14 Sep 2023
It's a common
practice that after going to bed at your regular bedtime, you spend hour after
hour tossing and turning, waiting eagerly for your brain to let you fall
asleep. Millions of adults face varying insomnia and other sleep issues,
showing that 35 % get less than 7 hours of sleep each night.
People take
various steps to deal with sleep problems. They make a cup of chamomile tea and
wait to doze off. Others use over-the-counter medications like melatonin.
Finally, some wait it out and try their hardest to doze off, even if their body
doesn't agree with their mind.
Alprazolam is
a type of medication called a benzodiazepine. It's a short-term option to treat
anxiety disorders, especially those prone to anxiety and panic attacks.
As a
treatment for anxiety, Alprazolam binds to the body's gamma-aminobutyric acid
(GABA) receptors. GABA is a neurotransmitter, a messenger the nervous system
uses to relay signals between nerve cells. Neurotransmitters work like the
body's internal communications system, informing nerve cells and muscles what
they should do at the time.
GABA is an
inhibitory neurotransmitter that lessens neuron activity. When the body
produces more GABA, it signals nerve cells to slow down their activity. GABA is
a relaxation neurotransmitter that causes a person to feel more relaxed and
less anxious. You also feel sleepy. Although Alprazolam is not a sleep medicine
and is not approved by the FDA specifically for treating insomnia, it's
sometimes prescribed off-label as an insomnia treatment.
Alprazolam
acts as a depressant; it promotes calm and lowers brain activity. If taken
approximately an hour before a person intends to go to sleep, it effectively
assists in sleep in the short term. However, research on testing the long-term
effectiveness of Alprazolam as a sleep aid indicated that its effectiveness
decreased within a week of use.
The dose of this drug will be different for
different patients. Follow your doctor's advice or the directions on the label.
If your dosage differs, only change it if your doctor tells you to.
The amount of medicine you take depends on the strength of the drug. Also, the numbers of dosages you take each day, the time interval between doses and the length of time you take medicine depend on the medical problem for which you use the drug. The Alprazolam dosage depends on the following factors:
The doctor will
start you on a low dosage and gradually adjust it over time to reach the
required dosage. For anxiety disorder, the typical dosage is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg
three times a day. For Panic disorder, the starting dosage is 0.5 mg tablet
three times a day. Doctors typically prescribe Alprazolam three times a day.
The doctor may increase the dosage every 3-4 days to a maximum recommended
daily dosage of 4 mg in divided doses. Take the first dose as you wake up and
the additional dosages every 4-6 hours apart. Alprazolam has a rapid onset of
action and makes you feel better in 20-60 minutes. You may take it with your
meal or empty stomach. Taking the drug with your meal is best to avoid stomach
issues.
It is always best to
use Alprazolam only when the doctor or physician recommends it. They 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. Alprazolam is an oral medicine; swallow the tablet with a glass
of water. Do not chew and crush the tablet. Try to take the drug at a fixed
time each day to obtain the optimal result. Alprazolam is not for children and
adolescents under 18 years.
Take it 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. Try not to miss the recommended daily dosage of Alprazolam.
If you missed your dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, skip the
previous missed dose if you are almost due for the next. 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. Gradually increase your
dosage if you are confident that your body has been well-adapted to the drug.
Do not overdose or misuse the drug, which may result in fatal consequences.
Misuse, abuse, or addiction to Alprazolam is a growing epidemic.
Alprazolam is a prescription
medication that primarily helps people with anxiety and panic disorders. Its
primary purpose is to decrease abnormal excitement within the brain. However,
depending on your specific situation, it may also be used to assist with other
conditions.
Alprazolam
is a helpful sleep aid when used as needed instead of daily. Always make sure
to use your medication within the recommendations of your doctor.
