Alprazolam
Introduction To Alprazolam
Alprazolam belongs to a class of medicines known as benzodiazepines. It is used to treat anxiety. It alters brain activity, calms it, and provides relief from panic attacks by relaxing the nerves.
Alprazolam may be taken with or without food. However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor as it has a high potential of habit-forming. If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. This medication mustn't be stopped suddenly without talking to the doctor as it may cause nausea and anxiety.
The most common side effect of this medicine is lightheadedness. It may cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
It may also cause weight gain or weight loss as it can vary from person to person. To prevent weight gain you can eat a healthy balanced diet, avoid snacking with high-calorie foods, and exercise regularly. Weight loss can be managed by increasing food portions and consulting a dietitian. If you have been taking this medicine for a long time then regular monitoring of blood and liver functions may be required.
Uses of Alprazolam
- Treatment of Anxiety
- Treatment of Panic disorder
Benefits of Alprazolam
Treatment of Anxiety
Alprazolam reduces the symptoms of excessive anxiety and worry. It can also
reduce feelings of restlessness, tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and
feeling irritable. It will therefore help you go about your daily activities
more easily and be more productive. Keep taking this medicine even if you feel
well. Stopping it suddenly can cause serious problems. So, do not stop taking
it without discussing it with your doctor.
Treatment of Panic disorder
Alprazolam can help relieve symptoms of many panic disorders including panic
attacks. It can help you feel calmer and improve your ability to deal with
problems. Do not stop taking it, even when you feel better unless your doctor
advises you to.
Side effects of Alprazolam
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Manzolam
- Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
How to use Alprazolam
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Alprazolam may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Alprazolam works
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine. It works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger (GABA) which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Quick tips
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The addiction / habit-forming potential of this medicine is very high. Take it only as per the dose and duration advised by your doctor
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It may cause dizziness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
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Avoid consuming alcohol as it may increase dizziness and drowsiness.
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Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
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Do not stop taking medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as that may lead to nausea, anxiety, agitation, flu-like symptoms, sweating, tremor, and confusion.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Alprazolam if I’m pregnant?
Alprazolam is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Alprazolam if I’m breastfeeding?
Alprazolam is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Alprazolam safe?
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Alprazolam.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Alprazolam?
Alprazolam may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Alprazolam if I have/had kidney diseases?
Alprazolam is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Alprazolam may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Alprazolam if I have/had liver diseases?
Alprazolam should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Alprazolam may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Alprazolam used for?
Alprazolam is used to relieve excess (moderate to severe) anxiety and to treat anxiety associated with depression. It is not to be used for mild anxiety associated with the stress of day to day life situations.
Q. Is Alprazolam safe?
Alprazolam is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor.
Q. Is Alprazolam addictive (habit-forming)?
Yes, the use of Alprazolam has addictive potential. Its use is associated with the risk of addiction for physical or psychological effects. The abrupt discontinuation of Alprazolam is therefore not advised to avoid serious withdrawal symptoms.
Q. Is Alprazolam an opioid?
No, Alprazolam is not an opioid, it belongs to a class of substances called benzodiazepines.
Q. Is Alprazolam an anti-depressant?
No, Alprazolam is not an anti-depressant. It is used to relieve excess anxiety and to treat anxiety associated with depression.
Q. Is Alprazolam a narcotic substance?
No, Alprazolam is not a narcotic substance. It belongs to the class of medicines known as benzodiazepines and is used for the treatment of anxiety.
Q. Can I take Alprazolam for a hangover?
No, Alprazolam is not indicated for managing a hangover. Rather, Alprazolam should not be taken with alcohol as both the substances can cause excessive sleep (sedation) and depress your brain.
Q. Can I take Alprazolam for anxiety?
Yes, Alprazolam is used to relieve excess (moderate to severe) anxiety and to treat anxiety associated with depression. It is not recommended for mild anxiety associated with the stress of day to day life situations.
Q. Does Alprazolam reduce blood pressure?
Lowering of blood pressure is seen if you take more than the prescribed dose of Alprazolam. Please consult your doctor if you experience excessive fall in blood pressure while you are taking Alprazolam.
Q. Does Alprazolam make you sleepy?
Yes, Alprazolam makes you sleepy. Sedation (sleepiness) is a very common side effect of Alprazolam. Please consult your doctor if you are prescribed Alprazolam and your work requires you to remain alerted or you drive yourself as it may affect your driving.
Q. Does Alprazolam cause weight gain?
Change in weight (both weight gain and weight loss) has been reported as a common side effect with Alprazolam. Please consult your doctor if you experience a disproportionate change in weight when you are taking Alprazolam.
Q. Can I take Alprazolam with hydrocodone?
Alprazolam should not be taken with hydrocodone. Alprazolam belong to a class of medicines called benzodiazepines and hydrocodone belongs to the class of medicines called opioids. Both the classes cause sedation (increased tendency to sleep) and respiratory depression (slow and difficult breathing). Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.
Q. Can I take Alprazolam with paracetamol?
No, interactions have been reported between Alprazolam and paracetamol. However, this does not mean that no interactions exist. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.
Q. Can I take Alprazolam for the rest of my life?
No, Alprazolam should be taken only for a prescribed duration at prescribed doses as advised by your doctor.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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