Alprazolam

Alprazolam can be used to treat anxiety and panic disorder.  Alprazolam®(also known as Xanax) is a short-acting drug in the benzodiazepine class that is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorders. It is also used as an optional, or supportive treatment for people with depression.

For example, at certain times it is given to people who start taking a type of antidepressant drug called SSRIs, since these can cause anxiety in the initial stages of use. This is rare and always done under the close supervision of a doctor.
Summary of Important Information on Alprazolam

  • Indications: panic disorder; panic attacks, anxiety disorder
  • Side Effects: drowsiness, memory problems, euphoria
  • Warnings: Use carefully in patients with liver disease and elderly patients.

 
Uses For This Medicine:

  • Alprazolam is FDA approved to treat panic disorders and anxiety.

 
When this Medicine Should Not be Used:

  • Alprazolam should not be used in patients with allergies to benzodiazepines or with narrow angle glaucoma.
  • Alprazolam should be used carefully in elderly patients, obese patients, or those with untreated open-angle glaucoma, liver disease or lung diseases.

 
Dosing:

  • Adult dose ranges from 0.25mg to 6mg per day, depending on the patient reaction to the medicine and on the reason for use.

 
Overdosing:

  • If you have any questions or concerns about a possible overdose of Alprazolam, please contact your healthcare professional or call poison control at 1-800-222-1222.

 
Common side effects of alprazolam can include:

  • somnolence (drowsiness)
  • euphoria (usually disappears over time)
  • fatigue
  • memory loss
  • appetite changes
  • weight changes
  • decreased saliva

Less common side effects include:

  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • nausea
  • dizziness
  • confusion/disorientation
  • nightmares
  • rash
  • libido changes
  • increased saliva
  • slurred speech
  • muscle cramps
  • joint pain
  • nasal congestion
  • sweating
  • ringing in ears

Serious side effects that are rare but should be reported to a physician include:

  • sleep apnea (trouble breathing at night)
  • hypoventilation (respiratory depression)
  • difficulty with urinating
  • blurred vision
  • difficulty in depth perception
  • jaundice (yellowing of skin)
  • rapid heart beat
  • slow heart beat

 
Drug Interactions:

  • Alprazolam interacts with many types of medications and should be used with caution. If alprazolam is being used with any drugs that could potentially interact, physician monitoring is needed to ensure safety. Examples of drugs alprazolam interacts with are:
  • certain pain medicines (talk with your healthcare provider for more details)
  • seizure medicines like carbamazepine (also known as Tegretol), phenobarbital, or phenytoin (also known as Dilantin)
  • alcohol
  • certain stomach medicines
  • sleep medicines
  • depression medicines, including MAO inhibitors
  • anti-fungal medicines
  • certain antibiotics
  • heart medicines like nicardipine, verapamil
  • cigarette smoke
  • grapefruit juice

 
How This Medication Works:

  • Alprazolam works in the brain to help reduce anxiety.

 
Discussion Points for You and Your Healthcare Provider:

  • Cigarette smoking can make you get less medicine in your body.
  • Long-term treatment with alprazolam may lead to physical and/or psychological dependence. This usually means that patients do not get as sleepy with continued use, but usually still get relief from anxiety.
  • Women who are pregnant should not use alprazolam.
  • Elderly persons should be very cautious when using alprazolam due to the possibility of problems with coordination and drowsiness.

This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare provider for more information.
 
More Information on this Medication:

 
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidances/ucm082455.pdf
http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dockets/06p0209/06P-0209-EC12-Attach-1.pdf
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm152978.htm