Alprazolam: what is this anxiolytic for and how to take it
Alprazolam belongs to the group of benzodiazepines, which also includes diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Orfidal). All drugs in this family have a similar effect: first of all, anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant.. But what sets alprazolam apart from the rest is that it is typically primarily used to treat panic attacks.
“There are specific studies of its effectiveness against panic attacks,” confirms Louis Ageramember of the Spanish Society of Psychiatry and Mental Health (Sepsm), who explains that these episodes are characterized by “a very strong peak of anxiety within a short period of time” and Patients often end up in the emergency room because they feel like they can’t breathe.chest pain and dizziness, among other symptoms.
Another feature that distinguishes alprazolam is that it has “somewhat more addictive than other benzodiazepines”, – notes the expert. “For this reason, psychiatrists are more cautious when prescribing this drug because it makes it a little more difficult for patients to stop taking it.”
It must be remembered that benzodiazepines can only be taken with a doctor’s prescription. Except, there is special control over its issuance. As explained Pablo Caballeroscientific dissemination specialist at the General Council of Colleges of Pharmacy, in pharmacy offices, “the patient’s identification is always noted in the prescription book, which is a document in which prescriptions are written for certain drugs that are subject to somewhat more careful control.”
How is this medicine administered?
Treatment with alprazolam should be started at the lowest possible dose that is effective and It is recommended not to take for more than 2-4 weeks.. In fact, according to its technical specifications, this drug is “indicated only if the disorder is severe, disabling, or exposes the person to a situation of extreme stress.” Panic attacks meet this requirement.
There are different forms of release of this medicine: in the form of tablets. immediate release (can be taken whole or in divided doses)extended-release tablets (should be taken whole, without breaking or chewing) and oral solution (drops).
Possible side effects of alprazolam
Among the most common adverse reactions are reactions from the central nervous system, such as: sedation and drowsiness. Therefore, it is advisable to take extra care if you intend to drive a car, operate heavy machinery, or perform other tasks that require your full attention.
In older people this drowsiness may increase the risk of falls.
In some cases, some amnesia or memory loss may occur within a few hours of taking alprazolam. To reduce this risk, a good night’s rest is recommended, i.e. sleep for a continuous period of 7-8 hours.
As already mentioned, alprazolam and other benzodiazepines can cause dependence, both physical and psychological. Thus, It is very important not to suddenly stop treatment., but with a progressive reduction in the daily dose to avoid withdrawal syndrome. It is the doctor who must prescribe this gradual withdrawal.
Alprazolam may also cause, although less frequently than drowsiness and sedation, loss of appetiteconfusion, depression, motor agitation, ataxia (difficulty controlling movements), difficulty pronouncing words, hard to concentratedizziness, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, tachycardia, palpitations, nasal congestion, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, increased salivation, difficulty swallowing, allergic rash, fatigue and irritability.
People who need to take special precautions
The use of alprazolam is contraindicated or should be carried out with special precautions in the following population groups:
- Child population: The use of alprazolam is not recommended for children and adolescents as its safety and effectiveness in children under 18 years of age have not been established.
- Over 65 years: In elderly patients, treatment should be started with a lower dose.
- Patients with respiratory failure: In patients with chronic respiratory failure, lower doses are recommended due to the risk of respiratory depression.
- Patients with renal or liver failure: Particular care should be taken when determining the initial dose in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. In patients with severe hepatic impairment, treatment with alprazolam, like other benzodiazepines, is contraindicated due to the risk of encephalopathy.
Can it be taken with alcohol?
It is recommended to avoid drinking drinks with alcohol during treatment with alprazolam and other benzodiazepines, since both types of substances have a depressant effect on the central nervous system, so their adverse reactions may increase.
Can pregnant women take alprazolam?
In principle, as Caballero points out, “You should avoid taking alprazolam and other benzodiazepines during pregnancy., but this will depend on the risk-benefit ratio in each particular case.” Harmful effects on the fetus have been observed, especially following high doses used in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
Regarding breastfeeding, the technical information states that “although levels of benzodiazepines excreted in breast milk (including alprazolam) are low, Its use is contraindicated for nursing mothers.“
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