Alprazolam

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine. It is thought that it works by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

Introduction #

Generic name: Alprazolam

Brand names: Xanax, Xanax XR, Niravam

Dosage forms: oral concentrate (1 mg/mL); oral tablet (0.25 mg; 0.5 mg; 1 mg; 2 mg); oral tablet, disintegrating (0.25 mg; 0.5 mg; 1 mg; 2 mg); oral tablet, extended release (0.5 mg; 1 mg; 2 mg; 3 mg)

Drug class: Benzodiazepines

Uses #

Treatment of Anxiety

Treatment of Panic disorder

Benefits #

In Treatment of Anxiety

Alprax 0.25 Tablet reduces the symptoms of excessive anxiety and worry. It can also reduce feelings of restlessness, tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and feeling irritable. It will therefore help you go about your daily activities more easily and be more productive. Keep taking this medicine even if you feel well. Stopping it suddenly can cause serious problems. So, do not stop taking it without discussing it with your doctor.

In Treatment of Panic disorder

Alprax 0.25 Tablet can help relieve symptoms of many panic disorders including panic attacks. It can help you feel calmer and improve your ability to deal with problems. Do not stop taking it, even when you feel better unless your doctor advises you to.

Directions for use #

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Alprax 0.25 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How it works? #

Alprax 0.25 Tablet is a benzodiazepine. It works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger (GABA) which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

Side effects #

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

• 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

• Feeling light-headed.

Warnings #

• MISUSE OF ALPRAZOLAM CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH and should be used only by the person for whom it was prescribed. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

• Alprazolam can slow or stop your breathing and fatal side effects can occur if you take this medicine with alcohol, opioid medicine, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.

• Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer.

• Get medical help right away if you stop using alprazolam and have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or thoughts about suicide.

• You should not use alprazolam if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, if you also take itraconazole or ketoconazole, or if you are allergic to alprazolam or similar medicines (Valium, Ativan, Tranxene, and others).

• Do not use alprazolam if you are pregnant. This medicine can cause birth defects or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn.