Alprazolam
Information about Alprazolam
Alprazolam uses
How alprazolam works
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine. It works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger (GABA) which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Common side effects of alprazolam
Memory impairment, Dizziness, Tiredness, Sleepiness, Depression, Confusion, Uncoordinated body movements
Content Details
Last updated on:
10 Jul 2018 | 12:34 PM (IST)
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Expert advice for Alprazolam
- If you are taking Alprazolam for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety, it should not be used more than 4 weeks.
- It may become less effective over the time.
- It causes sleepiness or drowsiness. If this happens to you, do not drive or use machinery.
- Avoid consuming alcohol when taking the Alprazolam, as it may cause excessive sleepiness or drowsiness.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
- Inform your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with kidney or liver problems.
- The addiction / habit-forming potential of Alprazolam is very high.
Frequently asked questions for Alprazolam
Alprazolam
Q. What is Alprazolam used for?
Alprazolam is used to relieve excess (moderate to severe) anxiety and to treat anxiety associated with depression. It is not to be used for mild anxiety associated with stress of day today life situations.
Q. Is Alprazolam safe?
Alprazolam is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor.
Q. Is Alprazolam addictive (habit-forming)?
Yes, the use of Alprazolam has addictive potential. Its use is associated with risk of addiction for physical or psychological effects. The abrupt discontinuation of Alprazolam is therefore not advised to avoid serious withdrawal symptoms.
Q. Is Alprazolam an opioid?
No, Alprazolam is not an opioid, it belongs to a class of substances called benzodiazepines.
Q. Is Alprazolam an anti-depressant?
No, Alprazolam is not an anti-depressant. It is used to relieve excess anxiety and to treat anxiety associated with depression.
Q. Is Alprazolam a narcotic substance?
No, Alprazolam is not a narcotic substance. It belongs to the class of medicines known as benzodiazepines and is used for the treatment of anxiety.
Q. Can I take Alprazolam for a hangover?
No, Alprazolam is not indicated for managing a hangover. Rather, Alprazolam should not be taken with alcohol as both the substances can cause excessive sleep (sedation) and depress your brain.
Q. Can I take Alprazolam for anxiety?
Yes, Alprazolam is used to relieve excess (moderate to severe) anxiety and to treat anxiety associated with depression. It is not recommended for mild anxiety associated with stress of day today life situations.
Q. Can I take Alprazolam for heart palpitations?
No, Alprazolam is not indicated for the treatment of heart palpitations. However, it may help in reducing heart palpitations associated with anxiety. Alprazolam should always be taken only when advised by your doctor.
Q. Can I take Alprazolam for alcohol withdrawal?
No, Alprazolam is not indicated for the management of alcohol withdrawal.
Q. Does Alprazolam reduce blood pressure?
Lowering of blood pressure is seen if you take more than prescribed dose of Alprazolam. Please consult your doctor if you experience excessive fall in blood pressure while you are taking Alprazolam.
Q. Does Alprazolam make you sleepy?
Yes, Alprazolam makes you sleepy. Sedation (sleepiness) is a very common side effect of Alprazolam. Please consult your doctor if you are prescribed Alprazolam and your work requires you to remain alerted or you drive yourself as it may affect your driving.
Q. Does Alprazolam expire?
Yes, Alprazolam like any other medicine has an expiry date and should not be used beyond the date mentioned on the package.
Q. Does Alprazolam cause weight gain?
Change in weight (both weight gain and weight loss) has been reported as a common side effect with Alprazolam. Please consult your doctor if you experience disproportionate change in weight when you are taking Alprazolam.
Q. Can the use of Alprazolam cause hair loss?
It has not been reported to cause hair loss. Talk to your doctor if you experience this while taking Alprazolam. As it could be due to some other underlying condition.
Q. Can I take Alprazolam with hydrocodone?
Alprazolam should not be taken with hydrocodone. Alprazolam belong to a class of medicines called benzodiazepines and hydrocodone belongs to the class of medicines called opioids. Both the classes cause sedation (increased tenedency to sleep) and respiratory depression (slow and difficult breathing). Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.
Q. Can I take Alprazolam with paracetamol?
No, interactions have been reported between Alprazolam and paracetamol. However, this does not mean that no interactions exist. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.
Q. Can I take Alprazolam with prednisone?
Prednisolone may increase the metabolism (breakdown) of Alprazolam and hence decrease the levels of Alprazolam in the body which may decrease the effect of Alprazolam and a higher dose may be needed. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.
Q. Can I take Alprazolam with clonazepam?
Alprazolam should not be taken with clonazepam as both the medicines belong to the same class of medicines called benzodiazepines. When taken together, they can cause sedation (increased tenedency to sleep) and respiratory depression (slow and difficult breathing). Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.
Q. Can I take Alprazolam with oxycodone?
Alprazolam should not be taken with oxycodone. Alprazolam belong to a class of medicines called benzodiazepines and oxycodone belong to the class of medicines called opioids. Both the classes cause sedation (increased tenedency to sleep) and respiratory depression (slow and difficult breathing). Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.
Q. Can I take Alprazolam with tramadol?
Alprazolam should not be taken with tramadol. Alprazolam belong to a class of medicines called benzodiazepines and tramadol belong to the class of medicines called opioids. Both the classes cause sedation (increased tenedency to sleep) and respiratory depression (slow and difficult breathing). Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.
Q. Can I take Alprazolam with ibuprofen?
No, interactions have been reported between Alprazolam and ibuprofen. However, this does not mean that no interactions exist. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.
Q. Can I take Alprazolam with sertraline?
No, interactions have been reported between Alprazolam and sertraline. However, this does not mean that no interactions exist. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.
Q. Can I take Alprazolam with buspirone?
No, interactions have been reported between Alprazolam and buspirone. However, this does not mean that no interactions exist. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.
Q. Can I take Alprazolam for the rest of my life?
No, Alprazolam should be taken only for a prescribed duration at prescribed doses as advised by your doctor.
Q. Can I take Alprazolam for pain?
No, Alprazolam is not indicated for the treatment of any kind of pain. It belongs to the class of benzodiazepines and is indicated for the treatment of anxiety.