

  Dosing adjustment in hepatic impairment is needed. Reduce the dose by 50% to 60% and avoid this medicine in cirrhosis.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  It may have additive CNS effects, avoid using alcohol when taking this medication.

Below is the list of medicines, which have the same composition, strength and form as Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet , and hence can be used as its substitute.

• Trika 0.5 MG Tablet

  Unichem Laboratories Ltd

• Altzibarem 0.5 MG Tablet

  Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Tagat 0.5 MG Tablet

  Strides Shasun Limited

• Alzolam 0.5 MG Tablet

  Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd

• Merojet 250 MG Injection

  Hetero Healthcare Ltd

• Missed Dose instructions

  If you miss a dose of Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet, 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.

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.

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

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

• Interaction with Lab Test

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

• Interaction with Medicine

  Cetirizine

  Use of Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet 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 0.5 MG Tablet 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 0.5 MG Tablet 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 0.5 MG Tablet 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 0.5 MG Tablet. 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 0.5 MG Tablet 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 0.5 MG Tablet may cause withdrawal effects and can precipitate seizures. The dose should be reduced gradually. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting the doctor.

• Interaction with Food

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  Grapefruit juice should be consumed with Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet. Alternatively, you can consume orange juice which does not affect the medicine.

• Ques : What conditions does Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet 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 0.5 MG Tablet 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 0.5 MG Tablet 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 0.5 MG Tablet?

  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 0.5 MG Tablet overdose?

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

• Ques : Is Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet safe?

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

• Ques : Is Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet 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 0.5 MG Tablet an opioid?

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

• Ques : Is Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet 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 0.5 MG Tablet a narcotic substance?

  Ans : No, it is not a narcotic substance. Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet belongs to the class of medicines known as benzodiazepines.

• Ques : Can I take Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet for a hangover?

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

• Ques : Does Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet 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 250 micrograms- EMC [Internet]. www.medicines.org.uk. 2021 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:

  https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1657/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