What is Alprazolam?
Alprazolam
is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). It is believed that it is a stimulant of neurotransmitters within the brain.Alprazolam is a medication used for treating anxiety, panic disorders, and anxiety triggered by depression.
It's dangerous to purchase alprazolam through the Internet or from outside the United States. The distribution and sale of medications outside of the U.S. does not comply with the safe-use guidelines that are enforced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These medicines could contain hazardous substances, or they may not be sold through an accredited pharmacy.
Warnings
Misuse of alprazolam could lead to addiction or even death, and it should only be used by the person to whom it is prescribed. Place the medication in a safe place so that others are not able to access it.
Alprazolam may slow or cease breathing, and deadly adverse effects could be experienced if you use this medicine in combination with alcohol, opioid medication, or any other drug that can induce drowsiness or slow your breathing.
Don't stop taking this medicine without consulting your physician. You could experience life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly quit using the medication after long-term use. Certain withdrawal symptoms can last for 12 months or more.
Seek medical attention immediately. If you stop taking alprazolam and are experiencing symptoms that include abnormal muscle movements, becoming more talkative or active, abrupt and drastic changes in behavior or mood such as hallucinations, confusion, seizures, or thoughts of suicide,
You shouldn't make use of alprazolam in the case of narrow-angle glaucoma, if you also take ketoconazole or itraconazole, or if you're intolerant to alprazolam or similar medications (Valium, Ativan, Tranxene, and many others).
Do not take alprazolam when you are pregnant. This medicine can cause birth defects or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in newborns.
Before You Take This Drug
It is not recommended to use alprazolam in the following situations:
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Additionally, you can take antifungal medications like itraconazole or ketoconazole, as well as
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Alprazolam, lorazepam, or diazepam, as well as Ativan, Valium, Versed, Klonopin, and other benzodiazepines, may cause an allergic reaction if you have a history of allergies.
To ensure that alprazolam is suitable for you, tell your doctor if you have ever experienced:
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Breathing issues;
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Addiction to alcohol or drugs.
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Depression, mood issues, suicidal thoughts, behaviors,
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Kidney or liver diseases
Inform your doctor whether you're pregnant or are planning to be pregnant. If you take alprazolam during your pregnancy, your baby could be born with withdrawal symptoms that could be life-threatening and may require medical attention for a few weeks.
Breastfeeding is not recommended.
If you breastfeed, consult your physician when you experience drowsiness or feeding issues with the infant.Not allowed to be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How To Take Alprazolam?
Alprazolam is taken exactly as prescribed by your physician. Follow the instructions on your prescription label, and be sure to read the prescription guides or instructions sheets. Do not use alprazolam in greater amounts or for a longer duration than what is prescribed. Inform your physician if you notice an increase in your desire to use more alprazolam.
Do not share this medication with anyone else, particularly those who have a history of substance abuse or addiction. In the wrong hands, it could lead to addiction, overdose, or even death. Make sure to keep the medication in a location where other people can't access it. Giving away or selling this medication is against the law.
Use the measuring device supplied (not an ordinary spoon).
Suck this tablet with extended release in its entirety, but do not chew, crush, or break it.
Let the tablet dissolve without chewing.
Consult your physician if symptoms do not improve or if they become worse.
If you take this medication for a long time, you might require regular medical examinations.
Do not stop taking alprazolam without consulting with your doctor. There is a risk of developing life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using the medication after prolonged usage.
Store your medicine at room temperature, far from heat, moisture, or light. Store your medication in a safe place where nobody will be able to use it in a way that isn't safe.
Dispose of any alprazolam-containing liquid that has not been used for 90 days.
Details on Dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Anxiety:
Tablets that release immediate-release orally disintegrating (ODT): 0.25 to 0.5 mg administered orally three times a day.
Maximum dose: 4 mg/day
Usual Adult Dose for Panic Disorder:
Tablets or ODTs with immediate release: 0.5 mg orally administered 3 times per day.
Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
Extended-release tablets:
Initial dosage: 0.5 to 1 mg daily, orally.
Maintaining dosage 3–6 mg every day, best in the early morning.
Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
Comments:
The smallest dose of effective treatment is to be administered, and the necessity for continuing treatment is regularly reassessed.
Dosage should be decreased gradually after stopping therapy or reducing the daily dose.
The dosage for a day can be decreased by less than 0.5 mg every three days, but some patients might require a less drastic reduction in dosage.
The dosage of extended-release tablets can be increased at intervals of 3–4 days in increments of not more than 1 mg each day.
The administration times should be spread as evenly as possible throughout the waking hours.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Anxiety:
Debilitated or elderly patients:
Instant-release tablets or ODTs: 0.25 mg orally administered three or two times per day.
Debilitated or elderly patients:
Immediate-release tablets/ODTs:
Initial dosage: 0.25 mg orally administered three or two times a day.
Extended-release tablets:
Initial dosage: 0.5 mg orally once every day.
Comments:
If there are any side effects, then the dosage could be decreased.
The lowest effective dose should be administered, with the necessity for continuing treatment regularly reassessed.
The dosage should be decreased gradually after stopping therapy or when reducing the dosage per day.
What Happens if I Miss a Dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you can. However, do not take your missed dose if it's nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Get medical attention immediately or make a call for help at the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Alprazolam overdose could be fatal in the event that you combine it with alcohol, opioid medications, or any other drug that can result in drowsiness or slow breathing.
The symptoms of an overdose can include dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, weakening muscles, losing equilibrium or coordination, sensations of lightheadedness or sluggish heartbeats, slow or weak breathing, as well as fainting or coma.
What Should Be Avoided?
Beware of drinking or consuming alcohol. Dangerous side effects or even death could happen.
Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you understand the effects of alprazolam. The feeling of dizziness or drowsiness could result in accidents, falls, or even serious injuries.
Side Effects Of Alprazolam
See a doctor immediately. If you exhibit symptoms that are warning signs of an allergy reaction due to the drug alprazolam, such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
Alprazolam can make you sluggish or even stop breathing, particularly if you have recently taken alcohol or an opioid. Anyone who cares for you should seek immediate medical care if you suffer from prolonged breathing, pauses in your breathing, blue-colored lips, or if it is difficult to get back up.
If you have any of the following symptoms:
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Breathing that is shallow or weak;
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A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you're about to pass out.
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A seizure;
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Hallucinations, risk-taking behavior;
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More energy and less need to sleep;
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Racing thoughts, feeling agitated, or talking;
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Double vision
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Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
Dizziness or drowsiness can persist for longer in older individuals. Take care to avoid falling or sustaining an injury that is accidental.
Common side effects of alprazolam include:
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Sleepiness
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Feeling lightheaded.
When you have stopped using the medication alprazolam, consult a doctor immediately if you experience symptoms that are unusual, such as muscle movements, being more talkative or active, abrupt and drastic changes in behavior or mood, hallucinations, confusion, suicidal ideas, or behavior.
The withdrawal symptoms of some patients can last for 12 months or more after abruptly discontinuing this medication. Consult your physician if you are suffering from ongoing depression, anxiety, memory issues, sleeping problems, ringing in your ears, a burning or prickly sensation, or a creeping sensation in your skin.This isn't an exhaustive list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction With Other Drugs
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications simultaneously. Certain drugs may affect your blood levels and the other drugs you take, which could create side effects or render the medication less effective.
The combination of alprazolam with other medications that make you sleepy or slow your breathing could cause serious negative side effects or even death
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Ask your doctor prior to using an opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or another medication to treat seizures or anxiety.
Certain drugs may be incompatible with alprazolam. Certain drugs shouldn't be used at the same time. Discuss with your doctor all the other medicines you are taking. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all interactions are mentioned here.
