Did your doctor prescribe you Alprazolam for your anxiety ? Is that a tablet that dissolves on the tongue? Then this article will be very important for you. Sometimes we can be a little afraid or curious about this kind of medicine. That's normal. We will talk about this medicine, how to use it, and what to be careful about in a very simple way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is Alprazolam?
Alprazolam is a medication that is used to treat conditions such as anxiety . Simply put, it works by calming your nervous system . The main function of this medication is to reduce anxiety and nervousness and bring a little peace of mind. It belongs to a class of drugs called ``Benzodiazepines''. These disintegrating tablets that your doctor has given you are absorbed into the body faster than regular tablets and start working. Therefore, they are often used to control conditions such as sudden anxiety.
Doctors may sometimes prescribe this medication for other conditions, so if you have any concerns, it's best to talk to your doctor about it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This is very important. For your safety, it is essential that your doctor knows your complete medical history before starting Alprazolam. Be sure to tell him/her if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Health condition or fact | Why do you need to tell the doctor ? |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma | This medicine is not suitable for people with glaucoma, a type of eye condition that increases pressure. |
| Kidney or liver disease | This organ affects the process of removing medication from the body, so the dosage may need to be adjusted. |
| Lung diseases such as asthma or COPD | This medicine can be quite dangerous for people who already have breathing problems, as it can weaken breathing slightly. |
| Other mental health problems (e.g. depression) | Alprazolam can sometimes change the symptoms of depression. |
| If there was a drug or alcohol addiction | Because there is a risk of addiction to this medication, the doctor pays special attention to those with such a history. |
| If you or someone in your family has had suicidal thoughts | This information is very important because in rare cases this medication can cause mood changes. |
| Allergy to Alprazolam or other medicines, foods, dyes | This is essential to know if you are at risk of developing an allergy. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Because using this medication during pregnancy may affect the baby, it is important to discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | The medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. Therefore, you should talk to your doctor and make the best decision. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
The way to use this is very simple, but very important.
1. Take it on time: Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, at the right time.
2. No water required: This is a tablet that dissolves on the tongue, so there is no need to swallow it with water.
3. Keep the pill in the bottle until you are ready to take it: Do not take the pill out of the bottle until you are ready to take it.
4. Dry hands: With dry hands, open the bottle and carefully remove the tablet. If you touch it with wet hands, the tablet may start to melt.
5. Keep on the tongue: Keep the tablet on the tongue. It will dissolve in a few seconds.
6. Then swallow: After the tablet has dissolved, swallow some saliva.
7. Don't stop: Don't stop taking your medication until your doctor tells you to. Even if you feel better, it's not a good idea to stop suddenly.
Special advice for seniors: The bodies of people over the age of 65 may react a little more quickly to this medication. Therefore, the doctor usually starts treatment with a lower dose.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . This is not a game, it can be life-threatening. This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Alprazolam is a drug that can interact with other medications, foods, and drinks. Some of these can be very dangerous. So it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal products.
| Things you should never take with Alprazolam | |
|---|---|
| • Some antibiotics like Chloramphenicol, Clarithromycin | • Some antiviral medications for HIV or Hepatitis |
| • Grapefruit juice | • Some drugs used for cancer (e.g. idelalisib, ribociclib) |
| • Antifungal medications such as ketoconazole and itraconazole | • Mifepristone |
| • Sodium oxybate | • Levoketoconazole, Lonafarnib |
| Things to be careful about when taking with Alprazolam | |
|---|---|
| • Alcohol - This is very dangerous. It can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. | • Opioid medications for pain or cough |
| • Other medications that help you sleep | • Muscle relaxants |
| • Other Benzodiazepine-type drugs | • Some medications for depression (e.g. amitriptyline) |
| • Some medications used for epilepsy (e.g. phenobarbital) | • Some antihistamines |
| • Drugs like Cimetidine, Digoxin | • Herbal products such as St. John's wort, valerian, melatonin |
Things you should pay special attention to when taking the medicine
Risk of addiction
This is something we need to be honest about. There is a risk of addiction, misuse, and dependence with medications like Alprazolam. This means you may be tempted to take more than the dose your doctor has prescribed, or for other reasons. Therefore, it is very important to take this medication only at the dose and for the duration your doctor tells you .
Driving and operating machinery
This medicine may affect your balance, reaction time, and decision-making ability . Simply put, you may feel a little drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know exactly how this medicine affects you. Also, to avoid dizziness and fainting, get up from a sitting or lying position slowly.
Be aware of the dangers of CNS Depressants
This is a bit of a medical term, but it's important to understand. A ``CNS depressant'' refers to something that slows down the brain and nervous system . Alprazolam is also a ``CNS depressant.'' So if you take this with alcohol, other sleep-inducing drugs, or another ``CNS depressant'' like opioids, the effects of both can add up and make you feel very sleepy . It can be so severe that it can cause difficulty breathing , loss of consciousness (coma), and even death . So be very careful about this.
The danger of stopping medication suddenly
If you have been taking this medicine for a long time, your body will get used to it to some extent. If you suddenly stop taking the medicine, you may experience a severe reaction . We call it ``withdrawal symptoms''. You may experience severe symptoms such as restlessness, insomnia, and seizures. Therefore, if you need to stop taking the medicine, you should do so as per your doctor's instructions, by gradually reducing the dose.
For pregnant and lactating mothers
If this medicine is used continuously during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester, the baby may experience temporary ``withdrawal symptoms''. If a nursing mother is taking this medicine, watch the baby carefully for excessive sleepiness, difficulty breathing, or lethargy. If you notice any of these, seek medical advice immediately.
Side effects that may occur due to this medicine
Like any medicine, Alprazolam can cause side effects. Not everyone gets them, but it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| CNS Depression | Slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, extreme dizziness, confusion, and sleepiness that cannot be awakened. |
| Mental changes | Suicidal thoughts, increased symptoms of depression, severe mood swings. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dizziness and drowsiness | Loss of balance or decreased coordination of the body. |
| Changes in sexual desire or function | Although these are usually not serious, tell your doctor if they are bothering you. |
This list does not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
How to store and dispose of medicine safely?
- Keep away from children and pets: This is very important. Keep it in a safe place where they cannot see or get their hands on it.
- Store at the right temperature: Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius) away from light and moisture. Keep the bottle cap tightly closed.
- Discard after expiration: Do not use for any reason after the expiration date.
- How to dispose of: Ask your doctor about the best way to dispose of unused or expired medications. Sometimes, you can remove the pills from the bottle, mix them with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or kitty litter, and place them in a tightly sealed plastic bag and throw them in the trash. Never flush them down the toilet.
Remember, if this medicine gets into the wrong hands, it can even cause death. So think twice about safety.
Take-Home Message
- Alprazolam is a medicine that should only be taken under the advice of a doctor. Follow the prescribed dosage and duration exactly.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medicine. It can be very dangerous.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- If you feel sleepy or dizzy after taking the medicine , avoid driving or operating machinery.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else for any reason.
- If you have any questions or doubts, talk about them openly with your doctor.
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