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ALPRAZOLAM (al PRAY zoe lam) treats anxiety. It works by helping your nervous system calm down. It belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not take it more often than directed. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Patients over 65 years of age may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
-Certain medications for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, or posaconazole
-Clarithromycin
-Grapefruit juice
-Narcotic medications for cough
-Sodium oxybate
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Alcohol
-Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
-Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
-Certain medications for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone, sertraline
-Certain medications for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone
-Cimetidine
-Digoxin
-Erythromycin
-Female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections
-General anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol
-Medications that relax muscles
-Narcotic medications for pain
-Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice. You may develop a severe reaction. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy and fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
If you are taking another medication that also causes drowsiness, you may have more side effects. Give your care team a list of all medications you use. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. Do not take more medication than directed. Call emergency services if you have problems breathing or unusual sleepiness.
Women should inform their care team if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medication. Talk to your care team for more information.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
-Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Change in sex drive or performance
-Dizziness
-Drowsiness
-Nausea
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep it in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share it with anyone. It is only for you. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
This medication may cause harm and death if it is taken by other adults, children, or pets. It is important to get rid of the medication as soon as you no longer need it, or it is expired. You can do this in two ways:
-Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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