Alprazolam

Alprazolam

Alprazolam is a type of benzodiazepine. It is thought to work by improving the activity of some neurotransmitters in the patient's brain. It can treat panic and anxiety disorders and anxiety caused by depression. 

Misusing Alprazolam can cause overdose, addiction, or other severe conditions. So, only the person who is prescribed the medication must take it. 

How Does Alprazolam Work?

Alprazolam exerts its effects by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA has inhibitory properties, meaning it can slow down or calm the overactive nerve signals responsible for anxiety symptoms. By promoting GABA's activity, Alprazolam helps reduce anxiety and induce a sense of relaxation.

What are the uses of Alprazolam?

Alprazolam is used for treating panic and anxiety disorders. It acts on the brain and nerves to produce a calming effect. In addition, it enhances the effects of certain natural chemicals in the body (GABA). 

Here are some common uses of alprazolam:

• Treatment of Anxiety Disorders: Alprazolam is most commonly prescribed for the management of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. It helps reduce excessive worry, nervousness, and tension associated with these conditions.
• Management of Panic Attacks: Alprazolam can be used to treat and prevent panic attacks in individuals with panic disorder. It helps alleviate the symptoms of panic attacks, such as sudden feelings of intense fear or impending doom, rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath.
• Short-Term Relief of Anxiety Symptoms: Alprazolam is sometimes used on a short-term basis to provide immediate relief from severe anxiety symptoms while other longer-term treatments (such as antidepressants or psychotherapy) take effect.
• Muscle Relaxation: Alprazolam has muscle relaxant properties, which can be helpful in reducing muscle tension and stiffness associated with anxiety.
• Adjunctive Treatment for Depression: In some cases, alprazolam may be prescribed as an adjunctive treatment for depression, especially when anxiety symptoms are prominent alongside depressive symptoms.

How and when to take Alprazolam?

Follow the instructions provided by the doctor in detail. Take Alprazolam just as prescribed by the doctor. Follow the exact guidelines in the prescription. Do not use Alprazolam in a larger quantity or for more than recommended. If you want an increased dosage of the medicine, consult your doctor about it. 

If prescribed liquid medicine, measure it with a proper measuring device. Avoid using materials like kitchen spoons to avoid taking inaccurate medicine measures. 

If you are given the extended-release tablet, swallow it whole. Do not try to crush it or chew it or break it. If you have the orally disintegrating tablet, dissolve it in the mouth without chewing it. 

Why is Alprazolam Prescribed? 

Alprazolam is primarily prescribed for the treatment of specific anxiety disorders and panic disorders. Here are the primary uses of alprazolam:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Alprazolam is prescribed to help manage the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, which involves excessive and persistent worry or anxiety about a variety of everyday problems or activities.
• Panic Disorder: Alprazolam is indicated for the treatment of panic disorder, a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks involve sudden and intense episodes of fear or discomfort, accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, and a sense of impending doom.

What are the side effects of Alprazolam?

Immediately consult healthcare providers if you seem to be having an allergic reaction to Alprazolam. The symptoms of being allergic to Alprazolam can look like hives, trouble breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat. 

It can also stop or slow down your breathing if there has been recent use of alcohol or opioid medication. The person in charge of looking after you needs to call for help if they notice you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue lips, or if you are hard to wake up. 

Contact your doctor if you notice these side effects: 

• Shallow breathing
• Lightheadedness
• A seizure
• Risk-taking behaviour
• Hallucinations
• Decrease in sleep requirement
• Increase in energy
• Feeling agitated or more talkative
• Double vision
• Racing thoughts
• Drowsiness

Once you've stopped taking Alprazolam, if you experience these symptoms, call medical help right away. 

• Unusual muscle movements
• Being more talkative or active
• Severe and unexpected changes in behaviour and mood 
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts or actions

What precautions should be taken?

Call your healthcare provider immediately if the symptoms do not improve or worsen. You may need frequent tests if you have been taking this medication for a long time. 

Do not stop using Alprazolam without consulting with your doctor. You may experience life-endangering withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine abruptly after using it for a long time. 

What if I missed the dose of Alprazolam?

Take medicine as soon as you have remembered. However, if the time for the next dose is close, just skip the dose and take the scheduled dose. Do not try to take two doses at a time to compensate for forgetting the dosage.

What if there is an overdose of Alprazolam?

Immediately call for medical attention or call the poison helpline. Overdose of Alprazolam can be fatal if taken with other opioid medicine, alcohol, or drugs that can cause drowsiness or slowed breathing. 

Some symptoms of overdose to look out for: 

• Extreme drowsiness
• Lightheadedness
• Slowed down heartbeats
• Shallow breathing
• Fainting
• Coma 
• What are the storage conditions for Alprazolam?
• Store the medication at room temperature.
• Keep the medicine away from moisture, heat, and light. 
• Keep the medicine out of the reach of other people who do not have the prescription to use Alprazolam. 
• Do not keep Alprazolam liquid that is not used within 90 days. Throw it away. 

Caution with other medicine

Some drugs can increase side effects or make the medicine work less effectively. Alprazolam, with other drugs, can possibly make you sleepy or slow down your breathing. It can even cause severe side effects.   

• Consult your doctor before taking: 

• Opioid medication
• Muscle relaxers
• Sleeping pills
• Medicines for anxiety or seizures
• Vitamins
• Herbal products

Alprazolam Dosage 

Alprazolam dosage can vary based on factors such as age, medical condition, and individual response to treatment. 

How quickly does Alprazolam show results?

Alprazolam can show results in less than an hour. It may reach peak concentration in the bloodstream in 1-2 hours. 

Do not take Alprazolam without a doctor's prescription. Follow the clear guidelines from your doctor, and do not take more than suggested. 

FAQs

1. What is Alprazolam, and what is it used for?

Alprazolam is a medication classified as a benzodiazepine. It is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and, in some cases, anxiety-related insomnia. It works by calming the central nervous system to reduce anxiety symptoms.

2. How does Alprazolam work?

Alprazolam enhances the activity of a neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA has inhibitory properties, which means it can reduce overactive nerve signals responsible for anxiety. By increasing GABA's activity, Alprazolam promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety.

3. Is Alprazolam safe to use?

Alprazolam can be safe when used as prescribed by a healthcare provider. However, it is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and duration of use. It should typically be used for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms due to the potential for dependence and withdrawal.

4. What are the common side effects of Alprazolam?

Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, coordination problems, and cognitive impairment. These effects can impact daily activities, so caution is advised, especially when operating machinery or driving.

 5. How should I take Alprazolam?

Alprazolam should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The dosage and frequency will depend on your specific condition and response to the medication. It is usually taken orally with a full glass of water.

6. Does Alprazolam make you sleepy?

Yes, alprazolam can cause drowsiness and sedation as a side effect. Many people experience increased feelings of relaxation and may become sleepy or fatigued after taking alprazolam. It is important to avoid activities requiring alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how alprazolam affects you.

7. Is Alprazolam an antidepressant?

No, alprazolam is not classified as an antidepressant. It is a benzodiazepine medication primarily prescribed for anxiety disorders, panic disorder, and certain other conditions related to anxiety. Antidepressants belong to a different class of medications used specifically to treat depression and related mood disorders.

8. Is Alprazolam a relaxer?

Alprazolam has muscle relaxant properties due to its effects on the central nervous system. It can help reduce muscle tension and stiffness, which are common symptoms associated with anxiety disorders. However, alprazolam is primarily prescribed for its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties rather than solely as a muscle relaxer. Its ability to induce relaxation is related to its calming effects on the brain and nervous system.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-8171-7244/Alprazolam-oral/Alprazolam-oral/details https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-xanax-stay-in-your-system#how-long-before-it-works

Disclaimer: The information provided here is not meant to substitute an advice from a healthcare professional. The information is not intended to cover all the possible uses, side-effects, precautions, and drug interactions. This information is not intended to suggest that using a specific drug is suitable, safe, or efficient for you or anyone else. The absence of any information or warning regarding the drug should not be interpreted as an implicit guarantee from the organisation. We strongly advise you to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and never use the medication without a doctor’s prescription.