Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine drug. This drug is usually used as a treatment to overcome the symptoms of anxiety disorders and panic disorders.
The dosage of this drug can vary depending on the condition and age. So, this drug should only be used with a doctor’s prescription. It is important not to use this drug carelessly because there is a risk of side effects that need to be watched out for.
How to Use Alprazolam
Use alprazolam exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not use in larger, smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Never share this medication with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.
Measure liquid medication with the measuring device provided (not a kitchen spoon). Swallow the extended-release tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Cautions for Using Alprazolam
Before taking alprazolam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or to other benzodiazepines (such as diazepam, or lorazepam).
In addition, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially:
- Severe lung/breathing problems.
- Liver disease.
- Kidney disease.
- Personal or family history of substance use disorders.
- Glaucoma.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only if clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor first.
This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
Breastfeeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Benefits of Alprazolam
The exact mechanism of action of alprazolam is unclear. However, it is thought to slow down the central nervous system. This system consists of the brain and spinal cord that control activity throughout the body.
Slowing down the central nervous system may help treat or prevent certain symptoms of anxiety or panic disorder. Therefore, alprazolam has benefits for treating:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
People with this condition have uncontrollable worries about common situations. They may have symptoms such as feeling that something bad is going to happen or being unable to calm themselves down.
- Symptoms of anxiety
Symptoms of anxiety vary but commonly include difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and sleep problems, among others. Alprazolam can be used short term to treat symptoms of anxiety.
- Panic disorder
A person with panic disorder experiences repeated and unexpected panic attacks.
A panic attack involves a sudden, intense feeling of fear. It can cause physical symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a fast or racing heartbeat, and sweating.
For each of these uses, alprazolam is prescribed for adults only. This medication has not been studied for safety in children younger than 17 years of age.
Alprazolam is also sometimes used off-label for other conditions. With off-label use, a drug is prescribed for a condition it is not approved to treat. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Alprazolam Dosage
The dose of alprazolam may vary depending on the condition experienced and the dosage form used.
It is important to always consult a doctor regarding the dosage of this medication.
However, in general, to treat anxiety disorders for tablets and quick-dissolving tablets, the dosage is:
- Adults: Dosage 0.25–0.5 mg, taken 3 times daily. The dose can be increased every 3–4 days to a dose of 3–4 mg per day. The duration of treatment should not exceed 12 weeks.
- Elderly: Dose 0.25 mg, taken 2–3 times daily. The dose can be increased gradually based on the condition.
Meanwhile, to treat panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, the dosage is:
- Tablet and Quick Dissolving Tablet Dosage Forms
- Adults: Initial dose 0.5 mg, taken 3 times daily. The dose can be increased by a maximum of 1 mg per day every 3–4 days. Maximum dose 10 mg per day.
- Elderly: Initial dose 0.25 mg, taken 2–3 times daily. If necessary, the dose can be increased based on the condition.
- Sustained Release Tablet Dosage Form
- Adults: Initial dose 0.5–1 mg, taken once daily. If necessary, the dose can be increased to a maximum of 1 mg per day every 3–4 days.
- Elderly: Initial dose 0.5 mg, taken once daily. If necessary, the dose can be increased based on the condition.
Alprazolam Side Effects
Common side effects of alprazolam may include drowsiness or feeling dizzy. Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults.
Be careful to avoid accidental falls or injury.
Alprazolam can slow or stop breathing, especially if you have recently used opioid drugs or alcohol.
Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you experience slow breathing with long pauses, blue lips, or if you have difficulty waking up.
Call your doctor right away if you have:
- Weak or shallow breathing.
- Feeling dizzy, like you’re going to faint.
- Seizures.
- Hallucinations, risk-taking behavior.
- Increased energy, decreased need for sleep.
- Racing thoughts, restlessness or talkativeness.
- Double vision.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to alprazolam, such as:
- Itchy rash.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Alprazolam Interactions
Some drugs that can interact with alprazolam are kava and sodium oxybate.
Other medications can affect the removal of alprazolam from the body, which may affect how alprazolam works, including:
- Azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole).
- Cimetidine.
- Certain antidepressants (such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone).
- Drugs to treat HIV (delavirdine, protease inhibitors such as indinavir).
- Macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin).
- Rifamycins (such as rifabutin).
The risk of serious side effects may be increased if this medication is taken with other products that can also cause drowsiness or breathing problems.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other medications such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as diazepam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Alprazolam Contraindications
Alprazolam should not be given to people who suffer from conditions such as:
-
- Myasthenia gravis.
- Severe respiratory insufficiency.
- Sleep apnea syndrome.
- Acute angle closure glaucoma.
- Liver dysfunction.