Alprazolam
Trade Name:
Xanax
Type of Drug:
Alprazolam is used to reduce anxiety and belongs to a general class of drugs called benzodiazepines.
How Drug Works:
Alprazolam binds to receptors in the central nervous system resulting in decreased anxiety, muscle relaxation, and decrease in seizures.
How Drug Is Given:
Alprazolam is taken in pill form, with food or milk if the drug upsets your stomach. At first the dose is lower and gradually increased if needed over 3 to 4 days, as directed by your doctor. Once the right dose is found, the drug can be continued for up to 4 months. When stopping the drug, it is important to decrease the dose gradually, instead of just stopping it. Elderly patients may receive lower doses. Keep the medicine in a tightly closed container and out of the reach of children and pets.
How Should I Take This Drug?
Take this drug exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or nurse to explain them to you.
Read the following information. If you do not understand it or if any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor.
Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.

Should I avoid any other medicines, foods, alcohol, and/or activities?
Your prescription and nonprescription medicines may interact with other drugs, causing harm. Certain foods or alcohol can also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medicine—prescription or nonprescription—without asking your doctor or nurse if it will interact with alcohol, food, or other medicines. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and affect activities such as driving.
Precautions:
Alprazolam should be used cautiously if you have liver or kidney problems. Talk with your doctor or nurse about this.
After starting alprazolam, if you feel “manic” or very excited and are overly active (hyperactive), stop the drug and call your doctor or nurse. You should not take the drug.
At first, you may feel drowsy, tired, lethargic, or weak, or be slightly confused and/or have a headache. This will go away with continued use. If such symptoms continue, tell your doctor. The dose of the drug might need to be reduced.
Alprazolam is used for the short-term (less than 4 months) relief of anxiety associated with depression and panic disorder. It can cause psychological dependence (addiction) as well as physical dependence (body goes into withdrawal if the drug is suddenly stopped). It should not be taken to manage everyday stress. When taken as directed by your doctor or nurse, this will not be a problem.
Alprazolam should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tell all the doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this drug.
  • Most of the following side effects probably will not occur.
  • Your doctor or nurse will want to discuss specific care instructions with you.
  • They can help you understand these side effects and help you deal with them.
Side Effects:
More Common Side Effects
  • Drowsiness (when first starting the drug)
  • Tiredness (fatigue) (when first starting the drug)
  • Weakness (when first starting the drug)
  • Confusion (when first starting the drug)
  • Headache (when first starting the drug)
  • Dry mouth
  • Decreased mental alertness
Less Common Side Effects
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Change in body weight
Rare Side Effects
  • Vivid dreams
  • Bizarre behavior
  • Change in heart rate
  • Change in blood pressure
  • Palpitations
  • Swelling of feet
  • Rash
  • Itching
  • Hives
Side Effects / Symptoms of the Drug
Take care in walking around or changing position if you are drowsy. Stop the drug and call your doctor or nurse if the drowsiness does not go away, or if you have trouble walking or moving because of it.
Other side effects not listed above can also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop any problems.
FDA Approval: Yes