Pronunciation: al-PRAY-zoe-lam
Generic name: alprazolam
Brand names: Xanax, Xanax XR, Niravam
Dosage forms: oral concentrate (1 mg/mL); oral tablet (0.25 mg; 0.5 mg; 1 mg; 2 mg); oral tablet, disintegrating (0.25 mg; 0.5 mg; 1 mg; 2 mg); oral tablet, extended release (0.5 mg; 1 mg; 2 mg; 3 mg)
Drug class: Benzodiazepines

What is alprazolam?

• It is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-aZE-eh-peen) that is used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Some neurotransmitters in the brain are thought to be stimulated by it.

  Anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and depression-induced anxiety are treated with alprazolam.

  The purchase of alprazolam over the Internet or outside the United States is dangerous. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the sale and distribution of medicines outside the United States.

Warnings

• ALPRAZOLAM CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH IF NOT USED AS PREDICTED. Place the medication in a place where others cannot access it.

  In combination with alcohol, opioid medicines, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow breathing, alprazolam can cause fatal side effects.

  Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. If you suddenly stop using the medicine after long-term use, you may experience life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. It is possible for withdrawal symptoms to last for up to 12 months or longer.

  Symptoms of stopping alprazolam include: unusual muscle movements, becoming more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or thoughts of suicide.

Do not use alprazolam if you are pregnant. This medicine can cause birth defects or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take alprazolam if:

• you also take antifungal medicine such as itraconazole or ketoconazole; or
• you have a history of allergic reaction to any benzodiazepine (alprazolam, lorazepam, diazepam, Ativan, Valium, Versed, Klonopin, and others).

To make sure alprazolam is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• breathing problems;
• drug or alcohol addiction;

You should not breastfeed.

• If your baby seems drowsy or is having feeding problems but if you are breastfeeding, you should speak to your doctor about it.

  Anyone under the age of 18 should not use this product.

  The risks associated with the use of alprazolam during pregnancy and breastfeeding

How should I take alprazolam?

• It is recommended that liquid medicine be measured using the measuring device provided with the medicine (not a kitchen spoon).

  In order to get maximum benefits from this drug, it is vital that you swallow the extended-release tablet whole and not crush, chew, or break it in any way.

• Alprazolam should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Be sure to read all medication guides and instructions on your prescription label. Never take more alprazolam than prescribed. If you feel a strong urge to use more alprazolam, tell your doctor.

  Do not share this medicine with anyone, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH CAN RESULT FROM THE MISUSE OF MEDICATIONS. Make sure the medication is kept out of the reach of others. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Dosing information :
Extended-release tablets:
-Initial dose: 0.5 to 1 mg orally once a day
-Maintenance dose: 3 to 6 mg orally per day, preferably in the morning
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day

What happens if I miss a dose?

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Take only one dose at a time.

What happens if I overdose?

• Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek emergency medical attention. When alprazolam is taken with alcohol, opioids, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow breathing, it can be fatal.

What should I avoid while taking alprazolam?

Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how alprazolam will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Alprazolam side effects

• If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction to alprazolam: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

  If you have recently used opioid medications or alcohol, alprazolam may slow or stop your breathing. The person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing, blue lips, or are difficult to wake up.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• weak or shallow breathing;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• a seizure;

What other drugs will affect alprazolam?

• It is critical to note that taking alprazolam with other drugs that cause sleepiness or slow down your breathing can have dangerous side effects or even result in death. Before taking any kind of opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or a medicine for anxiety or seizures, it is strongly recommended that you consult your doctor first.

  There are a number of drugs that can interact with alprazolam, and some drugs should not be used together with alprazolam as they might interfere with its effects. If you are taking any other medicines, please make sure your doctor is aware of them. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

• There are times when it is not safe to take certain medicines at the same time. However, there are certain drugs that can affect the levels of other drugs you use in your blood. This can lead to an increase in side effects or a decrease in the effectiveness of these drugs.

Where can I get more information?

Always keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children but do not share your medicines with others, and only use alprazolam for the indication prescribed.

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