how does this medication work? what will it do for me?

alprazolam belongs to the class of medicines called benzodiazepines. it is used for the short-term symptomatic relief of excessive anxiety. it is also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. alprazolam works by slowing down the brain (central nervous system).

this medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. as well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. if you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. it can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

what form(s) does this medication come in?

0.25 mg
each oval, white, biconvex tablet, with one side scored and engraved "pro" over ".25" and the other side plain, contains 0.25 mg of alprazolam. nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate.

0.5 mg
each oval, peach, biconvex tablet, with one side scored and engraved "pro" over ".5" and the other side plain, contains 0.5 mg of alprazolam. nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and fd&c yellow no. 6.

1 mg
each oval, lavender, biconvex tablet, with one side scored and engraved "pro" over "1" and the other side plain, contains 1 mg of alprazolam. nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, fd&c red no. 30, and fd&c blue no. 2.

how should i use this medication?

the recommended dose of alprazolam for adults varies depending on its use. the starting dose for excessive anxiety is 0.25 mg taken 2 or 3 times a day. this is gradually increased until anxiety is controlled and side effects are minimized. seniors may be started at a lower dose of 0.125 mg taken 2 or 3 times a day. the usual maximum dose is 3 mg daily.

the starting dose for panic attacks is 0.5 mg to 1 mg at bedtime or 0.5 mg taken 3 times daily. the dose is then gradually increased until there are no more panic attacks.

the dose is usually started low and increased if necessary, as prescribed by your doctor. it is important that the dose be individualized to your specific needs to avoid excessive drowsiness or motor impairment. in general, the lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest duration possible.  

many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. if your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

alprazolam may be habit-forming when taken for long periods of time. if you have been taking this medication regularly for a long period of time (i.e., more than one month), do not stop taking the medication without speaking with your doctor. a gradual reduction in dose is recommended when stopping this medication to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

it is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. if you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. if you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

store at room temperature in a dry place and keep it out of reach of children.

do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

who should not take this medication?

do not take this medication if you:

  • are allergic to alprazolam or any ingredients of the medication
  • are allergic to any other medications belonging to the benzodiazepine class
  • have acute narrow-angle glaucoma (alprazolam may be used by people with open-angle glaucoma who are receiving appropriate treatment)
  • have myasthenia gravis
  • have severe breathing problems
  • have sleep apnea
  • have severely reduced liver function
  • are taking the medications ketoconazole or itraconazole

what side effects are possible with this medication?

many medications can cause side effects. a side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

the side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. if you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

the following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

  • changes in sexual desire or ability
  • clumsiness or unsteadiness
  • constipation
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • drowsiness
  • false sense of well-being
  • increased appetite
  • nightmares
  • problems with urination
  • unusual tiredness
  • weight changes

although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

  • abnormal thinking (e.g., disorientation, delusions, or loss of sense of reality)
  • agitation
  • anxiety
  • behaviour changes (e.g., aggressive behaviour, bizarre behaviour, decreased inhibition, or outbursts of anger)
  • bladder control problems
  • confusion
  • fractures (resulting from falls)
  • increased risk of falls (particularly for seniors)
  • loss of recent memory
  • signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
  • signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
  • slurred speech
  • symptoms of mania (e.g., decreased need for sleep, elevated or irritable mood, racing thoughts)
  • mild withdrawal symptoms (e.g., overactive thoughts, believing things that aren't true, seizures, stomach cramps, trouble remembering or concentrating, severe anxiety or panic attacks, irritability, muscle pain or stiffness, sweating)

stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

  • signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
  • signs of an overdose (e.g., extreme sleepiness; confusion; slurred speech; slowed, shallow breathing; uncontrolled eye rolling; coma; low blood pressure)
  • signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort
  • signs of increased pressure in the eyes (e.g., sudden severe eye pain, changes in side vision, decreased or cloudy vision, seeing halos around lights, swollen eyes)
  • slow, shallow, or weak breathing
  • severe withdrawal symptoms (e.g., feeling like you cannot move, confusion, tremor, feeling disconnected from reality, seizures, thoughts of self-harm or suicide)

some people may experience side effects other than those listed. check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. these factors may affect how you should use this medication.

alcohol and other medications that cause drowsiness: people taking this medication should not combine it with alcohol and avoid combining it with other medications, such as narcotic pain relievers, that cause drowsiness. doing so can cause additional drowsiness and reduced breathing as well as other side effects, which can be dangerous and possibly fatal.

dependence withdrawal: physical dependence (a need to take regular doses to prevent physical symptoms) has been associated with benzodiazepines such as alprazolam. the risk of dependence increases with higher doses and a longer duration of treatment. suddenly stopping alprazolam may cause episodes of panic or anxiety to return.

