Alprazolam: What is it and what is it for?

What is alprazolam?

Alprazolam is a synthetic drug, identified with an active ingredient by medical science that acts on the central nervous system (CNS) for the relief of certain psychologicaldisorders, which belongs to the line of benzodiazepines. (1)

What is alprazolam for?

• Alprazolam is ananxiolyticmedication that actsto reduce abnormal arousal in the brain, producing on it a sedative, sleep-stimulating effect and also as a muscle relaxant.
• It is used to treat:
  • States of fear and the treatment of anxiety associated with CNS depression. (2)
  • Patients with sleep apnea.
  • Agoraphobia (fear of open spaces).
  • Premenstrual syndrome.
  • Patients with a profile of states of panic attacks

Dosage and routes of administration of alprazolam

The presentation of alprazolam varies according to the laboratory and can be in tablets ortablets of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg or 2 mg, extended-release withoral administration andthe dose should be recommended by your doctor according to the pathology to be treated, however the following is used:

• Treatment of anxiety: From 0.75 to 1.5 mg daily, administered in divided doses according to medical recommendation.
• Treatment for panic disorders: 0.5 to 1.0 mg given at bedtime or 0.5 mg three times daily.
• Geriatric patients: 0.5 to 4.0 mg administered in divided doses of 0.5 to 0.75 mg/day.

What products contain alprazolam?

Some of the medicines that contain alprazolam or belong to benzodiazepines are:

• Trankimazin®
• Valium®
• Diazepam®
• Clonazepam®

Trankimazin®

• Trankimazin® is a medicine that contains the active substance alprazolam. 
• It is indicated for the treatment of severe and disabling symptoms of anxiety .

Valium®

• Valium® is a synthetic medicine that belongs to the benzodiazepines.
• It is used to treat symptoms of anxiety , agitation and mental tension.

Diazepam®

• Diazepam® is a medication that acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors, with anxiolytic and muscle relaxant properties.
• It is used in the treatment of patients with symptoms of anxiety, agitation and psychological tension produced by psychoneurotic states.
• For more information, see Diazepam: What is it and what is it used for?

Clonazepam®

• Clonazepam® is also a drug that belongs to the family like alprazolam.
• This medication is used in combination with other drugs to control certain types of seizuresand panic attacks.
• For more information, see Clonazepam: What is it and what is it for?

Alprazolam Side Effects

Treatment with alprazolam may cause some of the following Adverse reactions in certain patients :

• Possible allergic reactions upon contact with any component of the formula
• Drowsiness, headache and dizziness.
• Dazed, tired and irritable.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Dry mouth and nausea.
• Increased salivation.
• Decreased sexual appetite.
• Decreased appetite and changes in body weight.
• Withdrawal syndrome .
• constipation _
• Joint pain.
• Difficulty urinating.
• Memory disturbance.

Important: If during treatment with alprazolam you notice the appearance of any of these symptoms or another not included in this list, stop using it and consult your doctor.

Contraindications and warnings of alprazolam

The use of alprazolam is contraindicated in the following cases:

• Hypersensitivity to any of the components of alprazolam.
• In patients with alcoholic intoxication.
• In patients with epilepsy.
• In people with cerebral edema and hypoxia.
• In women during the first trimester of pregnancy or during the lactation period .
• In patients with drugs such as phenothiazines, opioids and barbiturates.

You should know: Before taking this medicine, it is necessary to provide your doctor with all the information about your health history .

Avoid if you have:

• Severe liver failure.
• Myasthenia gravis.
• Glaucoma.
• History of seizures.

Warnings:

• This medicinal product should be administered on prescription and under medical supervision, as there is a risk of respiratory depression, coma or death in concomitant use with other drugs.
• Its frequent use can cause physical and mental dependence.
• Its consumption should not be mixed with alcohol or other drugs.
• Prevent other people from using this medication without medical clearance.
• Keep this drug out of the reach of children.