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Alprazolam common uses

Alprazolam directions

Though it is very unlikely to occur, alprazolam can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction/habit-forming). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed. Properly stop alprazolam when so directed. This will lessen the chances of becoming addicted. When used for an extended period, alprazolam may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if alprazolam stops working well.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with alprazolam unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor for more details. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

If you miss a dose of alprazolam, take it as soon as remembered if it is within an hour or so. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Alprazolam precautions

Alprazolam may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when using alprazolam in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially loss of coordination and drowsiness.

Alprazolam is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the potential for fetal harm. Consult your doctor for more details. Alprazolam passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding while using alprazolam is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Alprazolam should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: certain azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), delavirdine, sodium oxybate. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor before starting alprazolam.

Before using alprazolam, tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: clozapine, digoxin, disulfiram, kava. Tell your doctor if you take drugs that affect the removal of alprazolam from your system (CYP 3A4 substrates, inhibitors and inducers) such as: other azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, voriconazole), certain anti-depressants (e.g., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone), certain anti-seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital), cimetidine, macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin), rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), ritonavir, St John's wort.

Tell your doctor if you take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, tricyclic anti-depressants such as amitriptyline), tranquilizers. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients which cause drowsiness. Ask your doctor about the safe use of those products.

Cigarette smoking decreases blood levels of alprazolam (through liver enzyme induction). Tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have recently stopped smoking because your dose may need to be adjusted. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor approval.

Alprazolam possible side effects

A serious allergic reaction to alprazolam is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

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Alprazolam additional information

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