severe withdrawal symptoms may be experienced if the dose is significantly reduced or suddenly discontinued. these symptoms include seizures, irritability, nervousness, sleep problems, agitation, tremors, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, memory impairment, headache, muscle pain, extreme anxiety, tension, restlessness, and confusion.

always contact your doctor first before reducing your dose or stopping this medication. reducing the dose gradually, under medical supervision, can help prevent or decrease these withdrawal symptoms.

drowsiness/reduced alertness: alprazolam may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. do not engage in activities requiring mental alertness, judgment, and physical coordination until you have established how alprazolam affects you. alcohol can increase the drowsiness effects of alprazolam and should be avoided.

falls and fractures: alprazolam can cause drowsiness or dizziness that can affect your balance and increase your risk of falling. this can result in fractures or other injuries. your risk of falls is increased if you drink alcohol or take other sedatives while taking this medication, if you are elderly, or if you have a condition that causes weakness or frailty.

kidney function: kidney disease or reduced kidney function may cause this medication to build up in the body, causing side effects. if you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

liver function: liver disease or reduced liver function may cause this medication to build up in the body, causing side effects. if you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

misuse: alprazolam, like other benzodiazepines, has the potential to be habit-forming. misuse of this medication can become life-threatening. if you have a history of misuse of other substances, talk to your doctor.

mood changes: anxiety disorders are often associated with mood changes, such as depression, mania, or ideas of suicide or self-harm. if you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

if you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or notice them in a family member who is taking this medication, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

pregnancy: other benzodiazepine medications similar to alprazolam are known to increase the risk of birth defects when taken by a woman who is pregnant. the safety of alprazolam during pregnancy has not been established. it is not recommended for use by pregnant women.

breast-feeding: alprazolam may pass into breast milk. if you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking alprazolam, it may affect your baby. talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

children and adolescents: the safety and efficacy of alprazolam for children and adolescents under 18 years of age have not been established.

seniors: seniors may be at increased risk of experiencing side effects such as sedation, reduced coordination, and dizziness. use extra caution when rising from a sitting or lying position to reduce the risk of severe dizziness and falls.

what other drugs could interact with this medication?

there may be an interaction between alprazolam and any of the following:

  • alcohol
  • amiodarone
  • antihistamines (e.g., azelastine, cetirizine, doxylamine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine, loratadine)
  • antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone)
  • antiseizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine, clobazam, gabapentin, levetiracetam, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, topiramate, valproic acid, zonisamide)
  • apalutamide
  • aprepitant
  • azelastine
  • "azole" antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole)
  • barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, phenobarbital)
  • benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam)
  • bosentan
  • bicalutamide
  • birth control pills
  • brimonidine
  • buprenorphine
  • buspirone
  • butorphanol
  • calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine, diltiazem, verapamil)
  • cannabis
  • chloral hydrate
  • ciprofloxacin
  • clonidine
  • cobicistat
  • conivaptan
  • cyclosporine
  • danazol
  • deferasirox
  • dronedarone
  • entacapone
  • enzalutamide
  • esketamine
  • everolimus
  • flibanserin
  • general anesthetics (medications used to put people to sleep before surgery)
  • glecaprevir and pibrentasvir
  • grapefruit juice
  • grazoprevir
  • hiv non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (nnrtis; e.g., efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine)
  • hiv protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
  • kava kava
  • lemborexant
  • letermovir
  • lomitapide
  • lumacaftor and ivacaftor
  • macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin)
  • melatonin
  • methadone
  • metoclopramide
  • mifepristone
  • mirtazapine
  • mitotane
  • muscle relaxants (e.g., baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, orphenadrine, tizanidine)
  • modafinil
  • nabilone
  • narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, tapentadol, tramadol)
  • olopatadine
  • pomalidomide
  • pramipexole
  • quinidine
  • rifabutin
  • rifampin
  • ropinirole
  • rotigotine
  • st. john's wort
  • sarilumab
  • scopolamine
  • selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (ssris; e.g., citalopram, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline)
  • siltuximab
  • simvastatin
  • sirolimus
  • sodium oxybate
  • stiripentol
  • tacrolimus
  • tetracycline
  • thalidomide
  • theophylline
  • tocilizumab
  • trazodone
  • tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine, imipramine)
  • tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., ceritinib, crizotinib, dabrafenib, dasatinib, imatinib)
  • valerian
  • yohimbine
  • zolpidem
  • zopiclone

if you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

  • stop taking one of the medications,
  • change one of the medications to another,
  • change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
  • leave everything as is.

an interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. also tell them about any supplements you take. since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

all material copyright mediresource inc. 1996 – 2023. terms and conditions of use. the contents herein are for informational purposes only. always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/alprazolam-by-pro-doc