What is alprazolam?
alprazolam 1mg is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). It is thought that it works by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression.
It is dangerous to purchase alprazolam on the Internet or outside the United States. The sale and distribution of medicines outside the U.S. does not comply with safe-use regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These medications may contain dangerous ingredients, or may not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take alprazolam if:
- you also take antifungal medicine such as itraconazole or ketoconazole; or
- you have a history of allergic reaction to any benzodiazepine (alprazolam, lorazepam, diazepam, Ativan, Valium, Versed, Klonopin, and others).
To make sure alprazolam is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- breathing problems;
- drug or alcohol addiction;
- depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or
- kidney or liver disease.
How should I take alprazolam 1mg?
Take alprazolam exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use alprazolam in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of alprazolam.
Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Do not remove the orally disintegrating tablet from the blister pack until you are ready to take it. With dry hands, remove the tablet and immediately place it on your tongue to dissolve and be swallowed with your saliva. The tablet may also be taken with water. Do not chew it.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.
If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.
Do not stop using alprazolam without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep your medicine in a place where no one can use it improperly.
Throw away any alprazolam liquid not used within 90 days.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of alprazolam can be fatal if you take it with alcohol, opioid medicine, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.
Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, muscle weakness, loss of balance or coordination, feeling light-headed, slow heartbeats, weak or shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.
What should I avoid while taking alprazolam 1mg?
Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how alprazolam will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.
Alprazolam side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to alprazolam: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Alprazolam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- weak or shallow breathing;
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- a seizure;
- hallucinations, risk-taking behavior;
- increased energy, decreased need for sleep;
- racing thoughts, being agitated or talkative;
- double vision; or
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.
Common alprazolam side effects may include:
- drowsiness; or
- feeling light-headed.
After you stop using alprazolam, get medical help right away if you have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, suicidal thoughts or actions.
Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer after stopping this medicine suddenly. Tell your doctor if you have ongoing anxiety, depression, problems with memory or thinking, trouble sleeping, ringing in your ears, a burning or prickly feeling, or a crawling sensation under your skin.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.
What other drugs will affect alprazolam 1mg?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.
Taking alprazolam with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.Many drugs can interact with alprazolam, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.
