What is Alprazolam?
Alprazolam is the medicine used to treat panic attacks and anxiety disorders. It belongs to the benzodiazepines type of drugs and works by lessening all abnormal excitement produced in the brain. This drug comes either in a tablet or a liquid form. It is supposed to be taken orally from 2 to 4 times in a day. The liquid solution usually comes in a dropper so patients can measure the right dosage and mixed it with their food or drinks.
Alprazolam can be bought only with the proper prescription coming from an authorized doctor. This drug can be addictive so doctors usually start patients on a low dose and increase it gradually. It is not supposed to be administered consecutively, only once in three or four days. Alprazolam may also be given to people with severe depression, agoraphobia, and those suffering from premenstrual syndrome.
Taking a higher dosage than what the doctor instructed highly discouraged. And patients are not allowed to stop taking it without telling their doctor first. Doing so may just worsen the anxiety and panic attacks the patients are experiencing in the first place. It may also bring about symptoms associated to the withdrawal of drugs such as irritability, anxiousness, seizures, and sleeplessness. Worse symptoms will show if the patient is taking four milligrams or more of this drug on a regular basis. The proper way of stopping the intake of alprazolam is to decrease its dosage in a gradual manner.
Patients taking itraconzole and ketoconazole cannot take alprazolam. Likewise, if you are allergic to drugs like chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam, and clorazepate, you may not able to use it. Check with your doctor of any possibility and tell him about all allergies you have with other drugs. And it is always right to inform your doctor of any medications you are currently taking, including non-prescription vitamins and supplements.
Alprazolam have side effects. It is mandatory that you observe your body’s response to the medicine before driving or operating any machine. This drug may induce drowsiness, light-headedness, dizziness, tiredness, and irritability. It can also initiate changes in appetite, weight, as well as in sex drive. Some patients will observe that they have difficulty in urinating and experience either a dry mouth or increased salivation. If you suddenly experience seizures, hallucinations, skin rashes, yellowing of eyes and skin, loss of memory, confusion, and coordination problems, check with your doctor right away. Overdose may lead a patient to coma so be careful when taking this medicine.
