Sometimes it's hard to bear the anxiety we feel, the anxiety that we can't control. There are times when we feel so heavy and anxious that we can't do anything. Perhaps your doctor has prescribed you a medicine called Alprazolam for such a situation. So, today we will learn exactly what this medicine is, how to use it, and what it can do.
What is this Alprazolam?
Simply put, Alprazolam is a medication that helps control your anxiety. It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines . It works by calming your nervous system and reducing the stress you feel. In this article, we will be talking about the disintegrating Alprazolam tablets.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before prescribing Alprazolam to you, it is important for your doctor to be aware of your complete health status. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about them.
| If you have these conditions | Inform the doctor. |
|---|---|
| Depression or other mental illnesses | It's important to talk about this because this medication can change some mental health conditions. |
| A history of alcohol or drug addiction | This is very important to say because Alprazolam also has the potential to be addictive. |
| Kidney or liver disease | The function of these organs affects the removal of drugs from the body. |
| Lung disease, asthma, or other breathing difficulties | This is important to note because this medication can cause breathing to slow down slightly. |
| Seizures | This helps the doctor determine the effectiveness of the medicine. |
| Suicidal thoughts or attempts | This is a very important point. Don't hide anything. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | This medicine may affect an unborn baby or a nursing baby. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | Tell us if you are allergic to Alprazolam or any other Benzodiazepine. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This is not a pill that you swallow with water like a regular pill. It needs to be used in a special way.
1. Keep the pill in the sealed package until you are ready to take it.
2. Before taking the pill, make sure your hands are completely dry . The pill may dissolve if you touch it with wet hands.
3. Carefully open the pack and slowly remove the tablet. If the tablet breaks or crumbles while taking it, discard it and get a new one.
4. Hold the tablet directly on the tongue .
5. Let it melt in your mouth. Then swallow the saliva.
Most importantly: Never swallow this pill with water, cut, crush, or chew it.
Use this medicine as directed by your doctor.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss 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 a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you have any suspicion that you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Because of the risks involved, never share this medicine with anyone else.
Things not to use with Alprazolam (Interactions)
Alprazolam can interact with other medications, food, and alcohol, so you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Absolutely Avoid Taking Alprazolam With These Things | |
|---|---|
| Some antiviral drugs for HIV or Hepatitis | Medicines such as Ketoconazole and Itraconazole, which are used to treat fungal infections |
| Clarithromycin (an antibiotic) | Grapefruit juice |
| Narcotic cough medications | Sodium oxybate |
| Use with caution when taking these things. | |
| Alcohol | Antihistamines (medicines that cause drowsiness) for allergies, coughs, and colds |
| Other medications for anxiety or sleep | Some medications for depression |
| Some medications given for migraines | Painkillers (especially narcotics) |
| Birth control pills, patches, hormonal medications | General anesthetics |
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly: Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause a severe reaction. If you stop taking the medicine, do so gradually and under the supervision of your doctor.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, avoid driving, operating machinery, and doing other tasks that require alertness until you know how this medication affects you.
- Avoid alcohol: Taking this medication with alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. It can also be dangerous.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Tell your doctor immediately if you are planning to become pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Avoid breast-feeding while taking this medicine.
Possible side effects
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Central nervous system depression (CNS Depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, excessive sleepiness, unconsciousness, confusion. |
| Mental changes | Suicidal thoughts, increased depression, worsening mood. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dizziness | Drowsiness |
| Nausea | Changes in sexual desire or function |
How to store and dispose of medicine safely?
- Safety: Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . Because this medicine has abuse potential, keep it locked up in a safe place to protect it from thieves .
- Storage: Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius), away from light and moisture.
- Disposal: It is important to properly dispose of expired or unwanted medications. These can be fatal if they end up in the wrong hands. Ask your pharmacy or doctor about medication take-back programs. If not, ask your doctor about removing the pills from the container, mixing them with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, and putting them in a tightly sealed bag and throwing them in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Alprazolam is a powerful medication for anxiety that should only be taken under the advice of a doctor.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medication. Avoid driving as it may cause drowsiness.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- Avoid stopping the medication suddenly without medical advice.
- Keep this medicine very safe, out of the reach of children and others. Sharing or selling it is illegal and very dangerous.
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