Alprazolam is a drug used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorders. This drug can reduce the psychological tension that is felt, thus making people who take it feel calmer.
Alprazolam works in the nerves of the brain to produce a calming effect by increasing the activity of a natural chemical in the body called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Alprazolam trademark: Alprazolam, Frixitas, Xanax, Zypraz, Atarax, Opizolam, Zolastin
What is Alprazolam?
| group | Benzodiazepine sedatives |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Coping with anxiety disorders and panic disorder |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding category | Category D: There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. Alprazolam can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Using Alprazolam
- Be careful if you are allergic to benzodiazepine drugs.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, bronchitis, kidney problems, liver disorders, sleep apnea, glaucoma, obesity, and depression.
- Please be aware if you have ever abused drugs and are taking ketoconazole mushroom medicine.
- Inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking and if you have recently had surgery, including dental surgery.
- Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking alprazolam. This medicine has the potential to cause dizziness and drowsiness.
- Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking while taking the drug.
- Elderly people are more sensitive to alprazolam, so they are easily drowsy and can experience balance disorders.
- If an allergic reaction or overdose occurs, see a doctor immediately.
Alprazolam Dosage and Directions for Use
The dose of alprazolam is adjusted according to the patient's health condition, age, and response to the drug. The dose will be started from a low level, then if necessary will be increased gradually until it is according to the patient's needs.
The following is the dosage for alprazolam:
Goal: overcome anxiety
- Adult (18-64 years)0.25-0.5 mg 3 times a day. The dose is increased every 3-4 days. Maximum dose 4 mg per day if needed.
- seniors0.25 mg 2-3 times per day. The dose can be increased if needed.
Goal: overcome panic disorder
- Adult (18-64 years)0.5-1 mg 1-3 times per day. The dose is increased every 3-4 days. The maximum dose is 4-6 mg per day.
- seniors0.25 mg once per day. The dose can be increased if needed.
The use of alprazolam should not be stopped immediately. The dose needs to be slowly reduced by the amount of reduction of not more than 0.5 mg every 3 days. The duration of the use of this drug from the start to stopping is generally not more than 8-12 weeks.
How to Take Alprazolam Correctly
Be sure to read the instructions on the medicine package and follow the doctor's recommendations for taking alprazolam.
Try to take the medicine at the same time each day to maximize the effect of the medicine. Do not change the dose of alprazolam unless advised by your doctor.
Alprazolam should be stored in a closed container and at room temperature. The drug should not be stored in direct sunlight or open space. Throw away medicine immediately when it is no longer needed.
If you forget to take alprazolam, it is advisable to do it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Alprazolam can cause addiction symptoms. Do not increase or discontinue use without a doctor's advice. It is necessary to stop the drug suddenly, which can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Alprazolam Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several risks that may occur if you take alprazolam together with certain medicines, including:
- Increases the side effects of alprazolam when used with fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, diltiazem, erythromycin, propofol, cimetidine, morphine, lorazepam, zolpidem, and doxylamine.
- Increase the side effects of the drug digoxin.
- Decreases the effectiveness of the drug alprazolam, when used with anti-seizure medicines, such as carbamazepine and phenytoin.
Side Effects and Dangers of Alprazolam
Doctors generally will evaluate first before prescribing alprazolam so that side effects can be minimized. See a doctor immediately if you experience severe side effects that do not go away. These side effects include:
- Difficulty concentrating, feeling dizzy, drowsy, or having a headache.
- Mood swings, such as being irritable.
- Easy to forget.
- Saliva production increases.
- Changes in sexual arousal.
- Digestive disorders, such as nausea, constipation, and changes in appetite.
- Coordination disorders, such as difficulty walking or speaking.
- Difficulty urinating.
- Joint pain.
Be alert if you experience rare but serious side effects, such as jaundice (jaundice), symptoms of drug allergy, seizures, hallucinations, or shortness of breath appear. Immediately see a doctor to get the right treatment.