Change Font Size ALPRAZOLAM DRUG INFO

ALPRAZOLAM (Xanax®) is abenzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines belong to a group of medicines thatslow down the central nervous system. Alprazolam relieves anxiety andnervousness and helps to treat panic attacks. Federal law prohibits thetransfer of alprazolam to any person other than the patient for whom itwas prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Genericalprazolam tablets are available. What should my health care professional know before I take alprazolam? Theyneed to know if you have any of these conditions:; alcohol or drugabuse problems; bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis or other mentalhealth conditions; glaucoma; kidney disease; liver disease; lungdisease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleepapnea or other breathing difficulties; myasthenia gravis; Parkinson’sdisease; porphyria; seizures or a history of seizures; shortness ofbreath; snoring; suicidal thoughts; an unusual or allergic reaction toalprazolam, other benzodiazepines, foods, dyes, or preservatives;pregnant or trying to get pregnant; breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? Takealprazolam tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescriptionlabel. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If alprazolam upsetsyour stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regularintervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Contactyour pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of thismedicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? Ifyou miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time foryour next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with alprazolam? Do not takeAlprazolam with any of the following:; alcohol; grapefruit juice;ketoconazole; itraconazole; some medicines for HIV infection or AIDS Alprazolammay also interact with the following medications:; bosentan; caffeine;cimetidine; disulfiram; female hormones, including contraceptive orbirth control pills; herbal or dietary supplements such as kava kava,melatonin, dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA, St. John’s Wort or valerian;imatinib, STI-571; isoniazid; levodopa; medicines for anxiety orsleeping problems, such as diazepam, lorazepam or triazolam; medicinesfor depression, mental problems or psychiatric disturbances; medicinesfor fungal infections (fluconazole, voriconazole); mifepristone,RU-486; prescription pain medicines; probenecid; quinine; rifampin,rifapentine, or rifabutin; some antibiotics (clarithromycin,erythromycin, norfloxacin, troleandomycin); some medicines for colds,hay fever or other allergies; some medicines for high blood pressure orheart problems (amiodarone, digoxin, diltiazem, nicardipine,verapamil); some medicines for seizures (carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine,phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone); theophylline; troglitazone;zafirlukast; zileuton Tell your prescriber or health careprofessional about all other medicines you are taking, includingnon-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbalproducts. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if youare a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke,or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicineworks. Check with your health care professional before stopping orstarting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking alprazolam? Sideeffects that you should report to your prescriber or health careprofessional as soon as possible:; confusion, forgetfulness;depression; difficulty passing urine; difficulty sleeping; difficultyspeaking; lightheadedness or fainting spells; mood changes,excitability or aggressive behavior; muscle cramps; staggering or jerkymovements, tremors; weakness or tiredness Side effects thatusually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber orhealth care professional if they continue or are bothersome):;constipation or diarrhea; drowsiness, dizziness; dry mouth, decrease orincrease in amount of saliva; increase or decrease in appetite;menstrual changes; sexual dysfunction; weight changes What should I watch for while taking alprazolam? Visityour prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on yourprogress. Your body can become dependent on alprazolam, ask yourprescriber or health care professional if you still need to take it.However, if you have been taking alprazolam regularly for some time, donot suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose or youmay get severe side effects. Ask your prescriber or health careprofessional for advice. Even after you stop taking alprazolam it canstill affect your body for several days. You may get drowsyor dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mentalalertness until you know how alprazolam affects you. To reduce the riskof dizzy and fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly,especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizzinessand drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Do not treat yourselffor coughs, colds or allergies without asking your prescriber or healthcare professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possibleside effects. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking alprazolam. Where can I keep my medicine? Keepout of the reach of children in a container that small children cannotopen. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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