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Alprazolam

Generic Name: Alprazolam (al-PRAZ-oh-lam)

Drug Class: Antianxiety Agent

Contents

Drug Uses

To treat patients with anxiety or panic disorder. Your doctor may use this medicine to treat other conditions as well.

General Information

This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to your health care provider.

How it Works

Works by enhancing the action of the nerve transmitter GABA, which in turn blocks higher brain centers.

How to Take It

Follow the directions given to you by your doctor. This medicine is taken by mouth with water and can be taken with or without food. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice with this medicine. Alprazolam is typically taken 3 times daily as needed.

Possible Side Effects

    • Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

      • drowsiness
      • dizziness
      • unusual weakness
      • headache
      • clumsiness

    • Other side effects are possible. If you experience other bothersome side effects, contact your health care provider.

Warnings/Precautions

    • Do NOT increase your dose of this medicine without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel that the medicine is not working.


    • Avoid alcohol with this medicine due to additive drowsy effects.


    • There are some risks of dependence with this medicine, if taken over a period of time.


    • Do NOT drive a car or perform other tasks that may be dangerous, until you know how this medicine affects you.

Overdose

    • Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center.

Drug Interactions

    • This medicine should not be taken with ketoconazole or intraconazole. If you are taking either of these medications, notify your doctor before taking this medicine. Certain antibiotics such as clarithromycin or erythromycin when taken with this medicine can increase the effects of this medicine.


    • kava can increase the side effects of alprazolam and should be avoided.


    • Case reports show that St. John's Wort can decrease the therapeutic effects of this medicine. If you are taking alprazolam, talk to your health care provider before taking any nonprescription or herbal products.

Missed Dose

Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.

Pregnancy/Nursing

This medicine should not be used if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. This medicine can cause harm to your fetus. For breast-feeding mothers, check with your doctor to discuss any possible risks to your baby while taking this medicine.

More Information

For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider.

Copyright © 2004-2005 PharmClips , Inc. All rights reserved.

This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before making any changes in their drug regimen.
Last reviewed:
  On 17 Apr 2005
  By John M. Grohol, Psy.D.



A neurotic is a man who builds a castle in the sky. A psychotic is the man who lives in it. A psychiatrist is the man who charges them both rent.
-- Jerome Lawrence