Alprazolam

Information on Alprazolam

Tablets
Chemical Name: ALPRAZOLAM (al-PRAZ-oh-lam)

Common uses
This medicine is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorder. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
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. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking clozapine, nefazodone, rifampin, oral antifungal agents (imidazoles), HIV protease inhibitors, or medicine for seizures. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. 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, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
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. 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. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of other medicines and alcohol. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines can cause drowsiness. 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.

Possible side effects
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.

Drug interactions
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 you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, slow reflexes, clumsiness, deep sleep, and loss of consciousness.

Additional information
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.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2008. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.