Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: ALPRAZOLAM (al-PRAZ-oh-lam)
This medicine is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic symptoms associated with panic disorder. Benzodiazepines work directly on the brain and nerves (central nervous system) to produce a calming effect. Alprazolam may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole) or sodium oxybate. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin), certain antidepressants (e.g., nefazodone, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine), fluconazole, clozapine, medicine for seizures (e.g., carbamazepine), cimetidine, HIV medicines (e.g., delavirdine, or protease inhibitors such as ritonavir), rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), or certain herbal products (e.g., St. John's wort, kava). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking other medicines which cause drowsiness including medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety medicines (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), muscle relaxants, or antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, alcohol use, a history of drug dependence, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of glaucoma (acute narrow angle), or an allergy to other benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking this medicine may increase the amount of this medicine in your blood, which may increase your risk for serious side effects. Talk with your doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed. Exceeding the recommended dose or taking this medicine for longer than prescribed may be habit-forming. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is suddenly stopped. Your dose will need to be gradually decreased to avoid side effects such as seizures. WHEN USED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, this medicine may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medicine stops working well. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness or dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. AVOID ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES while taking this medicine. DO NOT SMOKE while using this medicine. Cigarette smoking decreases blood levels of this medicine (hepatic enzyme inductions). Tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have recently stopped smoking. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine, especially the drowsiness effect. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include changes in appetite, changes in sexual desire, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, increased saliva production, lightheadedness, tiredness, trouble concentrating, unsteadiness, or weight changes. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience confusion, decreased urination, loss of coordination, memory problems, menstrual changes, muscle twitching, overstimulation, severe or persistent trouble sleeping, trouble speaking (such as stammering or stuttering), or yellowing of the eyes or skin. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience fainting; hallucinations; new or worsening mental or mood problems (such as depression, irritability, anxiety); red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe dizziness; or suicidal thoughts or actions. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness or deep sleep, severe confusion, slow reflexes, loss of coordination, or loss of consciousness.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets.
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