Alprazolam
Indications
Alprazolam is indicated in-
- Anxiety disorder
- Short term relief of anxiety
- Anxiety associated with depression
- Panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia.
Pharmacology
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.
Dosage & Administration
Treatment should be initiated with a dose
of 0.25 to 0.5 mg three times daily. Depending on the response, dose may
be increased at intervals of 3 to 4 days in increments of no more than 1
mg/day. The maximum dose should not exceed 4 mg/day. Occasional
patients with panic disorder may need as much as 10 mg a day to achieve a
successful response and in these cases periodic reassessment and
consideration of dosage adjustment is required.
Dosage should be individualized for maximum beneficial effect with the lowest possible dose. If side-effects occur at starting dose, dose may be lowered. When discontinuing therapy, dosage should be reduced gradually by no more than 0.5 mg every three days.
In elderly patients or in patients with advanced liver disease, the usual starting dose is 0.25 mg, two or three times daily and may be gradually increased if needed and tolerated.
Alprazolam 1 mg should be administered once daily, preferably in the morning by patients who are on multiple dosage regimens of Alprazolam 0.25/0.5 mg. The tablets should be taken intact, they should not be chewed, crushed, or broken.
Dosage should be individualized for maximum beneficial effect with the lowest possible dose. If side-effects occur at starting dose, dose may be lowered. When discontinuing therapy, dosage should be reduced gradually by no more than 0.5 mg every three days.
In elderly patients or in patients with advanced liver disease, the usual starting dose is 0.25 mg, two or three times daily and may be gradually increased if needed and tolerated.
Alprazolam 1 mg should be administered once daily, preferably in the morning by patients who are on multiple dosage regimens of Alprazolam 0.25/0.5 mg. The tablets should be taken intact, they should not be chewed, crushed, or broken.
Interaction
The CNS-depressant action of Alprazolam may
be aggravated by concomitant use of other psychotropic drugs,
anticonvulsants, antihistaminics, alcohol and oral ontraceptives.
Side Effects
Side effects, if occur, are generally
observed at the beginning of therapy and usually disappear upon
continued medication. The most frequent side effects are drowsiness and
light-headedness. The other side effects, that may occur include
depression, headache, confusion, dry mouth, constipation, etc.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Alprazolam has been categorized in
pregnancy category D; that means, it should be avoided in pregnancy.
Like other benzodiazepines, Alprazolam is assumed to be excreted in
breast milk. Therefore, nursing should not be undertaken by mothers who
must use Alprazolam.
Precautions & Warnings
Because Alprazolam may produce
psychological and physical dependence, the increment of dose or abrupt
discontinuation of Alprazolam therapy should not be done without the
physician's advice. The duration of therapy must be determined by the
physicians. Alprazolam should be administered with caution to patients
with hepatic or renal disease, chronic pulmonary insufficiency, or sleep
apnea.
Use in Special Populations
The safety and effectiveness of Alprazolam in individuals below 18 years of age have not been established.
Overdose Effects
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.
Therapeutic Class
Benzodiazepine sedatives
Storage Conditions
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.
Showing 1 to 19 of 19 (1 Pages)