Indicated for the management of anxiety disorder (a condition corresponding most closely to the APA Diagnostic and Statistical Manual [DSM-IIIR] diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder) or the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety.
Benzodiazepine; Anxiolytic
Alprazolam is a triazole analog of the 1,4-benzodiazepine class of drugs. It is an anxiolytic with hypnotic and anticonvulsive properties. Alprazolam is presumed to produce its effects via interacting with the Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)- benzodiazepine receptor complex. Like all benzodiazepines, it causes a dose-related CNS depressant activity varying from mild impairment of task performance to hypnosis.
ORAL Short-term management of anxiety: Adult: 0.25-0.5 mg tid, increased to 3-4 mg daily if necessary. Elderly: Initially, 0.25 mg bid/tid. Panic attacks: Adult: Up to 10 mg daily.
The CNS-depressant action of Alprazolam may be aggravated by concomitant use of other psychotropic drugs, anticonvulsants, antihistaminics, alcohol and oral ontraceptives.
Acute narrow-angle glaucoma, preexisting CNS depression or coma, resp depression, acute pulmonary insufficiency or sleep apnoea; severe hepatic impairment; pregnancy, lactation. Dosage reduction or gradual withdrawal. Dependence. Geriatric or debilitated patients. Muscle weakness, impaired hepatic or renal function; arteriosclerosis; obesity; depression particularly suicidal tendency; chronic pulmonary insufficiency. May impair ability to drive or operate machinery. Children <18 yr.
Psychological & physical dependence, withdrawal syndrome; drowsiness, sedation, vertigo, headache, visual disturbances, Gl disturbances, jaundice; fatigue, muscle weakness, ataxia, dizziness, confusion & depression. Blood dyscrasias.
This drug is only recommended for use during pregnancy when there are no alternatives and the benefit outweighs the risk, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. Because of reports of effects in infants, including sedation, alprazolam is probably not the best benzodiazepine for repeated use during nursing, especially with a neonate or premature infant. A shorter-acting benzodiazepine without active metabolites is preferred. After a single dose of alprazolam, there is usually no need to wait to resume breastfeeding.
Manifestations of Alprazolam overdosage include somnolence, confusion, impaired coordination, diminished reflexes, and coma. In such cases of overdosage general supportive measures should be employed along with immediate gastric lavage.
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.
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