Description
Alprazolam
Generic Name:?alprazolam (al PRAY zoe lam)
Brand Names:?Niravam, Xanax, Xanax XR
Prescribed For
Alprazolam is used for the treatment of anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Anxiety disorders are characterized by unrealistic worry and apprehension, causing symptoms of restlessness, aches, trembling, shortness of breath, smothering sensation, palpitations, sweating, cold clammy hands, lightheadedness, flushing, exaggerated startle responses, problems concentrating, and insomnia. Panic attacks occur either unexpectedly or in certain situations (for example, driving), and can require higher dosages of alprazolam.
Important safety information
When used for long periods of time or at high doses, Alprazolam may not work as well and may require higher doses to obtain the same effect as when originally taken. This is known as TOLERANCE. Talk with your doctor if Alprazolam stops working well. Do not take more than prescribed.
Alprazolam may be habit-forming and lead to DEPENDENCE if used in high doses or for a long period of time. If you are on long-term or high dosage therapy, you may have WITHDRAWAL symptoms (eg, convulsions, tremor, stomach and muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating) if you suddenly stop taking Alprazolam . Do not stop therapy abruptly or change dosage without asking your pharmacist or doctor. Discuss overuse with your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before taking alprazolam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam); or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, severe lung/breathing problems (e.g., COPD, sleep apnea), drug or alcohol abuse. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially loss of coordination and drowsiness. Alprazolam is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the potential for fetal harm. Consult your doctor for more details. This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
What other drugs will affect alprazolam
Before using alprazolam, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by alprazolam.
Before taking alprazolam, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
- birth control pills;
- cimetidine (Tagamet);
- diltiazem (Tiazac, Cartia, Cardizem);
- isoniazid (IsonaRif, Rifamate);
- propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet);
- seizure medication;
- antibiotics such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral);
- antidepressants such as fluvoxamine (Luvox), desipramine (Norpramin), or imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with alprazolam. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
