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Alprazolam
GENERIC
NAME: alprazolam
BRAND NAME: Xanax
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM:
Alprazolam is a member of the benzodiazepine family.
Benzodiazepines are sedatives that cause dose-related
depression of the central nervous system. They are
useful in treating anxiety, insomnia, and muscle
spasms.
PRESCRIPTION:
yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE:
yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 0.25mg,
0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg.
STORAGE: Alprazolam should be
stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
container.
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 (i.e. driving), and can require higher
dosages of alprazolam.
DOSING: Alprazolam may be taken
with or without food. Alprazolam is metabolized by the
liver and excreted mainly by the kidney. Dosages of
alprazolam may need to be lowered in patients with
abnormal kidney
function.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Alprazolam
should not be taken with ketoconazole or itraconazole.
Alcohol should be avoided by patients taking
benzodiazepines. Alprazolam can lead to addiction
(dependency), especially at high dosages over prolonged
periods of time. Because of alprazolam's addicting
potential, dosages should never be increased by the
patient. In patients addicted to alprazolam, abrupt
discontinuation of the medicine can lead to symptoms of
withdrawal (insomnia, headaches, nausea, vomiting, light
headedness, sweating , anxiety, and fatigue). Seizures
can occur in more severe cases of withdrawal.
Consequently, patients on alprazolam for extended
periods of time should slowly taper the medication under
a doctor's supervision rather than abruptly stopping the
medication.
PREGNANCY: Benzodiazepines, such
as alprazolam, can cause fetal problems and should not
be used in pregnancy or in nursing
mothers.
NURSING MOTHERS: Benzodiazepines,
such as alprazolam, can cause fetal problems and should
not be used in pregnancy or in nursing mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most frequent
side effects of alprazolam taken at lower doses are
drowsiness or lightheadedness, which probably reflect
the action of the drug. Side effects of higher dosages
(those used for panic attacks) include fatigue, memory
problems, speech problems, constipation, and changes in
appetite with resultant changes in
weight.
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