General Information
Brand names and manufacturer
Type: OTC/Prescription/schedule
Pronunciation
Uses
What should I know before taking this drug
Precautions
Dosage information
Adverse reactions
Storage
Additional information if any
Alzolam ( Sun)
Alzot ( Pfizer)
Xanax
Alprazolam is a prescription drug available from your pharmacy store only with the prescription of a qualified medical practitioner.
Alprazolam is pronounced as: al-PRA-zoe-lam
Alprazolam is central nervous system acting drug belongs to class of drugs called
anxiolytics, hypnotics and sedatives. Alprazolam belongs to benzodiazepines group
Alprazolamis used to treat anxiety and panic disorder.
- Take alprazolam exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions ask your pharmacist or doctor to explain them to you.
- Alprazolam is taken by mouth with or without food. If it is extended release tablet do not crush or chew it, take it as a whole.
- Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer duration than recommended by your doctor.
- Do not grapefruit or drink grape fruit juice while you are taking alprazolam.
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to alprazolam or any other benzodiazepines.
- Always remember to inform your health expert if you are currently taking any OTC or prescription drugs like,
- Buprenorphine (Opioid drugs)
- Itraconazole or ketoconazole (Anti fungal medication)
- Alcohol
- Inform your doctor if you have following medical diseases , as alprazole should be used cautiously in these conditions.
- Narrow angle glaucoma
- Liver or kidney disease
- History of depression or suicidal tendency
- History of alcohol addiction
- Do not use alprazolam if you are having pre existing cns depression, glaucoma, hepatic impairment.
- Two forms of effective birth control is required to avoid pregnancy while you are taking alprazolam.
Pregnant woman: Alprazolam belongs to FDA pregnancy category D. This means that alprazolam can harm an unborn baby and cause birth defects if used during pregnancy. Do not use alprazolam with out your doctor consent however its use is justified if the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks.
Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning for conception.
Lactating women: Alprazolam passes into breast milk and harm nursing baby. Do not use alprazolam with out the consent from your doctor if you are breastfeeding your child.
Other: Alprazolam cause dependence, sudden stopping of this drug cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, headache, blurred vision, insomnia, nervousness. Your doctor will gradually decrease the dosage to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Alprazolam is available in the form of tablet.
Use as directed by your physician, your physician prescribes depending on the severity of disease.
Alprazolam for anxiety is taken about 0.5 mg three times daily up to maximum of 4 mg daily. For panic attack it can be given up to 10mg under doctor supervision.
Use the complete course of medication as prescribed by your physician even though you feel better after one or two days of usage of medication.
If it is almost the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at same time to cover up the missed dose.
In case of overdose contact your nearest poison control centre or emergency medical centre for immediate care by physician.
The symptoms for overdose are
The following are the side effects observed for alprazolam
- Psychological and physical dependency
- Drowsiness, sedation
- Visual disturbances
- GI disturbances
- Jaundice
If you experience any of the following stop your medication and immediately consult your doctor
- depression or suicidal intention
Store alprazolam at room temp (15 – 30 degrees C). Avoid excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight, never store in the bathroom.
Keep it out of reach of children. Make sure that any left over portion is disposed off safely.
- Alprazolam is a habit forming drug and it should be used by the person it is prescribed for.
- Alprazolam may cause tolerance which means on long term usage you may need higher dose to get the same effect. Talk to your doctor if alprazolam is not working and you are not getting desired effect. Do not increase the dose with out consulting your doctor.
- While taking the alprazolam do not drink alcohol, alcohol increases the side effects of alprazolam.
- While taking alprazolam be careful if you are driving or operating the machine that needs you to be alert.
It is imp to read manufacturing packaging instruction carefully if available and always do not hesitate to consult pharmacist or physician for any information.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last modified: July 8, 2011