Alprazolam ( Xanax, Alprazolam Intensol, Novo-Alprazol )
In Canada ( Apo-Alpzar, Nu-Alpraz )
Alprazolam is an antianxiety agent, benzodiazepines. Used
primarily for short-term relief of mild to moderate anxiety and nervous
tension. Alprazolam is also effective in the treatment of
activity depression or panic attacks. It can be useful in treating irritable
bowel syndrome and anxiety due to a neurosis as well. Alprazolam
may help the symptoms of PMS if extreme, some cancers pains if
given with various narcotics, agoraphobia, essential tremor,
and ringing ears.
CLASS: Triazolo Benzodiazepines.
Generic name: Alprazolam.
Type: Antianxiety.
Strengths:
Oral Solution:
0.25mg , 0.5 mg
1 mg / 5 ml, 0.25mg / 2.5 ml.
Tables:
0.25mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg.
Dosages: Actual dosage must be determined
by a physician.
Normal dosage:
USE UP TO EIGHT MONTHS
ONLY!
If under 18 years of age, DO
NOT USE!
18 to 60 years of age, 0.25mg to 1.5mg daily.
Over 60 years of age, Lower dosage increased cautiously.
Dosage Depends on Disorder:
Oral ( For anxiety or nervous tension
):
Start : 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg 3 times daily.
Maximum : 4 mg in 24 hours.
Oral ( For panic disorder ):
Start : 0.5 mg 3 times daily.
Increases : 1 mg daily in 3 to 4 day intervals.
Maximum : 10 mg in 24 hours.
Problems with:
Liver Function:
If liver disease present, start dosage at 0.25mg, increase
as needed.
Kidney Function: N/A.
Test:
Before taking: None if for
short term use.
While taking: None if for short term use.
Take With: With or without
food.
Full Benefits In: First day
to a week.
Missed Dose(s): If within
one hour take, if over an hour skip and then continue on your
normal schedule.
Never Take a Double Dose!
If Stop Taking: Do not stop
without consulting your physician and never abruptly if have been taking
for over three weeks.
Overdose symptoms include:
Confusion, loss of consciousness, or sleepiness.
Can be fatal.
Warnings
Do not stop taking abruptly.
Do not give this drug to anyone who is
psychotic.
Narcotics may increase the sedative effects of this
drug. Do not take other sedative, benzodiazepines,
or sleeping pills with this drug. The combinations could be fatal.
Do not drink alcohol when taking benzodiazepines. Alcohol can
lower blood pressure and decrease your breathing rate to the point of
unconsciousness.
The habit-forming potential is high. It is possible
to become dependent in the first few days. Do not stop taking
this drug abruptly, this could cause psychological and physical
withdrawal symptoms.
Do not take this drug if you are pregnant or planning
to become pregnant. Do not take if you are breast-feeding.
Do not give this drug to anyone under eighteen and only in small doses
if over sixty with very close monitoring.
Do not use If: You had negative reactions
to other benzodiazepines, if you have a history of drug dependence,
if you have had a stroke, if you have multiple sclerosis,
if you have Alzheimer's disease, if you are seriously depressed,
or if you have other brain disorders. If you have myasthenia gravis
or acute narrow-angle glaucoma.
Inform Physician If: If you have a seizure
disorder, impaired liver / kidney function, history of alcoholism
/ drug abuse, psychosis, palpitations, or Tachycardia.
Alprazolam ( Symptoms or Effects )
Common: Clumsiness / Sleepiness.
Rare: Abdominal cramps, blurred vision,
dry mouth, racing heartbeat / palpitations, shaking / slurred
speech, urination problems, convulsions, hallucinations,
memory loss, trouble breathing, staggering / trembling,
headache, confusion, sore breast / milk secretion,
or irregular menstruation.
See physician always: Abdominal cramps,
blurred vision, dry mouth, racing heartbeat / palpitations,
shaking / slurred speech, urination problems, convulsions,
hallucinations, memory loss, trouble breathing, staggering
/ trembling, headache, confusion, sore breast / milk
secretion, or irregular menstruation.
See physician if severe: Clumsiness / Sleepiness.
See physician NOW:
Convulsions, hallucinations, memory loss, trouble
breathing, or staggering / trembling.
|