Alprazolam

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine drug that is usually used as a treatment to treat symptoms of anxiety disorders and panic disorders .

Alprazolam works in the body by increasing the activity of the natural chemical GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) in the central nervous system.

These chemicals play a role in suppressing brain activity, so that a person can get a calming effect and symptoms of anxiety disorders or panic disorders can subside.

Benefits of Alprazolam

Alprazolam can be used to treat several conditions such as:

1. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) 

People with generalized anxiety disorder have uncontrollable worry about common situations. They often feel that something bad is going to happen and they are unable to calm themselves down.

2. Symptoms of anxiety

Symptoms of anxiety vary, but commonly include difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and sleep problems. Alprazolam can be used short-term to treat these symptoms of anxiety.

3. Panic disorder 

A person with panic disorder experiences repeated, unexpected panic attacks. Sometimes, panic attacks can also involve sudden, intense feelings of fear.

This condition can cause physical symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a fast or racing heartbeat, and sweating.

Common Dosage of Alprazolam

The dosage of alprazolam may vary depending on the condition and age of the patient. Therefore, this drug should only be used based on a doctor’s prescription or under medical supervision.

Alprazolam is prescribed for adults only. It has not been studied for safety in children under 17 years of age.

The following are the general doses for using alprazolam:

1. Alprazolam for anxiety disorders (tablet and quick-dissolve tablet preparations)

• Adults: Dosage 0.25–0.5 mg, taken 3 times daily. The dose may be increased every 3–4 days, up to a dose of 3–4 mg per day. The duration of treatment should not exceed 12 weeks.
• Elderly: Dose 0.25 mg, taken 2–3 times daily. The dose can be increased gradually based on the condition.

2. Alprazolam for panic disorder with or without agoraphobia

• Tablet and quick-dissolving tablet preparations
  • Adults: Initial dose 0.5 mg, taken 3 times daily. The dose can be increased by a maximum of 1 mg per day every 3–4 days. Maximum dose 10 mg per day.
  • Elderly: Initial dose 0.25 mg, taken 2–3 times daily. If necessary, the dose can be increased based on the condition.
• Slow release tablet preparation
  • Adults: Initial dose 0.5–1 mg, taken once daily. If necessary, the dose can be increased to a maximum of 1 mg per day every 3–4 days.
  • Elderly: Initial dose 0.5 mg, taken once daily. If necessary, the dose can be increased based on the condition.

Not only on mental conditions, anxiety can also affect physical conditions. Then, is it true that anxiety can cause stomach ulcers?

Recommended Medications for Treating Anxiety Disorders

If you have an anxiety disorder, here are some recommended prescription medications to treat the symptoms:

• Fridep 50 mg 10 Tablets. Contains 50 mg of sertraline, this drug from the Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) class can be used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and neuropathic pain.
• Bestalin 25 mg 10 Tablets. A drug containing hydroxyzine hydroxide 25 mg to relieve anxiety. Includes hard drugs, so its use must be with a doctor’s prescription.
• Sertraline 50 mg Tablet. An SSRI antidepressant containing sertraline to treat symptoms of depression with or without a history of mania.
• Xiety 10 mg 10 Tablets. Anxioselective drug containing buspirone HCL to treat generalized anxiety disorder and nonspecific anxiety symptoms with or without depression.
• Lyrica 50 mg 14 Capsules. Contains pregabalin, an inhibitory neurotransmitter analog of GABA. This drug can be used as an additional therapy for partial seizures, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults, and to reduce pain in fibromyalgia.

Contact a Psychiatrist If You Need Information About Alprazolam

If you are prescribed alprazolam and need more information about using this drug, you should first consult a psychiatrist at Halodoc.

This is to ensure your condition first before using this medicine.

Here are the psychiatrists at Halodoc that you can contact:

• Mariati Sp.KJ
• Sarah Endang S. Siahaan Sp.KJ
• Anastasia Kharisma Sp.KJ
• Debrayat Osiana Sp.KJ
• Hanny Soraya M.Ked, Sp.KJ

Don’t worry, the prescription drugs that doctors prescribe are definitely safe and will not cause dependency if you take them according to the dosage given by the doctor.

These are some of the psychiatrists who can provide complete information about alprazolam.

Don’t hesitate to contact a doctor immediately so you get accurate information.

The doctor is available 24 hours a day at Halodoc so you can consult from anywhere and at any time.

However, if the doctor is not available or offline, you can still make a consultation appointment via the Halodoc application.

In addition, your privacy is definitely kept safe at Halodoc!

Come on, contact a doctor at Halodoc right now!

How to Use Alprazolam

In order for alprazolam to work effectively in the body, pay attention to the following correct method of use:

• Use alprazolam exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
• Do not use in larger, smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
• Never share this medication with anyone else, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction.
• Store the medicine in a place that cannot be reached by others.
• For liquid medications, make sure you measure the dosage with the measuring tool provided (not a kitchen spoon).
• For tablets, swallow the extended-releasetablet whole . Do not crush, chew, or break it.

Cautions for Using Alprazolam

Before taking alprazolam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other benzodiazepines (such as diazepam, lorazepam).

Also, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have the following conditions:

• Severe lung/breathing problems.
• Liver disease.
• Kidney disease.
• Personal or family history of substance use disorders.
• Glaucoma.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only if absolutely necessary. Because the drug content in it poses a risk of harm to the unborn baby.

In addition, the contents of the drug can also be absorbed into breast milk, so its use for breastfeeding mothers is not recommended.

Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking alprazolam.

In addition to medical drugs, here are 7 types of natural medicines to relieve excessive anxiety that you can do.

Alprazolam Side Effects

It is important not to use this drug carelessly, because there is a risk of side effects that need to be watched out for.

Common side effects of alprazolam include drowsiness and dizziness. These conditions can last longer, especially in older adults or the elderly. Therefore, be careful to avoid falls or accidental injuries.

In addition, alprazolam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used opioid drugs or alcohol. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you experience slow breathing with long pauses, blue lips, or if you are having difficulty waking up.

Call your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects after taking alprazolam:

• Weak or shallow breathing.
• Feeling dizzy, like you’re going to faint.
• Hallucinations, risk-taking behavior.
• Increased energy, decreased need for sleep.
• Racing thoughts, restlessness or talkativeness.
• Double vision.
• Jaundice(yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Also get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to alprazolam, such as:

• Itchy rash.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Alprazolam Interactions

Some drugs that can interact with alprazolam are kava and sodium oxybate.

In addition, there are a number of drugs that can affect the excretion of alprazolam if taken together, such as:

• Azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole).
• Certain antidepressants (such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone).
• Drugs to treat HIV (delavirdine, protease inhibitors such as indinavir).
• Macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin).
• Rifamycins (such as rifabutin).

The risk of serious side effects may be increased if this medication is taken with other products that can also cause drowsiness or breathing problems.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other medicines such as:

• Opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone).
• Medicines for sleep or anxiety (such as diazepam, lorazepam, zolpidem).
• Muscle relaxant medications (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine).
• Antihistamine medications (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).

Alprazolam Contraindications

Alprazolam should not be given to people with medical disorders such as:

• Myasthenia gravis.
• Severe respiratory insufficiency.
• Sleep apnea syndrome.
• Acute angle closure glaucoma.
• Liver dysfunction.

That’s various information about the drug alprazolam. Contact a doctor at Halodoc if you need information on the proper and safe use of this drug.

If you need medicine or other health supplements, get them immediately at the Halodoc Health Store. No need to bother leaving the house, you can order medicine anytime and anywhere.