Alprazolam
Agoraphobia, Depressive Disorder ... show more
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DRUG STATUS
Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
Essential Medicine
NO
Teratogenicity
N/A
Pharmaceutical Class
Benzodiazepine
Alprazolam
Know More About This Medicine -
Click HereSummary
Alprazolam is a medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It can also help people with agoraphobia, a fear of being in public places.
Alprazolam works by attaching to a part of brain cells called GABAA receptors, which help calm the brain by blocking certain signals. It makes these signals stronger, thus reducing anxiety and panic.
The average daily dosage of Alprazolam is 5-6 mg, but it can go up to 10 mg per day. It's taken orally, two to three times a day. Dosage may be reduced in older adults due to sensitivity.
Common side effects of Alprazolam include feeling sleepy, dizzy, having a dry mouth or increased saliva. Serious but rare side effects can include coma, death, confusion, thoughts or actions of suicide, seizures, and trouble breathing.
Alprazolam can cause severe drowsiness, breathing problems and even death when taken with opioids, alcohol or other depressants. It's important not to drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. If you experience severe symptoms like slowed breathing or excessive sleepiness, seek emergency help immediately.
Indications and Purpose
What is Alprazolam used for?
Alprazolam is a medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It works by calming the brain and nerves. Alprazolam is effective in relieving symptoms such as nervousness, worry, and panic attacks. It can also help people with agoraphobia, a fear of being in public places.
How does Alprazolam work?
Alprazolam, a medication for anxiety and panic disorders, works by attaching to a part of brain cells called GABAA receptors. These receptors help calm the brain by blocking certain signals. Alprazolam makes GABA signals stronger, which helps reduce anxiety and panic.
Is Alprazolam effective?
Alprazolam is a medication used to treat panic disorder. The average daily dosage is 5-6 mg, but some patients may need up to 10 mg per day. If you're taking more than 4 mg per day, your doctor should check in with you regularly and may recommend lowering your dose. In a study, patients who took more than 4 mg of alprazolam per day for 3 months were able to reduce their dose by half without losing the benefits of the medication.
How does one know if Alprazolam is working?
The benefit of Alprazolam is evaluated by monitoring improvements in symptoms like reduced anxiety, fewer panic attacks, and better sleep quality. Regular follow-up appointments with a doctor help assess its effectiveness and identify any side effects. Patients may also track their daily emotional well-being and report changes to their healthcare provider for accurate evaluation.
Directions for Use
How do I take Alprazolam?
Alprazolam can be taken with or without food, depending on what suits the individual. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it can increase the medicine's effects and side effects. Avoid alcohol while taking Alprazolam, as it can enhance drowsiness and impair alertness. Always consult your doctor for specific instructions.
For how long do I take Alprazolam?
Alprazolam is used to treat panic disorder, but it's not clear how long it should be taken. A three-month course didn't make a difference in how well people could stop taking it, compared to a six-month course. If you're taking more than 4mg per day, your doctor should check in with you regularly and consider lowering your dose. Taking more than 4mg per day for more than 12 weeks increases your risk of dependence.
How long does it take for Alprazolam to start working?
Alprazolam usually starts working within 30 minutes to 1 hour after taking it. Its effects peak in about 1 to 2 hours, providing quick relief from anxiety and panic symptoms. The exact timing may vary depending on individual factors like metabolism and dosage.
How should I store Alprazolam?
**Store alprazolam:** * Keep the bottle in a cool, dark place. The temperature should be between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). * Don't store it in a bathroom or near a sink. * Throw away any unused medicine after 90 days. * Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Warnings and Precautions
Who should avoid taking Alprazolam?
Alprazolam can cause severe drowsiness, breathing problems, and even death when taken with opioids, alcohol, or other depressants. **Do not take alprazolam with:** * Opioid pain medicines * Alcohol * Other medicines that make you sleepy **Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how these medicines affect you.** If you experience any of the following symptoms, get emergency help immediately: * Shallow or slowed breathing * Breathing stops * Excessive sleepiness This medicine can be dangerous, so it is important to use it exactly as prescribed.
Can I take Alprazolam with other prescription drugs?
Alprazolam, a prescription drug, can interact with other medications, especially strong ones that block a substance in the body known as CYP3A4. These strong medications can make more Alprazolam available in the body, increasing the chances of side effects. Using Alprazolam with strong CYP3A4 blockers (except one called ritonavir) is not recommended, as it can be dangerous. Examples of these strong medications include antifungal drugs like ketoconazole and itraconazole, and an antibiotic called clarithromycin.
Can I take Alprazolam with vitamins or supplements?
Alprazolam can interact with certain vitamins or supplements that affect the central nervous system. For example, combining it with sedative supplements like valerian root or melatonin can increase drowsiness. St. John’s Wort may reduce its effectiveness by accelerating its breakdown. Always consult a healthcare provider before using any supplements with Alprazolam.
Can Alprazolam be taken safely while pregnant?
Taking alprazolam late in pregnancy may cause your baby to have breathing problems, sluggishness, or low muscle tone. They may also have withdrawal symptoms like jitteriness, irritability, restlessness, shaking, excessive crying, or feeding problems. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take alprazolam during pregnancy. The registry collects information about the health of you and your baby. If you become pregnant during treatment with alprazolam, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications.
Can Alprazolam be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Alprazolam is a medication that can pass into breast milk and reach your baby. It can make your baby sleepy, have trouble feeding, and not gain weight properly. For these reasons, it's best not to breastfeed while taking alprazolam.
Is Alprazolam safe for the elderly?
For older adults, start with a low dose of alprazolam (0.25 mg) by mouth two to three times a day. If needed and tolerated, the dose can be gradually increased. Because older adults may be more sensitive to benzodiazepines, it's important to reduce the dose if any side effects occur. Due to reduced clearance in the elderly, higher levels of the medication may be present in the blood, necessitating a reduction in dosage. To minimize withdrawal symptoms, always gradually taper the medication when discontinuing.
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