The doctor has prescribed these alprazolam tablets for the excessive anxiety or restlessness that you may be feeling. This is a medicine that is recommended by doctors to many people in our country, and it is a medicine that should be used with great caution . So, as a user of this medicine, it is very important for you to know everything about it. Let's talk about this Alprazolam in simple terms today.
Simply put, what is Alprazolam?
Alprazolam is a medicine that calms your nervous system and reduces anxiety . To be precise, it belongs to the group of drugs called ``Benzodiazepines''. This medicine works by controlling your brain activity and making you feel calm. In Sri Lanka, this medicine is most famous under the brand name Xanax.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting Alprazolam, it is very important to have a completely open conversation with your doctor. It is especially important to tell them about any of the following conditions that you have:
| Your situation | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Depression or other mental illness | Alprazolam can worsen some mental health conditions. |
| A history of alcohol or drug addiction | The risk of addiction to this drug is high, so it is essential to raise awareness about this. |
| Kidney, liver, or lung diseases (such as asthma) | The dosage may need to be changed as the medication may be removed from the body or may affect breathing. |
| Seizures | This medication may affect migraines. |
| Thoughts of despair about life or thoughts of suicide | The doctor should be aware that there is a small risk of these thoughts escalating. |
| Trying to conceive, being pregnant, or breastfeeding | This medicine may affect the unborn baby and the nursing baby. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | This is important to confirm whether you are allergic to Alprazolam or its ingredients. |
How should I use this medicine?
This is the most important thing. Never use this medicine as you feel like.
- Take only the dose prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time. Do not take more or take it more frequently.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly unless your doctor tells you to "stop now. "If you stop taking it, severe symptoms may recur. If you do stop, do so gradually and only as directed by your doctor.
- If you are over 65, this medicine may cause more drowsiness or dizziness. Therefore, they are usually prescribed a lower dose.
Warning: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to anyone else for any reason. Doing so is dangerous and illegal.
What if I overdose?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . This is something that should not be delayed.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
When taking Alprazolam, it may interact with other medications and foods you are taking. This may increase side effects or change how the medicine works.
| Some antiviral drugs for HIV or Hepatitis | Antifungal medications such as ketoconazole |
| Antibiotics such as Clarithromycin | Grapefruit juice |
| Alcohol | Sedatives for allergies, coughs, and colds |
| Medications for sleep or other mental illnesses | Painkillers (especially morphine) |
| Medications for epilepsy (e.g. Carbamazepine) | Hormonal medications, including birth control pills and patches |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medicines you take (including vitamins and herbal products) . Don't forget to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol .
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. So , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.
- Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Alprazolam. Alcohol can make drowsiness and dizziness worse.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Tell your doctor immediately if you are planning to become pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You should discuss the use of Alprazolam with your doctor before making a decision during this time.
What side effects can you experience?
Like any medication, Alprazolam can cause side effects. Some of them are serious, while others are common.
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Severe drowsiness (CNS Depression) | Slow breathing, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, loss of consciousness, difficulty staying awake. |
| Mental changes | Disappointment with life, suicidal thoughts, worsening mental state. |
| Changes in sexual desire or function | Dizziness and drowsiness |
| Nausea (feeling sick) |
Is it possible to become addicted to medicine?
Yes. This is a very important point. Alprazolam and other Benzodiazepine drugs have the potential to be addictive.
Because this medication stimulates the pleasure centers in your brain, some people can become addicted to it. However, if you take it only for the prescribed period of time, as prescribed by your doctor, the risk of addiction is low. The risk increases if you misuse this medication.
If you think you are becoming addicted to this medication, or taking more than your doctor prescribed, seek help immediately. Talk to your doctor about this. This is nothing to be ashamed of, it is important for your health.
Take-Home Message
- Follow your doctor's instructions: Always take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor and at the right time. Never change the dose at your own discretion.
- Do not stop suddenly: If you stop taking the medication, do so gradually, according to your doctor's instructions.
- No alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking Alprazolam is very dangerous.
- Be careful: Avoid activities that require attention, such as driving, as the medication may cause drowsiness.
- Risk of addiction: Always remember that this medication has the potential to be addictive. If you feel like you are becoming dependent, seek medical advice immediately.
- Store safely: Store medicines safely, out of the reach of children and pets. Properly dispose of expired or unused medicines.
- Talk openly: Talk to your doctor about any questions, concerns, or fears you have about this medication.
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