Get relief from your anxiety disorder using Alprazolam

Alprazolam is an anti-anxiety drug in the benzodiazepine family, the same family that includes diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), flurazepam (Dalmane), and others. Alprazolam and other benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) within the brain. GABA is actually a neurotransmitter (a chemical substance that nerve cells use to communicate with each other) that inhibits activity in the brain. It is thought that excessive activity in the brain may cause anxiousness or other psychiatric disorders.

Alprazolam is employed for the treatment of panic disorders and panic attacks. Anxiety disorders are described as unrealistic worry and stress, causing the signs of restlessness, aches, trembling, shortness of breath, smothering sensation, palpitations, sweating, cold clammy hands, lightheadedness, flushing, exaggerated startle responses, problems concentrating, and insomnia. Anxiety attacks occur either suddenly or in certain situations (for instance, driving), and will need higher doses of alprazolam.

Alprazolam may be taken with or without food. The beginning dose for treating anxiety is 0.25-0.5 mg three times daily using instant release tablets. The dosage might be increased every 3-4 days to a highest dose of 4 mg daily. The starting dose for treating anxiety attacks is 0.5 mg three times daily. Dosages can be increased every 3-4 days but by a maximum of 1 mg daily. The successful dose for preventing anxiety attacks may be up to 6 mg daily.

Ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), nefazodone (Serzone), cimetidine (Tagamet), and fluvoxamine (Luvox) enhance the blood concentration of alprazolam and thus may improve the side effects of alprazolam.

Alprazolam interacts with alcohol and medications (for example, alcohol, barbiturates, and narcotics) by exaggerating their slowing of activity in the brain and sedation.

Benzodiazepines, for example alprazolam, can cause fetal abnormalities and should not be used in pregnancy or in nursing mothers. Alprazolam is passed in breast milk and can affect nursing infants. Therefore, it should not be used by women who are nursing.

The most frequent unwanted effects of alprazolam taken at lower doses are sleepiness or lightheadedness, which possibly reflect the standard actions of the drug. Side effects of higher dosages (those used for anxiety attacks) include fatigue, memory problems, speech problems, constipation, and changes in appetite with resultant changes in weight.

Alprazolam can result in craving (dependency), especially at high dosages over prolonged periods of time. Abrupt discontinuation of the alprazolam after prolonged use can lead to symptoms of withdrawal for instance insomnia, headaches, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, sweating, anxiety, and fatigue. Convulsions may appear in more serious cases of revulsion. Therefore, patients on alprazolam for prolonged periods of time should gradually taper the medication under a doctor’s supervision rather than abruptly stopping the medication.

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