Alprazolam (
Xanax®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat the following conditions:
It is made by Pfizer, Inc. Generic alprazolam is made by several different manufacturers.
Alprazolam is part of a group of medicines called benzodiazepines.
These drugs have several effects on the body, including:
- Reducing anxiety
- Causing sleepiness
- Relaxing muscles
- Stopping seizures
- Impairing short-term memory.
All medicines in this category can have these effects to some degree, depending on the specific benzodiazepine that is being taken. They work in the brain by enhancing the effects of
gamma-aminobutyric acid (
GABA), a brain chemical that is naturally calming. GABA can slow down or stop certain nerve signals in the brain. This is why alprazolam and other benzodiazepines are known as mild tranquilizers, sedatives, or central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants).
When and How to Take Alprazolam
Some general considerations for when and how to take it include:
- Alprazolam comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth two or three times daily.
- It can be taken with or without food. If the drug bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Alprazolam may cause serious problems if you take it at higher dosages or for a longer period of time than your healthcare provider recommends (see Xanax Addiction).
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Your age
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with alprazolam. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of alprazolam include, but are not limited to:
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Coordination problems.
(Click Side Effects of Alprazolam to learn more about possible alprazolam side effects, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about possible side effects by clicking on:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking alprazolam if you have:
- Glaucoma
- A history of drug or alcohol abuse (see Xanax and Alcohol)
- Depression
- Liver disease, including liver failure or cirrhosis
- Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
- Lung problems or breathing problems
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Overdose on Alprazolam?
People who take too much of the medication may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Coordination problems
- Slow reflexes
- Coma
- Breathing problems
- Loss of life.
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your dose as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of alprazolam.
Alprazolam tablets are available in the following strengths:
- Alprazolam 0.25 mg
- Alprazolam 0.5 mg
- Alprazolam 1 mg
- Alprazolam 2 mg.
Is There a Generic Version of Alprazolam?
Currently, both brand-name and generic alprazolam versions are licensed for sale
(see Generic Xanax).
