• Alprazolam or Xanax is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of anxiety disorder (a condition corresponding most closely to the APA Diagnostic and Statistical Manual diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder), or the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety. Generalized anxiety disorder (also anxiety) is characterized by unrealistic or excessive anxiety and worry over circumstances of life for a period of time. Anxiety or tension problems associated with the stress of everyday life usually do not require treatment with this drug. Alprazolam tablets are also indicated for the treatment of the panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. This drug is also used as a treatment for anxiety associated with depression.

    Alprazolam belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are medications that have anti-anxiety-producing properties.

    Common side effect of Alprazolam

    Common side effects include sleepiness, depression, headaches, feeling tired, dry mouth, and memory problems. Some of the sedation and tiredness may improve within a few days. Due to concerns about misuse, some do not recommend alprazolam as an initial treatment for panic disorder. Withdrawal or rebound symptoms may occur if use is suddenly decreased; gradually decreasing the dose over weeks or months may be required. Other rare risks include suicide and a twofold increased risk of all-cause mortality. Alprazolam, like other benzodiazepines, acts through the GABAA receptor.

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    Warning

    • Do not take Alprazolam or Xanax if you are known to be allergic to Alprazolam .
    • Alprazolam is not recommended for below 18 years of age.
    • Do not take Alprazolam if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as it may cause adverse effects in the baby.
    • Alprazolam should be used with caution in elderly patients as there is an increased risk of adverse reactions such as drowsiness, dizziness, and muscle weakness.
    • Inform your doctor if you have myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness), drug addiction, chronic pulmonary insufficiency, narrow-angle glaucoma, kidney/liver problem before taking Alprazolam .
    • Do not take Alprazolam with opioids as it may cause breathing problems, drowsiness, and coma.

  • If Miss A Dose Of Alprazolam?

    If you miss a dose of alprazolam, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is closer to the time of your next dose. Discuss this with your health care provider. Do not double your next dose or take more than what is prescribed.

     

    Interaction

    Alprazolam may have interaction with any other medicines to treat anxiety or depression or to help you sleep (e.g. nefazodone, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine), pain killers (e.g. morphine, codeine, dihydrocodeine, buprenorphine), antihistamines/antiallergics (e.g. chlorphenamine, diphenhydramine, promethazine), antifungal (e.g. fluconazole),  oral contraceptives (e.g. the pill), certain antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin),  medicines used for treating stomach ulcers (e.g. cimetidine), medicines used for angina and high blood pressure (e.g. diltiazem), medicines used to treat various heart conditions (e.g. digoxin), medicines used for treating HIV (e.g. ritonavir), antipsychotic medicines used to treat mental illnesses like schizophrenia, and medicines to treat epilepsy.