What is alprazolam?
alprazolam uses 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 (, 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.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you use during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks.
How should I take alprazolam?alprazolam uses
Take 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 aam.alprazolam uses
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.
Allow the orally disintegrating tablet to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Anxiety:
Immediate-release tablets/orally disintegrating tablets (ODT): 0.25 to 0.5 mg orally administered 3 times a day
-Maximum dose: 4 mg/day
Usual Adult Dose for Panic Disorder:
Immediate-release tablets/ODTs: 0.5 mg orally administered 3 times a day
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
Extended-release tablets:
-Initial dose: 0.5 to 1 mg orally once a day
-Maintenance dose: 3 to 6 mg orally per day, preferably in the morning
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
Comments:
-The lowest possible effective dose should be administered and the need for continued treatment reassessed frequently.
-Dosage should be reduced gradually when discontinuing therapy or when decreasing the daily dosage.
-The daily dosage may be decreased by no more than 0.5 mg every 3 days; however, some patients may require an even slower dosage reduction.
-The dose of extended-release tablets may be increased at intervals of 3 to 4 days in increments of no more than 1 mg per day.
-The times of administration should be distributed as evenly as possible throughout the waking hours.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Anxiety:
Elderly or debilitated patients:
Immediate-release tablets/ODTs: 0.25 mg orally administered 2 or 3 times a day.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Panic Disorder:
Elderly or debilitated patients:
Immediate-release tablets/ODTs:
-Initial dose: 0.25 mg orally administered 2 or 3 times a day
Extended-release tablets:
-Initial dose: 0.5 mg orally once a day
Comments:
-If side effects develop, the dose may be lowered.
-The lowest possible effective dose should be administered and the need for continued treatment reassessed frequently.
-Dosage should be reduced gradually when discontinuing therapy or when decreasing the daily dosage.
What happens if I overdose?alprazolam uses
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?alprazolam uses
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.alprazolam uses
