Alprazolam

About Alprazolam

Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and social phobias and makes you calm and less tense.

How does Alprazolam work?

Alprazolam causes the release of chemicals in the brain that calm you down.

Useful information

• Everyone becomes anxious at some point. Anxiety is a normal response of your body to looming danger or the unknown and is a protective mechanism.

  Some people experience anxiety when there is little reason to feel anxious. These people experience headaches, stomach aches, trembling, sweating, and dizziness. This is known as an anxiety disorder.

• Everyone receives and gives criticism as part of everyday engagement with others. The criticism may be favorable to us or not.

  Either way, some people manifest their discomfort with criticism physically through sweating, tightness in the chest, and trembling.

  This is known as social phobia. You should understand that criticism is an opinion and not a fact. Your doctor may recommend staying away from social media.

What are the side-effects I may experience?

You may experience:

Drowsiness

Fatigue

Reduced coordination

Muscle weakness

Blurred vision

Diminished appetite

Are there any medications and foods I should avoid?

You may eat normally while taking alprazolam.

It isn’t advisable to drink alcohol when taking alprazolam. Alprazolam increases the effects of alcohol. Alcohol also increases the side effects of alprazolam.

I forgot a dose. What should I do?

If you forget to take your prescription, take it as soon as you remember.

If you miss a dose, don’t take a double dose.

If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and take the next one.

Can I drive or operate machinery?

Alprazolam can cause drowsiness and impair coordination. It is dangerous to drive or operate machinery when on alprazolam.

It may be a criminal offense to drive when using alprazolam. If you use alprazolam occasionally, do not drive for three days after using alprazolam.

Should I be bothered about possible addiction or dependence?

• You can develop a dependence on alprazolam if you take it for a long time. You should not stop taking alprazolam without your doctor’s consent.

• You may also experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking alprazolam.

  Some withdrawal symptoms you may experience include irritability, tremors, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and muscle pain.

  These withdrawal symptoms may feel like the symptoms of your anxiety or phobias, but they are expected and temporary.

• Your pharmacist or doctor will counsel and direct you on how to safely stop taking alprazolam using a phase-out schedule.

Will my sexual performance, fertility or contraceptive be impaired?

Alprazolam may increase libido in some people and decrease it in others.

Inform your doctor if you experience any undesirable effects on your sex life.

Can I use this medication if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

• It is not advisable to take alprazolam when pregnant. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

  Your unborn baby can experience withdrawal symptoms (irritability, tremors, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and muscle pain).

  When you take alprazolam close to delivery, your baby may have difficulty breathing and become weak after delivery.

• Alprazolam can be found in breast milk. Your baby can experience side effects if you breastfeed when taking alprazolam. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before breastfeeding when taking alprazolam.