Alprazolam is the active ingredient of Alzam, Azor, CPL Alliance Alprazolam, Merck-Alprazolam, Xanor and Zopax.
General Information
Alprazolam is a relatively fast-acting tranquiliser with a short duration of action. The drug is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe anxiety and panic disorders. Some prescribers also apply alprazolam in the treatment of depression, social phobias, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This benzodiazepine should in most cases not be used for longer than 8 weeks, as tolerance and physical and psychological dependence can occur. Anxiety and tension related to everyday life are therefore not treated with alprazolam. If prescribed for longer than 8 weeks, your prescriber should periodically reassess the need for alprazolam.
How does Alprazolam work?
Alprazolam has an effect on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is the brain's quieting or tranquilising neurotransmitter, possessing an inhibitive effect on the transmission of nerve signals. Alprazolam, and other benzodiazepines, enhance the effect of GABA, thus slowing down the transmission of nerve signals and decreasing nervousness.
Fast facts
Drug schedule: Schedule 5
Available as: Tablets
What does it do? Alprazolam is a tranquiliser and relieves anxiety and tension
Overdose risk: High
Dependence risk: High
Available as a generic? Yes
Available on prescription only? Yes
User information
Onset of effect: Fast - within 2 hours.
Duration of action: Up to 6 hours.
Dietary advice: Alprazolam may be taken with or without food.
Stopping this medicine: Alprazolam should not be stopped abruptly. Sudden discontinuation may lead to withdrawal symptoms. The dosage of alprazolam should be gradually reduced according to the advice of your doctor.
Prolonged use: Short-term therapy - 6weeks or less - is advised. Do not take alprazolam for longer periods unless strictly instructed by your doctor.
Special precautions
Never exceed the prescribed dose of alprazolam.
Consult your doctor before using this drug if:
- You have kidney or liver disease,
- You have myasthenia gravis,
- You have a chronic lung disease,
- You have had a stroke or suffer from any CNS condition,
- You have been diagnosed as being hyperactive,
- You have a mental illness or depression,
- You suffer from epilepsy,
- You have sleep apnoea, or
- You have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
Pregnancy: Avoid. Potential risk to the foetus has been reported. Consult your doctor before use, or if you are planning to fall pregnant
Breastfeeding: Avoid. This medication is passed through breast milk and may affect your baby adversely. Consult your doctor before use.
Porphyria: Avoid. It is unknown how this medication may affect your condition. Consult your doctor before use.
Infants and children: Do not use in children under the age of 18.
Elderly: Use with caution, as side effects may be emphasised.
Driving and hazardous work: Caution is advised as use of this medication may lead to dizziness, light-headedness and/or sedation. Avoid such activities until you know how it affects you.
Alcohol: Alprazolam may intensify the effect of alcohol and vice versa. Do not consume alcohol while taking this medication, as side effects may be drastically pronounced.
Possible side effects
Side effect | Frequency | Consult your doctor | ||
Common | Rare | Only if severe | In all cases | |
Drowsiness | x | x | ||
Loss of coordination / dizziness | x | x | ||
Slurred speech | x | x | ||
Change in libido | x | x | ||
Fever/chills | x | x | ||
Extreme fatigue | x | x | ||
Nausea/vomiting | x | x | ||
Rash/itching | x | x | ||
Anger/behaviour changes | x | x | ||
Yellow tinge to eyes / skin | x | x | ||
Bruising/bleeding | x | x | ||
Memory impairment | x | x | ||
Interactions:
Drug interactions:
Alcohol, antihistamines, antidepressants, other benzodiazepines, narcotics | Increased depression of central nervous system (CNS) |
Digoxin | Increased possibility of digoxin toxicity |
Disulfiram | Increased possibility of alprazolam toxicity |
Ketoconazole and other related antifungals | Increased possibility of alprazolam toxicity |
Cimetidine | Increased possibility of alprazolam toxicity |
Isoniazid | Increased possibility of alprazolam toxicity |
Oral contraceptive | Increased possibility of alprazolam toxicity |
Propranolol | Increased possibility of alprazolam toxicity |
Valproic acid | Increased possibility of alprazolam toxicity |
Isoniazid | Increased possibility of alprazolam toxicity |
Levodopa | Decreases levodopa's anti-Parkinson effect |
Probenecid | Increased possibility of alprazolam toxicity |
Rifampicin | May decrease the effect of alprazolam |
Theophylline | May counteract the sedative effects of alprazolam |
Disease interactions
Consult your doctor before using this drug if you have kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, chronic lung disease, have had a stroke or suffer from any CNS condition, epilepsy, sleep apnoea or if you have a mental illness or depression.
Overdose action
An overdose of alprazolam can be serious. Seek immediate emergency medical attention. Symptoms may include poor coordination, slow breathing, tremors, drowsiness, slurred speech, confusion, slow reflexes and loss of consciousness.
Recommended dosage
Adults: 0.25-05mg/day in 2-3 divided doses (May be increased to a maximum of 4mg/day)
Children: Not recommended
Elderly: 0.25mg/day in 2-3 divided doses (may be increased to a maximum of 2mg/day)
This material is not intended to substitute medical advice, but is for informational purposes only. Please consult a physician for specific treatment and recommendations.
