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WHAT IS ALPRAZOLAM?

HOW TO TAKE ALPRAZOLAM?

The usual intake of Alprazolam is for no longer than ten months to treat panic disorder and for no longer than four months to treat anxiety disorder. Carefully follow the instructions of your doctor regarding doses. Check with the doctor if there is no improvement in your symptoms or if they get worse. You may require frequent medical tests if you use this medicine for the long term. Do not go for sudden stop in using this medicine, or you could face unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Consult the doctor before tapering your dose. Store it away from heat and moisture at room temperature and keep track of the medicine. You should be aware if anyone is misusing it or using it without a prescription. Throw away the alprazolam liquid that is not in use within 90 days.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE TAKING ALPRAZOLAM?

You should avoid taking Alprazolam if:

• You also take ketoconazole or itraconazole (antifungal medicines); or
• You have a past of an allergic reaction to benzodiazepine (Diazepam, Alprazolam, Ativan, lorazepam, Restoril, Klonopin, Tranxene, Restoril, Valium, Xanax, Versed, and others).

To ensure this medicine is safe for you, tell the doctor if you have ever had:

• Drug or alcohol addiction;
• Kidney or liver disease (alcoholic liver disease);
• Mood problems, depression, or suicidal thoughts/behavior; or
• Breathing problems including sleep apneas or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Tell the doctor about your pregnancy or your plan to conceive. This medicine may harm an unborn baby. Avoid using Alprazolam during the first trimester of pregnancy. If you are using Alprazolam while you are pregnant, you may give birth to a drug-dependent baby. After the birth of the baby, it may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Babies dependent on habit-forming drugs may need medical treatment for several weeks. You should avoid breastfeeding while using Alprazolam. Alprazolam is not under the recommendation for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING ALPRAZOLAM?

Alprazolam helps treat panic disorders, anxiety disorders, and anxiety due to depression. It works by enhancing the effects of natural chemicals in the body known as GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric acid).

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF ALPRAZOLAM?

Go for emergency medical help if you have allergic reactions due to the use of Alprazolam. Signs of an allergic reaction include breathing issues, hives, and swelling of your face, throat, lips, or tongue. Alprazolam may make your breath slow or stop it; especially if you were recently using alcohol, an opioid medication, or other drugs that can slow your breathing. Your attendant should seek medical help if you have weak or shallow breathing, if you stop breathing, or if you are hard to wake up. Call your doctor instantly if you have:

• Lightheadedness;
• weak or shallow breathing;
• Risk-taking behavior, hallucinations;
• A seizure;
• Being agitated or talkative, racing thoughts;
• Decreased need for sleep, increased energy;
• Jaundice; or
• Double vision

Older adults are more likely to have the sedative effects of Alprazolam for a longer time. Use caution to avoid falls or accidental injuries because it is common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Common side effects of Alprazolam may include:

• Feeling lightheaded; or
• Drowsiness

It is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Take your doctor’s advice regarding side effects. Report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

HOW DOES ALPRAZOLAM WORK?

Alprazolam works by inducing the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain known as Gamma-Aminobutyric acid.

WHAT TO AVOID WHILE USING ALPRAZOLAM?