What is Alprazolam?
Alprazolam, better known by its brand name Xanax, is a prescription drug belonging to the benzodiazepine group. It is currently the most prescribed benzodiazepine drug and primarily used for treating anxiety and panic disorders though it may also be used for other purposes as well. The way that Alprazolam works is by acting on GABA receptors to cause a calming effect.
How to take Alprazolam
Alprazolam is a prescription-only medication and highly regulated in most countries as a controlled substance. The medicine comes in tablets of 0.25mg, .50mg, 1mg and 2mg. The dosage amount of Alprazolam varies per patient depending on the condition and the patient’s specific needs. Generally, patients start out taking Alprazolam at a low dosage and then have their dosage gradually increased. Patients should always take the lowest necessary dosage of Alprazolam in order to avoid tolerance and dependence. All patients taking Alprazolam must regularly have their treatment reassessed by their doctors. Because of the risk of withdrawal symptoms, treatment with Alprazolam should not be abruptly stopped; the dosage should be gradually reduced under medical supervision.
What are the Side Effects of Alprazolam?
Like with other benzodiazepine drugs, Alprazolam can cause some adverse side effects. In most cases, these side effects are not serious and will diminish after a short time of taking the medicine. The most common side effects include: drowsiness, feeling light headed, feeling sad, confusion, difficulties sleeping, dry mouth, changes to bowel movements, and nausea.
Before taking Alprazolam, patients should talk to their doctors about the risks of serious side effects and their signs. Patients should particularly be aware of the risk of drug tolerance, dependence and addiction to Alprazolam. If any symptoms of these conditions are evident, such as having cravings for Alprazolam, then patients should contact their doctors at once.
Who Should Not Take Alprazolam?
Alprazolam is not safe for everyone to take. Certain health problems could make it too dangerous for patients to use Alprazolam, including: respiratory problems, hepatic impairment, renal disease, personal or family history of drug/alcohol abuse, or glaucoma. Patients using Alprazolam must also tell their doctors that they are using this medicine before having any surgical operation, including dental operations. The medicine could make the surgery more dangerous. Pregnant women should not take Alprazolam unless their doctors have determined it is absolutely necessary. Alprazolam should not be taken by breastfeeding women.
When taking Alprazolam, be aware that it commonly causes drowsiness, delayed reaction time, and dizziness. Until you are certain that the medicine has not caused these effects, do not perform any dangerous tasks like driving.
Alprazolam Interactions
If Alprazolam is taken with certain other drugs (including over-the-counter medicines, supplements and street drugs), it could cause an interaction in which the effects of one or both drugs is changed. Some of the possible interactions with Alprazolam include: alcohol, kava, benzodiazepine drugs, psychological drugs such as antidepressants, HIV medicines, St. John’s Wort, anticonvulsants, antihistamine, pain medicines, or any medicine which causes drowsiness.