Alprazolam

Uses	Anxiety, Panic disorders, Anxiety associtaed with depression

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Molecule Description

Alprazolam is used to treat a brain-related disorder such as severe anxiety, anxiety associated with depression (low mood associated with fear and stress), and panic disorders (a feeling of terror, without any association of real danger). It enhances the effect of the chemical substance GABA, thereby reducing and inhibiting the abnormal and excessive nerve cells and nerve transmission within the brain. Take this medicine as advised by your doctor and in doses and duration as prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor, as the sudden stopping of this medicine may result in worsening of the condition. Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose of the medicine.

Uses

Alprazolam is used to treat certain psychotic disorders such as anxiety disorder associated with depression, panic disorder.

Contraindications

When should one not use Alprazolam

If you are allergic to alprazolam.
If you suffer from a very weak and tired muscles condition (myasthenia gravis).
If you have severe chest problems and irregular breathing difficulties even while sleeping (chronic bronchitis, sleep apnoea).
If you have severe liver problems. If you are on antifungal medicine such as ketoconazole and itraconazole.
If you have narrow-angle glaucoma (increased pressure within the eye).

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Decreased appetite
Sedation
Sleepiness
Altered co-ordination or balance
Memory impairment
Slurred speech
Dizziness
Headache
Tiredness

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Alprazolam should not be used during pregnancy. Your doctor may prescribe you this medicine only if it is necessary and has no other alternate medication. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

Alprazolam passess into the breast milk. Thus, it is recommended not to take this medicine, if you are breastfeeding or a nursing mother.

Driving

It is advised not to drive after taking the medicine as it can make you feel sleepy, dizzy and alter your concentration level.

Alcohol

It is recommended not to take alcohol while taking the medicine, as alcohol increases the effects of the medicine.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have or had any psychiatric disorder such as mania, suicide.
You have lung, kidney or liver problems.
You have fits.
You are pregnant.
You have difficulty in passing urine after taking this medicine.
You are an elderly patient.
You are any painkiller such as morphine, tramadol, etc.
You have or had experienced any withdrawal or dependence effects, as a result of abruptly stopping the treatment.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Alprazolam works by increasing the action of a natural chemical substance called GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain. GABA is responsible for reducing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells and also inhibits the nerve signal transmission of the neurons within the brain.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Some medicines can affect the way this medicine works or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time. Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction. Especially if you are taking medicines to treat epilepsy (fits), heart problems, an anti-hypertensive medicine, psychiatric illnesses or medicine to treat the brain-related disorder, anti-infective medicine, painkiller, antacids, anti-allergic, and oral contraceptive medicine. Alprazolam must not be used along with medicines used to treat HIV infection like abacavir, zidovudine, medicines used to treat fungal infections like ketoconazole, antibiotics like erythromycin, clarithromycin and medicines used to treat psychiatric illness like nefazodone are contraindicated.

Dosage

Overdose

If you do accidentally take too much you may experience sleepiness, confusion, impaired coordination and rarely death. In such cases, contact your doctor immediately.

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose of medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dose schedule. Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, Alprazolam is known to have habit-forming and dependency potential. Thus, if you stop taking this medicine abruptly you may experience withdrawal symptoms and the condition may worsen further. Your doctor will slowly reduce the dose of the medicine depending on your condition.

No, Alprazolam is not a pain killer medicine. It belongs to the benzodiazepines class of medicine and is mainly used for the treatment of anxiety, panic disorder and anxiety associated with depression.

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