MEDINDIA

Search Medindia

Alprazolam - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

Alprazolam Medication Information

Discover comprehensive details about Alprazolam, including its pronunciation, uses, dosage instructions, indications, and guidelines on how and when to take it or avoid it.

The updated prescription information covers potential side effects, precautions, warnings, and storage recommendations.

Additionally, explore the Alprazolam brands available in India and internationally, along with pricing information. For personalized advice, consult your healthcare provider.

Generic Name : Alprazolam
Pronunciation : (al pray zoe iam)
ICD Code : Y47.5 Therapeutic Classification : Anxiolytics, Sedatives And Hypnotics

Brand Names or Trade Names of Alprazolam

India :

International :


Xanax, Xanax XR, Niravam

Why is Alprazolam Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is a benzodiazepine, prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders. It reduces the nervous tension by slowing down the movement of chemicals in the brain

When should Alprazolam not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients with increased eye pressure, who are taking itraconazole or ketoconazole and hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Alprazolam?

The starting dose for treating anxiety is 0.25-0.5 mg, 3 times daily using immediate release tablets.
The dose may be increased every 3-4 days to a maximum dose of 4 mg daily.
The starting dose for treating panic attacks is 0.5 mg, 3 times daily. Doses can be increased every 3-4 days but by no more than 1 mg daily. The effective dose for preventing panic attacks may be as high as 6 mg daily.

How should Alprazolam be taken?

Alprazolam comes as a tablet to be taken orally, with or without food.

What are the warnings and precautions for Alprazolam?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of asthma or other respiratory diseases, kidney or liver impairment, depression, suicidal thoughts, alcohol addiction, increased eye pressure, who are taking other medications, any allergy, elderly, children, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• It may decrease alertness and coordination. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery while taking this medication.

• Avoid alcohol consumption.

• Avoid grape fruit or grape fruit juice consumption while taking this medication.

What are the side effects of Alprazolam?

Central Nervous System - Drowsiness, lightheadedness, depression, headache, confusion, sleeplessness, nervousness, fainting, dizziness and tiredness.
Gastrointestinal - Dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting and increased salivation.
Heart - Fast heart rate and low blood pressure.
Eye - Blurred vision.
Musculoskeletal - Rigidity and tremor.
Skin - Skin inflammation and allergy.
Miscellaneous - Nose congestion and weight gain/loss.

What are the other precautions for Alprazolam?

Avoid abrupt withdrawal of this medication.
Avoid excess dosage.

What are the storage conditions for Alprazolam?

Store it at room temperature and in an airtight container. Keep away from light and children.

Schedule : H
Prescription drugs - Drugs to be sold only under the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner.

Alprazolam : Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the indications of Alprazolam?

A: Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder), panic disorders, insomnia, premenstrual syndrome, and depression(1 Trusted Source
Alprazolam

Go to source
).

Q: Is it safe to use Alprazolam during pregnancy?

A: Alprazolam exposure during pregnancy may result in drowsiness, lethargy, respiratory depression, hypotonia (poor muscle tone), and withdrawal symptoms in the infant, such as irritability, restlessness, tremors, feeding difficulties, and excessive weeping(2 Trusted Source
Alprazolam

Go to source
).

Q: Who should not use Alprazolam?

A: Alprazolam is not recommended for patients who have benzodiazepine hypersensitivity or pulmonary disease. The combination of alprazolam and CNS depressants, particularly opioids, increases the risk of respiratory depression, low blood pressure, and death(2 Trusted Source
Alprazolam

Go to source
).

Q: What are the available dosage forms of Alprazolam?

A: Alprazolam comes as a tablet, an extended-release tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet, and a solution to be taken orally. Orally disintegrating tablets are tablets that dissolve quickly in the mouth(3 Trusted Source
Alprazolam

Go to source
).

Q: When is the best time to take Alprazolam?

A: Alprazolam tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and concentrated solutions are usually taken two to four times a day. The extended-release tablet is usually taken in the morning(3 Trusted Source
Alprazolam

Go to source
).


Recommended Reading
Drugs A-Z
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Ultimate Weight Loss Handbook: A Complete Guide to Achieving Your Goals
Stay Connected
Available on the Android Market Available on the App Store
Advertisement

⬆️