Alprazolam

Alprazolam, drug used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and certain phobias. It has also been used to treat depression, irritable bowel syndrome, premenstrual syndrome, and problems associated with alcohol withdrawal. Alprazolam works by depressing the activity of the central nervous system.

Alprazolam is a prescription drug available in tablet form that is taken orally, with or without food, usually three times a day. Dosages may range from 0.25 mg to 10 mg, depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. The drug takes effect after one or two hours. Because drowsiness is a common side effect, patients taking this drug are advised not to drive, operate dangerous machinery, or engage in other risk-related activities.

An overdose of this drug can cause sleepiness, confusion, coma, or even death, especially when combined with alcoholic beverages. Alprazolam should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, as it may harm the baby. No safe dosages have been established for children under 18 years of age.

Possible side effects of alprazolam include blurred vision, stuffy nose, headache, drowsiness, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, chest pains, fainting, muscular weakness, decreased sex drive, irritability, or depression. Side effects are more likely to appear when the drug is first used or when dosage is increased, but they may lessen or disappear with continued use of the drug. Lowering the dosage or eliminating the drug can also produce side effects, especially after prolonged use (more than four weeks). This set of side effects may include blurred vision, diarrhea, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, twitching, or seizures.

Patients who are sensitive to or allergic to tranquilizers should not use alprazolam. In addition, it should not be used by anyone with myasthenia gravis (chronic muscle weakness), or with narrow-angle glaucoma, an eye disorder. This drug may interact adversely with a variety of medications, including carbamazepine, cimetidine, digoxin, disulfiram, various antihistamines, antidepressants, oral contraceptives (see Birth Control Pill), and other tranquilizers.

Brand Name:Xanax