alprazolam

What is alprazolam?

This medicine is used for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorder. It belongs to the group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It works by calming and relaxing the brain and central nervous system. It also increases the amount of a natural chemical in the body called GABA. Its common brand name is Xanax. 

Alprazolam reduces the unusual excitements in the brain. It is also used for depression, agoraphobia, and premenstrual syndrome. 

Make a proper record of your appointments and doctor’s prescription. 

Important warning

It increases the risk of life-threatening problems like breathing problems, sedation, and coma. Using other street drugs during the treatment also increases the chances of these life-threatening problems.

Make sure that your family members are aware of the symptoms of overdose and side effects so that they can call the doctor for medical attention.

How to use alprazolam?

It comes in various forms like capsule, tablet, and in concentrated liquid form. Take this medicine by mouth. The dosage of alprazolam is usually two to four times per day. 

Consume this medicine as directed by your health consultant. Follow the prescription of the drug.

 Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any confusion regarding the treatment.

Do not crush and chew the tablet, swallow the whole medicine. 

It can be habit-forming if used for an extended period. Do not make any changes in your medicine without consulting the doctor. The sudden stop of consumption of drug may cause withdrawal symptoms like seizures, shaking of a part of the body, headache, blurred vision, increased sensitivity, change in the sense of smell, sweating, difficulty falling asleep, difficulty concentrating, nervousness, depression, irritability, aggressive behavior, muscle twitching, cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, pain, burning, numbness, tingling in the hands, decrease in appetite and weight loss. To reduce the chance of withdrawal, your doctor will slowly and gradually lower your dose.

Despite several benefits, this medicine causes addiction. The risk of addiction is high when this medicine is used with alcohol, or you take more than the prescribed dosage.

Side effects of alprazolam

Commonly observed side effects of alprazolam are ataxia, cognitive dysfunction, constipation, depression, difficulty in micturition, drowsiness, dysarthria, fatigue, headache, memory impairment, menstrual disease, nervousness, sedated state, skin rash, tremor, weight gain, weight loss, anxiety, blurred vision, diarrhea, insomnia, decreased libido, increased appetite, irritability, decreased appetite, depersonalization, hyperventilation, hypoesthesia, hypotension, paresthesia, sexual disorder, sialorrhea, muscle twitching, and increased libido.

Rare side effects of alprazolam are-:

• Actions that are out of control
• Attack
• Assault
• force
• chest pain
• unexplained noise in the ears
• decreased awareness 
• fast breathing with dizziness
• ear pain
• unusual sense of well-being
• racing heartbeat 
• feeling jittery
• feeling unusually cold
• slowing of mental and physical activity
• hearing loss
• hoarseness
• lack of feeling 
• loss of control of the legs
• loss of strength 
• nightmares
• numbness of the feet
• severe sleepiness