alprazolam

Brand names: Alprazolam

# Alprazolam Overview Alprazolam is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. It belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, which work by calming activity in the brain and nervous system. Doctors prescribe it when patients experience excessive worry, fear, or sudden episodes of intense panic. The medication can help people feel more relaxed and reduce symptoms that interfere with daily life, such as trouble sleeping or concentrating due to anxiety. While alprazolam can be helpful, it's important to use it safely and follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Never mix this medicine with opioids, alcohol, or other drugs that make you drowsy, as this combination can be dangerous and affect your breathing. If you take other medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first, because some drugs can change how alprazolam works in your body. This medication can cause dependence if used for too long, so it's usually prescribed for short-term use. Always take exactly the dose your doctor recommends, don't share it with others, and never stop taking it suddenly without talking to your doctor, as this can cause withdrawal problems.

Known Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Use with Opioids: Increase the risk of respiratory depression. ( 7.1 ) Use with Other CNS Depressants: Produces additive CNS depressant effects. ( 7.1 ) Use with Digoxin: Increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. ( 7.1 ) Use with CYP3A Inhibitors (except ritonavir): Increase the risk of adverse reactions of alprazolam. ( 4 , 5.5 , 7.1 ) Use with CYP3A Inducers: Increase the risk of reduced efficacy of alprazolam. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Drugs Having Clinically Important Interactions with Alprazolam Table 4 includes clinically significant drug interactions with alprazolam [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Table 4: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Alprazolam Opioids Clinical implication The concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids increases the risk of respiratory depression because of actions at different receptor sites in the CNS that control respiration. Benzodiazepines interact at gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA A ) sites and opioids interact primarily at mu

Source: FDA-approved drug labeling via openFDA

Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)

  • DRUG INEFFECTIVE13,398 reports
  • NAUSEA12,856 reports
  • FATIGUE11,930 reports
  • DRUG ABUSE10,943 reports
  • ANXIETY10,168 reports
  • HEADACHE9,926 reports
  • PAIN9,817 reports
  • TOXICITY TO VARIOUS AGENTS8,863 reports
  • DIARRHOEA8,787 reports
  • DYSPNOEA8,256 reports

Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.

Check interactions with alprazolam:

SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.