Alprazolam

💊 What is Alprazolam used for?

• •Acute (short-term) treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults
• •Treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia (fear of places and situations that might cause panic, helplessness, or embarrassment), in adults

How it works

The label says benzodiazepines interact at gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA A) sites in the central nervous system. The label does not describe the effect in more detail in the text provided.

How it is usually taken

• •The label says alprazolam is taken by mouth. It is usually taken several times a day in divided doses, and the dose may be adjusted over time based on how a person responds. The label says to take it exactly as the prescriber directs. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Comes as

• •0.25 mg: white, oval, uncoated tablets with a breakline
• •0.5 mg: peach-colored, oval, uncoated tablets with a breakline
• •1 mg: blue, oval, uncoated tablets with a breakline
• •2 mg: white, oblong, uncoated tablets with breaklines

⚠️ Alprazolam side effects

🛑 Who should not take Alprazolam, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨The label says not to take it if you are allergic to alprazolam, other benzodiazepines, or any ingredient in the tablets. Angioedema (swelling) has been reported with this allergy.
• 🚨The label says not to take it if you are taking strong CYP3A inhibitors, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole. Ritonavir is an exception in the label.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your provider if you have or have had depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behavior.
• •Tell your provider if you have liver or kidney problems, or lung disease or breathing problems.
• •Tell your provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed.
• •Tell your provider if you have abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs.
• •Tell your provider about all medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• •The label says it is not known if alprazolam is safe and effective in children. It says elderly patients are especially susceptible to dose-related side effects.
• •The label says it is not known if alprazolam is safe and effective for anxiety treatment longer than 4 months, or for panic disorder treatment longer than 10 weeks.

🔀 Alprazolam with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Opioids: the label says combining them increases the risk of respiratory depression. Examples listed include morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone, codeine, and tramadol.
• •Other CNS depressants, including alcohol, antihistamines, anticonvulsants, and other psychotropic medicines: effects can add together.
• •Digoxin: the label says alprazolam may increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.
• •Strong CYP3A inhibitors (except ritonavir), such as ketoconazole and itraconazole: the label says these can increase alprazolam levels and the risk of side effects.
• •CYP3A inducers: the label says these may reduce how well alprazolam works.

Alcohol and food

The label says to avoid using alcohol with alprazolam, because it can add to sedation and other central nervous system depression. The label text provided does not include food instructions.

🤰 Alprazolam in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says that using alprazolam late in pregnancy may cause the baby to have sedation (breathing problems, sluggishness, low muscle tone) and/or withdrawal symptoms (jitteriness, irritability, restlessness, shaking, excessive crying, feeding problems). The label says to tell your provider right away if you become pregnant or think you might be. There is a pregnancy registry, the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications, at 1-866-961-2388.

Breastfeeding

The label says alprazolam passes into breast milk. It says breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment. Talk with your provider about the best way to feed your baby.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

Keep alprazolam tablets in a safe place and away from children, as the Medication Guide says. The storage details in the label's How Supplied section were cut off in the text provided, so the full label has the specific storage conditions.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label says benzodiazepine overdose causes central nervous system depression, ranging from drowsiness to coma. Mild to moderate cases can include drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, lethargy, and reduced reflexes. Severe cases can include breathing problems and coma. The label says overdose combined with alcohol or opioids may be fatal. The overdose section was cut off in the text provided, so the full label has more detail.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Alprazolam

• Is alprazolam right for my type of anxiety or panic disorder?
• How long am I expected to take it, and how will we decide when to lower the dose?
• What withdrawal symptoms should I watch for if I need to stop or reduce the dose?
• Which of my current medicines, including opioids or alcohol, could cause a dangerous interaction?
• Should I avoid driving or operating machinery while I am taking it?
• What should I do if I think I have taken more than prescribed?
• Can I register for the pregnancy registry if I become pregnant during treatment?

❓ Alprazolam: frequently asked questions