Alprazolam
Agoraphobia, Depressive Disorder ... show more
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DRUG STATUS
Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
Essential Medicine
NO
Teratogenicity
Unlisted
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 indicated for the acute treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (PD), with or without agoraphobia, in adults. It helps manage symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks, providing relief and improving quality of life for those affected by these conditions.
How does Alprazolam work?
Alprazolam works by binding to the benzodiazepine site of gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptors in the brain. This enhances GABA-mediated synaptic inhibition, leading to a calming effect on the central nervous system. It helps reduce anxiety and panic symptoms by decreasing excessive brain activity.
Is Alprazolam effective?
Alprazolam has been shown to be effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder in clinical studies. In double-blind studies, Alprazolam was significantly better than placebo in reducing anxiety symptoms. In panic disorder studies, it was effective in reducing the number of panic attacks and improving global improvement scores. These studies support its use for these conditions.
How does one know if Alprazolam is working?
The benefit of Alprazolam is evaluated through clinical assessments of symptom reduction in anxiety and panic disorders. Healthcare providers use psychometric instruments like the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and patient self-reports to monitor improvement. Regular follow-ups help assess the effectiveness and adjust the dosage as needed to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of Alprazolam?
For adults, the usual starting dose for generalized anxiety disorder is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg taken three times daily, with a maximum recommended dose of 4 mg per day. For panic disorder, the starting dose is 0.5 mg three times daily, with doses ranging from 1 mg to 10 mg daily. The mean dosage is typically 5 mg to 6 mg daily. Alprazolam is not recommended for use in children as its safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients.
How do I take Alprazolam?
Alprazolam can be taken with or without food. There are no specific food restrictions, but it is important to avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants while taking this medication. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions on dosage and timing to ensure safe and effective use.
For how long do I take Alprazolam?
The typical duration of use for Alprazolam varies depending on the condition being treated. For generalized anxiety disorder, it is often used for short-term relief, typically not exceeding 4 months. For panic disorder, the duration can be up to 10 weeks. Long-term use is generally not recommended due to the risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
How long does it take for Alprazolam to start working?
Alprazolam typically starts working within 1 to 2 hours after oral administration, as this is when peak plasma concentration occurs. The onset of its calming effects can help alleviate anxiety and panic symptoms relatively quickly.
How should I store Alprazolam?
Alprazolam should be stored at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). It should be kept in a tightly closed, light-resistant container to protect it from light and moisture. Ensure it is stored out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
Warnings and Precautions
Who should avoid taking Alprazolam?
Alprazolam carries significant warnings, including risks of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death when used with opioids. It has potential for abuse, misuse, and addiction, leading to overdose or death. Physical dependence can develop, with withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued. It is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines and those taking strong CYP3A inhibitors, except ritonavir.
Can I take Alprazolam with other prescription drugs?
Alprazolam interacts with opioids, increasing the risk of respiratory depression. It should not be used with strong CYP3A inhibitors like ketoconazole and itraconazole, except ritonavir. Caution is advised with CNS depressants, as they can enhance sedative effects. Dosage adjustments may be needed when used with moderate or weak CYP3A inhibitors like cimetidine and fluvoxamine.
Can I take Alprazolam with vitamins or supplements?
From all available and reliable information, there is no confirmed data on this. Please consult a doctor for personalized advice.
Can Alprazolam be taken safely while pregnant?
Alprazolam use during pregnancy is not recommended due to potential risks of sedation and withdrawal symptoms in newborns. There is no clear evidence of major birth defects from human studies, but caution is advised. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider and consider enrolling in a pregnancy registry to monitor outcomes.
Can Alprazolam be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Alprazolam due to the potential for serious adverse reactions, including sedation and withdrawal symptoms in breastfed infants. Consult your healthcare provider for alternative treatments or feeding options while taking this medication.
Is Alprazolam safe for the elderly?
Elderly patients may have higher plasma concentrations of Alprazolam due to reduced clearance, increasing the risk of side effects. It is recommended to start with a lower dose of 0.25 mg, given 2 or 3 times daily, and adjust gradually if needed. Elderly patients should be closely monitored for adverse reactions, and dosage should be reduced if necessary to ensure safety.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Alprazolam?
Alprazolam can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, which may limit your ability to exercise safely. If you experience these side effects, it is advisable to avoid strenuous physical activities until you know how the medication affects you. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice on exercising while taking Alprazolam.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Alprazolam?
Drinking alcohol while taking Alprazolam can significantly increase the risk of severe drowsiness, respiratory depression, coma, and even death. Alprazolam is a central nervous system depressant, and combining it with alcohol, another depressant, can amplify these effects. It is advised to avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication to ensure safety and effectiveness.
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