Alprazolam

There are various types of mental disorders. Mental disorders that are often encountered in medical practice include: depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and many more. These various conditions can be treated with the help of several drugs, one of which is alprazolam.

This drug is classified as a benzodiazepine drug that has a calming effect. However, its use is very limited and must be strictly with a doctor’s prescription. Let’s take a closer look at this one drug.

Alprazolam is a drug from the benzodiazepine class that is useful in treating mental disorders or psychological disorders. Alprazolam is mainly used to treat symptoms of panic attacks or excessive anxiety.

The way this drug works is by increasing the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) substance that is naturally produced by the body in the central nervous system. This substance will help suppress brain activity so that a feeling of calm will arise.

This drug is classified as a hard drug and its distribution is strictly regulated. So, not all pharmacies provide it and purchases must include a doctor’s prescription.

There are various brand names of alprazolam that you can find on the market such as the following: Xanax, Alganax, Zypraz, Frixitas, and Zolastin.

Drug Name	Alprazolam
Drug Category	Hard drugs
Drug Classes	Benzodiazepines, anxiolytics, sedatives,
Drug Form	Tablets, slow release tablets, fast dissolving tablets
Benefits/Indications	Reduces anxiety disorders and panic disorders
Consumed By	Mature
Pregnant Women Category	Category D: risk to human fetus
Nursing Mother Warning	Can be absorbed into breast milk and is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers

Benefits of Alprazolam

Referring to the MedinePlus page, alprazolam has several uses such as:

• Reduce anxiety
• Overcoming panic disorder

This drug has a calming effect so it is sometimes used for other purposes such as premenstrual syndrome and to treat agoraphobia (excessive fear of open spaces).

Alprazolam Dosage and Usage Rules

In the market, alprazolam is sold in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg packages. This drug is only intended for adults with the following doses:

Panic Disorder

Adults : initial dose of 0.5 mg 2-3 times daily. The dose can be increased gradually every 3-4 days (maximum 1 mg/day) according to treatment response with a maximum dose of 10 mg per day.

• Elderly : dose 0.25 mg 2-3 times per day. The dose can be increased gradually every 3-4 days according to the response to treatment with direct observation from the doctor.

Anxiety Disorders

• Adults : initial dose 0.25-0.5 mg 3x per day. The dose can be increased gradually every 3-4 days (max 3-4 mg/day) according to treatment response with a treatment span of not more than 8-12 weeks.
• Elderly : dose 0.25 mg 2-3 times per day. The dose can be increased gradually every 3-4 days according to the response to treatment with direct observation from the doctor.

This drug requires tapering off or gradual reduction in dosage if it has been consumed for some time. Abrupt cessation can cause symptoms to relapse or even withdrawal symptoms.

How to Store

Store alprazolam out of reach of children, away from direct sunlight, and at room temperature.

Alprazolam Interactions with Other Drugs

Tell your doctor if you are currently taking any medications that may interact with alprazolam, such as the following:

• Tramadol
• Ketoconazole
• Digoxin
• Fluvoxamine
• Phenytoin
• Itraconazole
• Carbamazepine
• Fluoxetine
• Diltiazem
• Erythromycin
• Clarithromycin
• Ritonavir

Warnings and Precautions Using Alprazolam

• Talk to your doctor if you have allergies to this medicine, suffer from kidney failure, liver failure, glaucoma, and sleep apnea .
• Tell your doctor if you have thoughts of suicide or are addicted to drugs.
• Tell your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• Tell your doctor if you are currently taking any medications or supplements.

Alprazolam Side Effects and Dangers

Alprazolam is a hard drug that can cause several side effects in its users. Examples are:

Common Side Effects

• Sleepy
• Headache
• Dizzy
• Decreased appetite
• Dry mouth
• Increased/decreased sex drive
• Constipation
• Weak
• Drooling

Serious Side Effects

• Hallucinations
• Suicidal thoughts
• Very sleepy
• Seizures
• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty walking
• Dizzy like I’m going to faint
• Breathing slows down
• Jaundice
• Balance disorders
• Confused
• Difficulty remembering

Alternative Drugs Similar to Alprazolam

• Bromazepam
• Clobazam
• Chlordiazepoxide
• Diazepam
• Clonazepam
• Estazolam
• Midazolam
• Lorazepam