Alprazolam

CLASS: Triazolo Benzodiazepines.
Type: Anti anxiety.

Alprazolam is used for

Treating anxiety and panic disorder. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine. It works by slowing down the movement of chemicals in the brain. This results in a reduction in nervous tension (anxiety).

How to use

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for an extended period of time, or if it has been used in high doses. In such cases, if you suddenly stop this drug, withdrawal reactions including seizures may occur. Report any such reactions to your doctor immediately. When stopping extended, regular treatment with this drug, the dosage should be gradually reduced as directed to help prevent withdrawal reactions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Though it is very unlikely to occur, this medication can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction/habit-forming). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed. Properly stop this medication when so directed. This will lessen the chances of becoming addicted. When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Use caution

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities as Xanax ( Alprazolam ) may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. (If it is definite that Xanax ( Alprazolam ) causes drowsiness you cannot then is ???If you experience???)
• Avoid alcohol while taking Xanax ( Alprazolam ) . Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by Xanax ( Alprazolam ) .
• Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release form Alprazolam ( Xanax XR ). Swallow whole. These tablets are specially formulated to slowly release the medication in the body.
• Xanax ( Alprazolam ) is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on the medication.
• Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than directed by your doctor.
• Withdrawal effects may occur if alprazolam is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use.
• Seizures may be a side effect of sudden discontinuation of the medication.
• Xanax ( Alprazolam ) may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives ( used to treat insomnia ), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines and muscle relaxants.

Missed Dose

Take if within one hour ;if over an hour skip and then continue on your normal schedule. Never Take a Double Dose

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.

To Stop Use

Do not stop without consulting your physician and never abruptly if you have been taking it for over three weeks. Seizures may be a side effect of sudden discontinuation of the medication. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in your dose.