ALPRAZOLAM

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Xanax

GENERIC NAME(S): ALPRAZOLAM

 

Description: Alprazolam has anxiolytic, muscle-relaxant, anticonvulsant, antidepressant and sleep-modifying effects.

Used for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorder by enhancing the effects of a certain natural chemical in the body (GABA).

How to use alprazolam

Take by mouth as directed by your doctor.  May cause withdrawal reactions (seizures), and addiction, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses.

Drowsiness, dizziness, increased saliva production, or change in sex drive/ability, mental/mood changes (such as hallucinations, thoughts of suicide), slurred speech or difficulty talking, loss of coordination, trouble walking, memory problems, yellowing eyes or skin, seizures.

Precautions

Inform your doctor or pharmacist your allergies, medical history, especially of: severe lung/breathing problems (such as COPD, sleep apnea), liver disease, kidney disease, drug or alcohol abuse, glaucoma.

Avoid activities that require alertness as this drug can make you drowsy.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women must consult their doctor first before using this medication.

 

Interactions

Some products that may interact with this drug include: kava, sodium oxybate, azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), cimetidine, certain anti-depressants (such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone), drugs to treat HIV (delavirdine, protease inhibitors such as indinavir), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), rifamycins (such as rifabutin), St. John’s wort, drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), among others, drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (such as diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine), psychiatric medicines (such as chlorpromazine, risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone).

Overdose

Get emergency medical help when overdose is suspected.

Missed Dose: As soon as you remember, take a regular dose or if the time of the next does is near, wait for it before taking another dose and resume your usual schedule.  Do not increase the dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Storage: Store medication in room temperature.  Do not expose to light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from pets and children.  Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour into a drain.

 

Brands

Available Brands

  • Altrox [ Torrent ]
  • Xanor [ Pfizer ]
  • Xanor XR [ Pfizer ]
  • Zolgen [ InnoGen Pharmaceuticals ]

Also marketed as

  • Axal [ Amson ]

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