Alprazolam is primarily used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. However, taking the active ingredient only treats the symptoms, not the cause of the symptoms. Since alprazolam can have considerable side effects, it should only be used when absolutely necessary. Learn more about the effects, side effects, and dosage of alprazolam here.
Effect of alprazolam
Alprazolam belongs to the group of benzodiazepines, which also includes agents such as diazepam, lorazepam, and tetrazepam. It affects certain neurotransmitters in the brain and thus has a calming, anxiety-relieving, and relaxing effect. That is why alprazolam is used for short-term therapy of anxiety and panic disorders. Due to its side effects, however, the active ingredient should only be used if the symptoms severely interfere with the life of the person affected. In some cases, alprazolam is also used as a complementary agent in the treatment of depression. Here, however, the active ingredient is controversial: Although it has proven effective in some cases for a short treatment period, there is a risk of increasing depressive symptoms if it is taken for a longer period of time. Therefore, alprazolam should never be used as the sole treatment for depression.
Side effects of alprazolam
A number of side effects may occur while taking alprazolam. The most common symptoms include drowsiness, drowsiness, and dizziness. In addition, drowsiness, confusion, decreased alertness, muscle weakness, unsteadiness of movement and gait, headache, visual disturbances, and tremor may also occur. These symptoms occur mainly at the beginning of treatment with alprazolam. Furthermore, side effects such as menstrual irregularities, liver dysfunction, loss of appetite, coordination disorders, nausea, constipation, hyperprolactinemia, blurred vision, skin reactions, as well as a change in libido may also be triggered by the intake. In children or the elderly, aggression, nightmares, hallucinations, irritability, and restlessness may also occur. If such symptoms occur, the attending physician should be consulted and treatment with alprazolam should be discontinued. For a complete list of alprazolam side effects, please take a look at your medication’s package insert.
Risk of dependence
Like the other agents in the benzodiazepine group, alprazolam can be both physically and psychologically addictive after only a short period of use. The risk of becoming dependent is greater the longer the drug is taken and the higher the dosage of the active ingredient. People who have already been dependent on alcohol, drugs or tablets have a particularly high risk. If dependence is present, abrupt discontinuation of the active substance can lead to side effects such as anxiety, restlessness, irritability, and headaches and muscle pain. In extreme cases, more serious disorders such as loss of reality and personality or hypersensitivity reactions to light, noise or physical contact may also occur. In addition to the aforementioned symptoms, the so-called rebound phenomenon may occur after discontinuation of this benzodiazepine. In this case, the symptoms that led to treatment with alprazolam briefly intensify. During this time, side effects such as anxiety, restlessness, and mood swings are possible. To avoid the rebound phenomenon, the drug should not be stopped abruptly, but slowly and gradually.
Do not take for longer than 12 weeks
The duration of intake and the exact dosage of alprazolam depend on the condition and its severity, as well as the individual’s response to the drug. In general, just like the duration of use, the dose should always be kept as low as possible to minimize the risk for dependence. It is generally recommended that the active substance, including the phase-out period, should not be used for longer than twelve weeks at a time. During this time, the treating physician should always check whether treatment is still necessary. When discontinuing, the dose must be slowly reduced step by step to prevent the occurrence of side effects.
Dosage of alprazolam
Tablets containing alprazolam are usually available in doses of 0.25, 0.5, or 1 milligram. The exact dosage should always be determined by the treating physician.Initially, 0.25 to 0.5 grams of alprazolam is often prescribed three times daily. If necessary, the dose can be increased to up to 3 milligrams per day. As a general rule, you should take the tablets unchewed with plenty of liquid. After taking benzodiazepines, memory lapses may occur for the period immediately after use. Therefore, after taking them, care should be taken to ensure that the patient sleeps for a sufficient period of time.
Alprazolam overdose
If you have taken an excessive amount of alprazolam, you should immediately seek medical attention or go to the emergency room at the nearest hospital. Typical symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and lethargy. In the event of a significant overdose, you may also experience a drop in blood pressure, muscle flaccidity, and impaired respiratory function. In the worst cases, central nervous dullness can be so severe that the affected person falls into a coma or even dies.
Contraindications
Alprazolam must not be used if there is hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or to any other benzodiazepine. In addition, alprazolam must not be taken for certain medical conditions. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Severe hepatic insufficiency
- Obstructive pulmonary disease
- Acute narrow-angle glaucoma
- Sleep apnea syndrome
- Myasthenia gravis
Similarly, the drug should not be used in individuals who are manic depressive or suffering from endogenous depression or depression with psychotic features. Alprazolam is also contraindicated if there is a history of dependence on alcohol, drugs or medication. The same applies if there is acute intoxication with alcohol, sedatives, sleeping pills or painkillers. If you suffer from certain pre-existing conditions, you should consult with your treating physician before taking it. This is appropriate, among others, if you suffer from kidney dysfunction or have problems with breathing. In such a case, the dose will probably have to be chosen somewhat lower.
Pregnancy and lactation
Alprazolam should not be used during pregnancy. Women who intend to become pregnant should also not take the active substance. If the active ingredient must still be used, a negative effect on the unborn child must be expected. Possible consequences may include weakness in drinking, respiratory insufficiency, hypothermia and low blood pressure. Because alprazolam passes into breast milk, it should also not be used during lactation.
Drug Interactions
While taking alprazolam, it may interact with a number of other medications. For example, concomitant use of antidepressants, antiepileptics, antihistamines, anxiolytics, analgesics, narcotics, or neuroleptics may increase the depressant effect on the central nervous system. In addition, drug interactions may also occur with the following agents:
- Antifungal agents such as ketoconazole or itraconazole.
- Hormone-containing contraceptives such as the birth control pill.
- Antibiotics
- Drugs for the treatment of HIV
- Blood pressure lowering drugs
- Muscle relaxants
- Cimetidine
In no case should you take the drug together with alcohol, otherwise the effect of the benzodiazepine may be altered.
