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Alprazolam

Alprazolam
Main Use Active Ingredient Manufacturer
Short term treatment of anxiety Alprazolam Pharmacia & Upjohn

How does it work?
Alprazolam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It acts on receptors in the brain (GABA receptors) causing the release of a chemical called GABA (gamma amino butyric acid). GABA is a major inhibitory chemical in the brain involved in inducing sleepiness and control of anxiety and fits. Alprazolam acts by increasing the activity of GABA, thereby reducing the functioning of certain areas of the brain. This results in sleepiness, a decrease in anxiety and relaxation of muscles.

Alprazolam is most commonly used to treat insomnia. It decreases the time taken to fall asleep and nocturnal awakenings, as well as increasing the total amount of time spent sleeping. As alprazolam remains active in the body for many hours, drowsiness may occur the next day.

Alprazolam is most commonly used to relieve anxiety in serious anxiety related conditions. It is not recommended for the long-term treatment of anxiety due to the development of dependence.

What is it used for?
Anxiety (short term use)

Warning!
This medicine is generally only suitable for short-term use. If it is used for long periods or in high doses, tolerance to and dependence upon the medicine may develop, and withdrawal symptoms may occur if treatment is stopped suddenly. For this reason, treatment with this medicine should usually be stopped gradually, following the instructions given by your doctor, in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as rebound insomnia or anxiety, confusion, sweating, tremor, loss of appetite, irritability or convulsions.

Use with caution in
Breastfeeding
Disease affecting the airways or lungs (respiratory disease)
Elderly people
History of alcoholism or drug abuse
Kidney disease
Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)
Liver disease
Muscle weakness
Personality disorders
Pregnancy
Not to be used in
A sudden worsening of any underlying lung disease (acute pulmonary insufficiency)
Abnormal muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis)
Children
Phobias or obsessional states
Psychotic illness
Severe liver disease
Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)
Syndrome involving short spells when breathing stops during sleep (sleep apnoea syndrome)
Treatment as a single medication in depression or in anxiety with depression

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby.Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be avoided during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the developing baby. This is particularly important during the third trimester of pregnancy and prior to or during labour.

This medicine passes into breast milk. It is recommended that mothers should avoid using this medicine while breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings
This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Headache
Confusion
Addiction to the medicine (dependence)
Muscle weakness
Loss of memory (amnesia)
Drowsiness and lightheadedness the next day
Shaky movements and unsteady walk (ataxia)
Unexpected increase in aggression (paradoxical aggression)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?
The following medicines may increase the sedative effect of alprazolam:
Alcohol
Indinavir
Ritonavir
Fluvoxamine
Nefazadone
and sedating antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine

Alprazolam blood levels may be decreased by theophylline, making it less effective.

Alprazolam may increase blood digoxin levels, leading to an increase in the adverse effects of digoxin.

Alprazolam may increase or decrease blood phenytoin levels.