20 Apr 2023
Alprazolam treats
anxiety and panic disorders. It belongs to a group of medications called
benzodiazepines, which act on the brain and nerves to produce a calming effect.
In addition, it enhances the impact of a specific natural chemical in the body
(GABA).
Alprazolam is a prescription drug. The drug is
approved for three clinical uses:
The doctors may prescribe Alprazolam for other
symptoms and conditions besides generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic
disorder (PD). This is called off-label use, and the FDA did not approve it.
The doctors sometimes prescribe Alprazolam with other antidepressants to treat:
It is always best to use Alprazolam only when the
doctor recommends it. He can better outweigh the benefits and risks
associated with the drug. Carefully follow the directions on your
prescription or read all medication instructions or guides on the leaflet. The
Alprazolam dosage depends on the following factors:
The doctor will start with a low
dosage and gradually adjust it over time to reach the required dosage. You may
take Alprazolam with meals or empty stomach. However, taking the drug with your
meal is best to avoid stomach issues.
Take Alprazolam for as long as the doctor has
prescribed. Do not stop taking the drug despite feeling better. Sudden and
abrupt discontinuation of the drug may result in severe withdrawal symptoms.
Consult your doctor if you find no improvement in a
few days or if any new or worsening physical or psychological symptoms appear.
Alprazolam is for the short-term relief of anxiety or panic attacks; long-term
use may lead to addiction and severe withdrawal effects. It may not work well
if you take longer; consult your physician if the drug stops working.
Start Alprazolam on a low dose, the minimum strength, if taking it for the first time without professional guidance. Use caution, increase your dosage carefully and self-monitor any side effects or allergic reactions.
Alprazolam is a high-potency triazolobenzodiazepine.
It is a Benzodiazepine (1, 4) with a triazole ring attached to its structure. Alprazolam
produces various therapeutic effects by binding to the benzodiazepine site of
the gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A) receptors and modulating their
functions. GABA receptors are the inhibitory receptors within the brain. The
mechanism of action of Alprazolam is to increase the receptor activity of
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitters. The GABA hinders neuron
activity and slows the nervous system, resulting in a sedated mind. Alprazolam
enhances the action of GABA and leaves a calming effect on parts of the brain
that are too excitable. This way manages anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and
seizures.
Alprazolam enhances GABA-mediated synaptic inhibition.
Alprazolam has a depressant impact on synaptic transmission to reduce anxiety
within the brain. The therapeutic properties of Alprazolam are:
Short-term Alprazolam therapy at prescribed
therapeutic parameters, along with counselling or other psychotherapies, is
effective for anxiety disorder and panic disorder. It enhances the quality of
life of people having anxiety or panic disorder by inducing a feeling of calm. The
drug has tremendous therapeutic benefits such as it:
Alprazolam is an effective but potentially dangerous
drug. It is safe if consumed at the prescribed therapeutic doses. The severity
or intensity of the side effects depends on the amount of the substance intake.
Recreational use of Alprazolam at larger dosages results in severe and adverse
drug effects. It is best to consider all the possible side effects and safety
warnings before taking it.
Like every medicine, Alprazolam has some side effects.
However, these are rare, temporary, and may last soon:
Immediately get medical help if you
have any severe side effects. The possible severe side effects are:
Misuse of Benzodiazepines and other
central nervous system depressants has become a cause of delirium,
paranoia, suicide, seizures, coma, and death. The risk of death doubles with
using Benzodiazepines with opioids and alcohol. Be cautious to avoid falling or
accidental injury in older adults, as drowsiness may last longer in them.
Alprazolam may cause some allergic reactions if you
are allergic to it. The inactive ingredients may also cause allergic reactions,
like:
Do not stop taking Alprazolam despite feeling better.
Sudden and abrupt discontinuation of the drug may result in severe withdrawal
symptoms such as:
Alprazolam treats anxiety and panic disorders, sudden and
unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worries about the attacks. Alprazolam is
from a family of benzodiazepines. It decreases abnormal excitement in the
brain.
