Uses
Alprazolam affects chemicals in the brain that may
become unbalanced and cause anxiety. Alprazolam is most
commonly used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and
tension associated with anxiety disorders. Alprazolam is
also used to treat panic disorders. Alprazolam may also
be used for purposes other than those listed here.
How To Use
Take alprazolam exactly as directed by your doctor. Take
each dose with a full glass of water. Do not take more
than is prescribed for you. Alprazolam is habit forming.
You can become physically and psychologically dependent
on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed
amount of medication or take it for longer than is
directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if
alprazolam is stopped suddenly after several weeks of
continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual
reduction in dose.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of
children.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose
you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled
dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. A
double dose could be dangerous.
Cautions
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Alprazolam will
cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you
experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these
activities. Avoid alcohol while taking alprazolam.
Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by
alprazolam. Alprazolam is habit forming. You can become
physically and psychologically dependent on the
medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount
of medication or take it for longer than is directed by
your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if alprazolam
is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous
use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in
dose.
Possible Side Effects
Stop taking alprazolam and seek emergency medical
attention or contact your doctor immediately: an
allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your
throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or
hives); sores in the mouth or throat; yellowing of the
skin or eyes; a rash; hallucinations or severe
confusion; or changes in your vision. Other, less
serious side effects may be more likely to occur.
Continue to take alprazolam and talk to your doctor if
you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness;
depression; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;
difficulty urinating; vivid dreams; headache; dry mouth;
decreased sex drive; or changes in behavior. Side
effects other than those listed here may also occur.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems
unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Precautions
Do not take alprazolam if you have narrow-angle
glaucoma. Alprazolam may worsen this condition. Before
taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
kidney disease; have liver disease; have asthma,
bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease;
or if you are depressed or have suicidal thoughts. Do
not take this medication without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.If
you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to
experience side effects from alprazolam. You may require
a lower dose of this medication. Alprazolam is not
approved for use by children younger than 18 years of
age.
Drug Interactions
Do not take ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox)
during treatment with alprazolam without first talking
to your doctor. Alprazolam may increase the effects of
other drugs that cause drowsiness, including
antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives
(used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety
medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell
your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and
do not take any medicine without first talking to your
doctor. Antacids may decrease the effects of alprazolam.
Separate doses of an antacid and alprazolam by several
hours whenever possible. Drugs other than those listed
here may also interact with alprazolam. Talk to your
doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or
over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
Xanax is also known as:
Alprazolam, Zanax, Zanex, Xanex, Triple Bars, xanx
perscriptions
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