What is Alprazolam
AlprazolamThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryAlprazolam is a medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It should not be taken with medicines that contain ketoconazole or itraconazole. When stopping Alprazolam, the dose should be tapered down gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Side effects of Alprazolam use can include drowsiness, so it should not be taken with alcohol, as this can lead to coma or death. Alprazolam was approved by the FDA in 1981.
Alprazolamis the brand name
Alprazolam Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Alprazolam
Alprazolam
1981
518
Effectiveness
How Alprazolam Affects PatientsAlprazolam is a type of medicine that affects the brain's communication system to reduce anxiety. It is important to be aware that taking alprazolam with opioids can lead to severe sleepiness, breathing problems, coma, and even death. People with existing breathing problems are also more at risk of these effects. Taking alprazolam can also cause drowsiness, so it is important to not drive or use heavy machinery while taking it. It is also possible to become addicted to alprazolam, so it should be monitored carefully. When stopping or reducing the dose of alprazolam,
How Alprazolam works in the bodyGABA receptors help control the flow of electrical signals in the brain by either making them stronger (excitatory) or weaker (inhibitory). GABA receptors are made up of different parts that come together to form a channel. These channels allow chloride ions to move in and out of cells, creating a change in electrical charge. When GABA binds to these receptors, it opens up the channel, allowing chloride ions to quickly travel through and cause the cell to become more negatively charged. This causes a decrease in electrical signals, which is an inhibitory effect. Benzodiazepines can also bind to these receptors, which can have both therapeutic and unwanted
When to interrupt dosage
The advocated measure of Alprazolam is contingent upon the diagnosed condition. The amount of dosage depends on the delivery process delineated in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
1.0 mg, , 0.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.25 mg, 3.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Solution, concentrate
Panic Disorder
1.0 mg, , 0.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.25 mg, 3.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Solution, concentrate
Warnings
Alprazolam ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Alprazolam may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Common Alprazolam Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Axitinib
Major
The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Alprazolam.
Azelastine
Major
Alprazolam may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.
Cabazitaxel
Major
The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Alprazolam.
Carbamazepine
Major
The metabolism of Carbamazepine can be decreased when combined with Alprazolam.
Copanlisib
Major
The metabolism of Copanlisib can be decreased when combined with Alprazolam.
Alprazolam Toxicity & Overdose RiskTaking too much alprazolam can lead to extreme drowsiness, confusion, clumsiness, and even coma and death. Mixing alprazolam with alcohol increases the risk of an overdose. If someone has taken an overdose, their breathing, pulse, and blood pressure should be monitored, and they may be given stomach pumping and fluids intravenously. If their blood pressure becomes too low, they may need medications to raise it again. In severe cases, a special medication called flumazenil may also be used to treat the overdose. In rats, the toxic dose of alprazolam is between
Alprazolam Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Alprazolam?
47 active clinical trials are assessing Alprazolam as a potential treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
31 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 1
Panic Disorder
19 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2
Alprazolam Reviews: What are patients saying about Alprazolam?
5Patient Review
12/20/2017 I was really struggling to get through everyday life before this treatment. I couldn't even leave my bed some days, let alone go to work. And when I did manage to make it in, I would have panic attacks and black out. But now I feel like I have my life back!
5Patient Review
1/22/2019 This treatment is effective, but can be addictive. Withdrawal symptoms are really tough to deal with.
5Patient Review
1/25/2019 I primarily use this medication for sleep; however, I occasionally have to take it for anxiety as well. The fact that I'm only allotted 30 per month is really problematic because it means that I constantly have to ration my usage.
5Patient Review
2/28/2021 This drug has been a life-saver for my dog (and me). She used to be terrified of thunderstorms, but now she's much more calm.
5Patient Review
12/20/2017 This treatment has been life-changing for me. I used to be terrified to leave my bed every day, and now I'm living my life without fear.
5Patient Review
1/22/2019 Though it is effective, this treatment is also very habit-forming. I would know; the withdrawal symptoms are absolutely horrendous.
5Patient Review
1/25/2019 I primarily use this medication for sleep; however, it also helps with my anxiety. Unfortunately, I am only allotted 30 pills per month, which doesn't leave me any to address my anxiety when needed.
5Patient Review
8/20/2021 I am sleeping well. No side effects.
5Patient Review
2/28/2021 This drug helped my dog's anxiety during thunderstorms. It was prescribed by my veterinarian. Not only did it help my dog, but it helped me too!
5Patient Review
8/20/2021 I am sleeping soundly and without any negative effects since taking this medication.
5Patient Review
8/7/20175Patient Review
11/11/20175Patient Review
8/7/20175Patient Review
11/11/20174.7Patient Review
9/10/2021 Can this drug have an effect on blood pressure?
4.7Patient Review
9/10/2021 I'm wondering if this drug can have an effect on blood pressure?
4.3Patient Review
11/27/2020 I've been on this medication for over two decades, and it's worked great for me ever since my hysterectomy. I'm able to function very well on it, but unfortunately all my doctors now want to take me off it. They're called "the experts," but in this case I think I know better than they do. Hopefully switching to the ER pill will help keep the medication in my system longer so that I don't have to take it four times a day. It's going to be a battle with the doctor, but I'm hopeful that we can come to a resolution that works for both of us.
4.3Patient Review
11/27/2020 I've been on this medication for over two decades after my hysterectomy. I can't take hormone pills, so this has been a lifesaver in terms of managing my anxiety and panic attacks. Recently, all my doctors have wanted to take me off it; however, I think that's foolish given how well it's worked for me all these years.
4Patient Review
8/15/2019 This Medication has helped me a lot with my seizures.
4Patient Review
6/13/2021 This treatment helps me manage my anxiety and tension levels.
4Patient Review
6/13/2021 This medication helped me feel much more relaxed and less anxious.
4Patient Review
8/23/20174Patient Review
10/3/2018 This medication has been a godsend.
4Patient Review
8/23/20174Patient Review
10/3/2018 This medication has helped me a lot.
4Patient Review
8/15/2019 This medication has drastically reduced the frequency of my seizures.
1Patient Review
8/8/2022 My son became addicted to Xanax at 18 and, 25 years later, he still suffers the consequences. I would urge you to find an alternative to this drug.
1Patient Review
8/8/2022 My son became addicted to this drug 25 years ago and he still suffers the consequences today. Please avoid prescribing this medication if possible and look for other alternatives.
Patient Q&A Section about alprazolam
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What is alprazolam used for in adults?
"Alprazolam is a medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorder. It is a benzodiazepine, a class of drugs that act on the brain and nervous system to produce a calming effect."
Answered by AI
Is alprazolam and Xanax the same?
"The chronic use of Xanax can lead to physical dependence and tolerance.
The active ingredient in Xanax is alprazolam, which is used to treat anxiety symptoms that are caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Over time, chronic use of Xanax can lead to physical dependence and tolerance."
Answered by AI
Is alprazolam used as a sleeping pill?
"Zolpidem (Ambien) and alprazolam (Xanax) are both used to treat insomnia. However, Xanax is not officially approved to treat insomnia; it is only approved to treat panic attacks and anxiety disorders. These two medications come from different drug classes; Ambien is a sedative/hypnotic while Xanax is a benzodiazepine."
Answered by AI