Chemical Name: ALPRAZOLAM (al-PRAZ-oh-lam)
Common uses
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorder. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.
Prior to Use
Be aware that pre-existing medical conditions, or taking additional medications could interfere with the
effectiveness of this one. Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. If you are taking any of the following, your dose or condition may need regular supervision: clozapine, nefazodone, rifampin, oral antifungal agents (imidazoles), hiv protease inhibitors, or medicine for seizures. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your physician or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using Alprazolam.
Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Alprazolam. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking Alprazolam. It is best to keep Alprazolam away from heat and light, at room temperature. If you miss a dose of Alprazolam and you are using it regularly, begin using it immediately. If you do not remember until later, omit the skipped dose and continue to follow your original dosing schedule. Never take more than one dose at the same time.
Warnings
Do not exceed the recommended dose or take Alprazolam for longer than prescribed. Exceeding the recommended dose or taking Alprazolam for longer than prescribed may be habit-forming. Alprazolam may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Alprazolam. Alprazolam will add to the effects of other medicines and alcohol. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines can cause drowsiness. Women, Alprazolam has been shown to cause harm to the human fetus. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using Alprazolam during pregnancy. Alprazolam is excreted in breast milk do not breast-feed while taking Alprazolam.
Potential Side Effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include excessive daytime drowsiness, unusual weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, clumsiness, or unsteadiness. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.
In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed. Indications of an overdose are confusion, slow reflexes, clumsiness, deep sleep, and loss of consciousness.
Additional information
Do not let anyone else use Alprazolam. Do not take Alprazolam to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children.
