What is Alprazolam?
Alprazolam, also available as Xanax, is a short-acting tranquilizer belonging to the triazolobenzodiazepine (benzodiazepines fused with a triazole ring) class of drugs. It is useful for the short-term management of anxiety disorders such as panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder caused by depression. It is not safe to purchase this medicine on the Internet or outside the United States. It is not under the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recommendation to sell and distribute this medicine outside the USA. These medicines may have dangerous ingredients, or a licensed pharmacy may not distribute them.
How to take Alprazolam?
Take Alprazolam precisely as per the doctor’s prescription. Read carefully and follow all the directions on the prescription label, medication guides, or instruction sheets. Occasionally, your doctor may change your dose. Never use it in smaller or larger amounts or for no longer than recommended. Let the doctor know if you are feeling an increased urge to use this medicine.
Never share alprazolam with another person, especially someone with a past of drug abuse or addiction. Misuse of this drug may lead to overdose, addiction, or death. It is against the law to sell or give away this medicine.
Carefully measure the dose of liquid medicine. Use a dosing syringe or a medicine dose-measuring device to measure the liquid.
Swallow the whole extended-release tablet without crushing, chewing, or breaking it.
Do not swallow the whole oral disintegrating tablet. Allow the oral tablet to dissolve in your mouth instead of chewing.
The usual intake of Alprazolam is for no longer than ten months to treat panic disorder and for no longer than four months to treat anxiety disorder. Carefully follow the instructions of your doctor regarding doses.
Check with the doctor if there is no improvement in your symptoms or if they get worse.
You may have the requirement of frequent medical tests if you are using this medicine for the long term.
Do not go for a sudden stop in using this medicine, or you could face unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Consult the doctor before tapering your dose.
Store it away from heat and moisture at room temperature and keep track of the medicine. You should be aware if anyone is misusing it or using it without a prescription.
What are the side effects of Alprazolam?
Go for emergency medical help if you have allergic reactions due to the use of Alprazolam. Signs of an allergic reaction include breathing issues, hives, swelling of your face, throat, lips, or tongue.
Alprazolam may make your breath slow or stop it; especially you were recently using alcohol, an opioid medication, or other drugs that can slow your breathing. Your attendant should seek medical help if you have weak or shallow breathing, if you stop breathing, or if you are hard to wake up.
Call your doctor instantly if you have:
- Lightheadedness;
- weak or shallow breathing;
- Risk-taking behavior, hallucinations;
- A seizure;
- Being agitated or talkative, racing thoughts;
- Decreased need for sleep, increased energy;
- Jaundice; or
- Double vision
Older adults are more likely to have the sedative effects of Alprazolam for a longer time. Use caution to avoid fall or accidental injury because it is common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines.
What are the benefits of using Alprazolam?
Alprazolam helps treat panic disorders, anxiety disorders, and anxiety due to depression.
It works by enhancing the effects of natural chemicals in the body known as GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric acid).