Alprazolam Tablet 0.5mg

Alprazolam Tablet Uses

Alprazolam has various uses, but most commonly, it is used to relax your mind. It functions as a tranquilizer and is commonly used for the treatment of anxiety. It affects the levels of neurotransmitters; chemicals that serve a role in communication in the brain.

Alprazolam relaxes your brain by altering the neurotransmitters- the chemicals in the brain. It works by facilitating and enhancing the binding of GABA- an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain to its receptors. Therefore, it slows down the hyperactivity of the brain.

Alprazolam Tablet 0.5mg formula

• Alprazolam

Available forms

• Tablets

Risks and warnings

You should know the risks and warnings of Alprazolam to prevent its misuse.

There are some specific circumstances under which the use of certain medications is contraindicated or considered dangerous. So if you are taking any medicine its always a good practice to familiarize yourself with its risks and warnings.

The risks and warnings associated with Alprazolam are:

1. Hypersensitivity or allergy

If you have had an allergic reaction with Alprazolam or with any other benzodiazepine-like diazepam or bromazepam, please do not take it. Doing that may cause an allergic reaction that can be fatal. Always inform your healthcare provider about the documented allergies you have.

Anaphylactic shock is a rare but severe allergic reaction, that if not treated at the right time, can be life-threatening. It shows the signs and symptoms such as hives, pale skin, labored breathing, itching, excessive salivation, feeling too warm, a weak and rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, runny nose, sneezing, swollen lips and tongue, wheezing, dizziness, low blood pressure, and tingling hands, feet, mouth, or scalp.

2. Respiratory impairment

If you have any respiratory problems, you should use Alprazolam with caution as it can worsen the condition.

3. Neuromuscular disease

If you have a neuromuscular disease like myasthenia gravis, do not take Alprazolam as it can worsen the condition.

4. Liver failure

If your liver functioning is compromised, or you have liver failure, do not take Alprazolam, as it may cause hepatic encephalopathy- a disease of the liver that affects the brain and its functioning.

It is because your liver helps in the metabolism and excretion of drugs. When it does not work efficiently due to any disease, it can cause an accumulation of the drug in your body, leading to severe adverse effects.

5. Elderly

Older people should take Alprazolam with caution or in lower doses, as they are more susceptible to its adverse effects.

6. Sleep apnea

If you have sleep apnea, do not take Alprazolam. When you take it, your mind and body get relaxed, due to which muscles of your throat also get relaxed. Those relaxed muscles eventually worsen sleep apnea by obstructing the respiratory tract.

7. Abrupt withdrawal

Please do not stop taking Alprazolam abruptly because doing that can cause adverse effects. Your body can become dependent on it if you have been taking it for a long time. Therefore, abrupt withdrawal may show adverse effects. Generally, your healthcare provider will prescribe it for a short time due to its habit-forming tendency. If you want to stop taking it, decrease the dose slowly, and leave it gradually. Always consult with your healthcare provider before stopping it.

8. Narrow-angle glaucoma

Alprazolam may increase the pressure inside your eye, which can worsen narrow-angle glaucoma. Therefore, do not take it if you have glaucoma, as it can cause a vision-threatening condition.

How to use Alprazolam Tablet 0.5mg?

• Take the tablet 1-2 hours before bedtime because it causes sedation and helps you sleep better
• Swallow it whole with water
• Do not chew or crush the tablet
• The daily dose of Alprazolam tablet for an adult is 0.25 - 0.5 mg orally administered 3 times a day
• The maximum dose of Alprazolam tablet that you can take in the whole day is 4 mg/day
• Follow the dosage and frequency as advised by the doctor
• Before stopping its use, you must consult with a healthcare provider

Alprazolam Tablet Side Effects

Generally, people can tolerate Alprazolam well. But it may show side effects like:

• Fatigue
• Double vision
• Muscle weakness
• Reduced alertness
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Numbness of emotions
• Decrease in appetite
• Loss of concentration
• Constipation
• Lethargy
• Dermatitis
• Sexual dysfunction

If you have any of the above-mentioned side effects with the Alprazolam tablet, please do not stop taking it on your own. Instead, consult with a healthcare provider. They can guide you about it.

Drug Interactions

Alprazolam may interact with the following drugs and substances. A drug interaction does not mean you stop taking the medicine on your own. But you must tell your healthcare provider about it.

• Alcohol
• Opioids
• Amiodarone
• Diltiazem
• Macrolides
• Fluconazole
• Protease inhibitors
• Cimetidine
• Grapefruit juice

To avoid drug interactions, you must give a complete history to the healthcare provider about other health conditions you have and the medicines you have been taking. At times, a dose adjustment can help prevent drug interaction. Please do not stop taking the medication on your own. Instead, inform your healthcare provider. They can guide you and make the changes in the prescription.

Storage Conditions

The optimal storage conditions for Alprazolam tablet are:

• Keep the product out of the reach and sight of children
• Store it below 25° centigrade
• Do not keep it in hot and humid places
• Do not refrigerate