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| ALPRAZOLAM |
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| What
is ALPRAZOLAM? |
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Alprazolam belongs to the group of benzodiazepines, type of sedative drugs. It is mostly used to treat anxiety disorders including panick attacks and phobia (like fear from public spaces).
Alprazolam is available as tablets. |
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| How
should I use ALPRAZOLAM? |
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Depending on your condition your doctor will prescribe a special dosage of the drug. Take alprazolam exactly as directed by your doctor, and do NOT change the dosage on your own. You should also read the directions on the drug leaflet carefully.
Alprazolam is often prescribed for short courses. It’s one of those drugs that can cause dependence and tolerance, so do NOT take more than the prescribed dose. Tolerance and dependence may occur if you have been taking large doses of the drug or you have been taking it for long periods. It is extremely important to talk to your doctor before extending or stoppage of your treatment. If you stop the drug suddenly, you may experience symptoms of withdrawal (like insomnia, irratibility and anxiety). Your doctor will guide you how to discontinue the drug gradually. |
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| Contraindications |
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Alprazolam must not be used in patients with acute close angle glaucoma (increased eye pressure) and those with respiratory failure. |
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| If
you miss a dose! |
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Try not to forget any dose. If you are taking alprazolam on a regular basis and you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. But if it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and do NOT take a double dose to make up for the missed one. |
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| Dietary
instructions |
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You can take alprazolam with food or on an empty stomach. |
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| Special
Precautions & Warnings |
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Tell your doctor if:
• You are allergic to alprazolam or other benzodiazepines such as chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam, diazepam, oxazepam and any other drugs.
• You are taking any drugs, prescription or non-prescription, specially other benzodiazepines, antidepressants, anti-epileptics (eg valproic acid), antifungals (like ketoconazole), antihistamines and medications for cold or allergy, cimetidine, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, diltiazem, disulfiram, ergotamine, erythromycin, isoniazid, narcotics like codeine, oral contraceptive pills, propoxyphene, rifampin, sedatives and sleeping pills and vitamins.
• You have or have had heart, lung, kidney or liver disease, asthma, glaucoma (high eye pressure), seizures, depression, psychosis or any mental problems.
• You are going to have a surgery, including dental procedures. |
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| Side
Effects |
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Alprazolam can cause some unwanted effects. If the following symptoms become severe or persist talk to your doctor:
Dizziness, drowsiness, restlessness or irratibility, feeling tired or sleepy, light-headedness, headache, increased saliva, dry mouth, loss of appetite, difficulty with urination and sexual problems.
But if you experience any of the following symptoms, consult your doctor immediately:
Skin rash, difficult breathing, yellow skin or eyes, depression, hallucinations (seeing or hearing unreal things or voices respectively), memory loss, confusion, imbalance and seizure. |
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| Storage |
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Keep alprazolam in its container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store tablets at room temperature, away from direct light, excess heat and moisture. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. |
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| Emergency/Overdose |
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In case of overdose, seek help at the nearest emergency centre. Some of the symptoms of overdose are severe drowsiness and dizziness, blurred vision, imbalance, confusion and coma. |
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| Drug
interactions |
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Taking other sedative-hypnotics, narcotics, anesthetics and anti-depressants can add to the drowsiness and dizziness of alprazolam.
• Taking ketoconazole, itraconazole, disulfiram and cimetidine with alprazolam may decrease metabolism of this drug and increase its serum concentration and thus its effects. |
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| Children,
pregnant women & nursing mothers |
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• Alprazolam should only be used in children if prescribed by a doctor.
• Alprazolam should not be used during pregnancy. However, consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• Alprazolam is excreted in breast milk and it is recommended not to use it while feeding. |
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| More
information |
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• Alprazolam can make you feel drowsy or dizzy, so do not drive a car or operate a machinary until you come to know how much it affects you. Besides, alcohol can add to the drowsiness of alprazolam, thus do not drink alcohol till you know how they work on you.
• In case you feel alprazolam is not working as before, do not increase the dose on your own and see your doctor as soon as possible. |
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