What is Alprazolam
Alprazolam is a prescription medication which is available as brand name drugs called Alprazolam Intensol, Xanax, or Xanax XR. Alprazolam medications are also available in immediate-release and extended-release forms. The drug also comes in the form of a solution to be taken by mouth. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine plant (ben-Zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). It is intended to work by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety related to depression.
Alprazolam Uses
Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It can be used to relieve symptoms of anxiety or anxiety related to short-term depression. Anxiety or stress caused by everyday stress generally does not need to be treated with this drug. Alprazolam and other benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter (a chemical used by nerve cells to communicate with each other) that inhibits brain activity.
Alprazolam Side effects
Most common side effects of Alprazolam are:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Sleeping problems
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Increased sweating
- Dry mouth
- Weight Loss
Some of the serious side effects of Alprazolam are:
Mental health issues. Symptoms include:
- Depressed mood
- Hallucinations
Heart problems. Symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Abnormal heartbeat
Movement problems. Symptoms include:
- Uncontrolled muscle movements
- Seizures
Heart problems. Symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Abnormal heartbeat
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Alprazolam if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Alprazolam side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Alprazolam talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious problems.
Before using the medication talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as:
- Lung or breathing problems
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Glaucoma
How to take Alprazolam?
The tablet, orally disintegrating tablet and concentrated solution are usually taken two to four times a day. The extended-release tablet is taken once a day, usually in the morning. Use only the dropper that came with your prescription to take the concentrated liquid. Insert the amount prescribed for a single dose into the dropper. Squeeze the dropper contents into liquid or semi-solid food such as water, juice, soda, applesauce or pudding. Stir the liquid or food gently for a couple of seconds. The concentrated liquid is completely blended with the food.
Dosage
Dosage for anxiety disorders
Generic: Alprazolam
- Form: oral immediate-release tablet (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg)
- Form: orally disintegrating tablet (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg)
Brand: Xanax
- Form: oral immediate-release tablet (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg)
Brand: Alprazolam Intensol
- Form: oral solution (1 mg per milliliter)
- Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years): 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg three times daily.
Dosage for panic disorder
Generic: Alprazolam
- Form: oral immediate-release tablet (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg)
- Form: orally disintegrating tablet orally disintegrating tablet (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg)
Generic: Alprazolam XR
- Form: oral extended-release tablet (0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg)
Brand: Xanax
- Form: oral immediate-release tablet (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg)
Brand: Xanax XR
- Form: oral extended-release tablet (0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg)
Brand: Alprazolam Intensol
- Form: oral solution (1 mg/mL)
- Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years): 0.5 mg three times daily.
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Alprazolam won’t show any effect on the body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Alprazolam tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Warnings for some Serious Health Conditions
For people with depression
If you have pre-existing depression, this medicine may make your condition worse. If your depression is getting worse or you have suicidal thoughts, call your doctor right away.
For people with acute narrow-angle glaucoma
This drug may make your condition worse. Do not take this medicine if you have acute narrow-angle glaucoma.
For people with liver disease
It may be more difficult for your body to break down this drug. This may increase the number of drugs in your body, which may lead to more side effects.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Alprazolam consult your Doctor. In case you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Alprazolam, rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Alprazolam.
Alprazolam vs Diazepam
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| Alprazolam is a prescription medication which is available as brand name drugs called Alprazolam Intensol, Xanax, or Xanax XR. | Diazepam oral tablet is a controlled drug that is available as a brand name drug called Valium. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine. |
| Diazepam is used for the treatment of disorders with anxiety. The medication is also used for the treatment of agitation, tremors, delirium, seizures and hallucinations resulting from alcohol withdrawal. | This medicine is used to treat sudden diarrhea (including traveller diarrhea). It works by slowing down the movement of the intestine. This reduces the number of bowel movements and makes the stool less watery. |
Most common side effects of Alprazolam are:
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Most of the common side effects of Imodium are:
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