Xanax

Brand Name:Apo-Alpraz, Apo-Alpraz-TS, Gen-Alprazolam, Novo-Alprazol, Nu-Alpraz, ratio-Alprazolam TS

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Alprazolam is used primarily for short-term relief of excessive anxiety and nervous tension. It is also used in the treatment of panic attacks and certain phobias.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not use this drug if you are allergic to it or to other similar drugs called benzodiazepines (e.g. alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam, clorazepate, estazolam, flurazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, prazepam, temazepam, or triazolam). Before taking this medication, tell your doctor specifically if you have or have ever had:

  • problems with alcohol or drug abuse
  • problems with your liver
  • problems with sleep apnea
  • problems with your lungs (e.g. severe emphysema)
  • feelings of being depressed or suicidal
  • glaucoma (especially acute narrow angle glaucoma or open angle glaucoma that is not being treated)
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • problems with memory whether or not you use of these drugs

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects are:

  • dizziness, lightheadedness
  • feeling tired and drowsy
  • feeling unsteady, loss of balance
  • feeling weak

These side effects are usually related to dose, the use of other medications and other factors (e.g. older age, other medical conditions). As well, these side effects may go away with time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether you have any risk factors that may make you more sensitive to these side effects. Contact your doctor if these symptoms continue or become worse

Other side effects include:

  • breathing problems (call your doctor immediately)
  • confusion, hallucinations, tremors, slurred speech (call your doctor)
  • constipation
  • decreased memory
  • decreased mood
  • difficulty sleeping
  • dry mouth
  • physical and mental dependence on the drug
This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:
  • Drugs that can cause tiredness, sedation, dizziness  - Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following drugs:
    • Antihistamines (e.g. diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine)
    • Opioid pain medications (e.g. codeine, oxycodone, morphine, hydromorphone)
    • Antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline, trazodone) and antipsychotics (e.g. risperidone, haloperidol)
    • Muscle relaxants (e.g. cyclobenzaprine)
    • Drugs for epilepsy (gabapentin, phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, valproic acid)
    • Amiodarone, cimetidine, cyclosporine, diltiazem, erythromycin, clarithromycin, fluoxetine, fluconazole, isoniazid, ketoconazole, omeprazole, valproic acid, oral contraceptives
    • St johns wort (may increase blood levels of alprazolam and increase chances for side effects)
    • Digoxin (may see an increase in digoxin blood levels)
    • Rifampin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital (may see decrease blood levels of alprazolam and a decrease in how well the drug works)
    • Antacids (decrease the absorption of alprazolam; separate by at least 2 hours)

In addition, do not drink grapefruit juice if you are using this drug.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications

Other information:

Alprazolam can be habit-forming. If you use too much aprazolam, or use it for too long (more than a few months), your body may develop a tolerance to it which will make it less effective. Do not take more Alprazolam than you are prescribed. Talk to your doctor.

If you are scheduled for medical or dental surgery make sure your healthcare providers know that you are taking aprazolam.

Children: Safety and effectiveness have not been established. Not recommended for those under the age of 18.

Seniors: are more sensitive to side effects. Reduced dose necessary.

Pregnancy: should not take this drug without talking to their doctor. Other benzodiazepines, similar to Alprazolam, have been seen to cause an increase in birth defects.

Women who are nursing: This drug passes into breast milk. Not generally recommended. Talk to your doctor

People who drive or operate machinery: should not do so when taking this drug as it can cause reduce alertness, blurred vision and slowed reactions.

Alcohol: Avoid alcohol as it will increase the sedative effects of diazepam

Overdose: Alprazolam overdose symptoms can include confusion, poor coordination, sleepiness, or coma. Call your doctor or 911 immediately if you suspect an overdose.

Stopping the drug: It is important that you do not stop this drug without talking to your doctor. If you have been taking diazepam for longer than a couple of weeks, your doctor will want to wean you off the drug gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Some withdrawal symptoms can be severe.

If you miss a dose: take it as soon as you remember. If next dose is scheduled within two hours, take a single dose now and skip next scheduled dose. After that, resume your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.

Storage conditions: closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom), light and heat; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: none