Benzodiazepines
Xanax (Alprazolam) Information
WHY is this drug prescribed?
Alprazolam is used to relieve anxiety disorders and depression.
WHEN should it be used?
Alprazolam usually is taken three times a day. Follow the instructions on your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist or doctor to explain any part you do not understand. Do not take alprazolam for more than four months without consulting your doctor.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Stopping the drug abruptly can cause seizures, delirium, and withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dose gradually.
HOW should it be used?
Alprazolam comes in tablets. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
What SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS should I follow while using this drug?
Alprazolam can cause drowsiness and dizziness and can decrease alertness and coordination. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Alcohol adds to the drowsiness and dizziness caused by this drug. Because alprazolam can be habit-forming, do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than as directed. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your dose may need to be adjusted occasionally, and you may have blood tests periodically. Be sure that you always have enough of this medication on hand. Check your supply before vacations, holidays, and other occasions when you may not be able to obtain it.
What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?
Do not take a missed dose when you remember it. Omit it completely; then take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this drug cause? What can I do about them?
Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, weakness, muscle incoordination, fatigue, confusion, faintness. If these effects persist for more than a few days, contact your doctor. Talkativeness, restlessness, anxiety, excitement, trembling, muscle spasms, sleeping problems, nightmares. Stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately.
What OTHER PRECAUTIONS should I follow while using this drug?
Women who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, think that they may be pregnant, or are breast-feeding should inform their doctors before taking alprazolam. If you become pregnant while taking this drug, contact your doctor immediately.
Before you take alprazolam, tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and non prescription drugs you are taking, especially cimetidine, digoxin, disulfiram (Antabuse), levodopa, Ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), seizure medication, sleeping pills, prescription pain medication, medication for depression, barbiturates, tranquilizers, sedatives, antihistamines, and medication for allergies and colds. Do not smoke while taking alprazolam. Smoking can decrease its effectiveness. If you have liver or kidney disease, tell your doctor before taking alprazolam. Do not allow anyone else to take your medication.
What STORAGE CONDITIONS are necessary for this drug?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from moisture and heat (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Books Benzo Blues:
Overcoming Anxiety Without Tranquilizers
The benzodiazepine family of drugs includes ativan, azene, centrax, clonopin, dalmane, halcion, librium, paxipam, restoril, serax, valium, xanax, etc. They are among the most routinely prescribed medications in our society, used to treat chronic anxiety in millions of people.
Of the more than 30 million people who take these drugs, more than four million are addicted. Dr. Edward H. Drummond offers hope with a program for overcoming chronic anxiety without the use of tranquilizers.
Benzo Blues: Overcoming Anxiety Without Tranquilizers Consumer's Guide to Psychiatric Drugs
Comprehensive overview of the current medical treatments for anxiety, mood, and psychotic disorders. Discusses diagnostic issues, biology of mental illness, drug to drug interactions, and addiction potentials.
For consumers, this lay reference on psychiatric drugs outlines treatment options and tells patients what to expect.
Consumer's Guide to Psychiatric Drugs Prescription Drug Abuse
Abusers discuss their methods and sources and disclose that many of them felt that because they had prescriptions, they were not really drug abusers.
Medical, pharmaceutical, and legal personnel comment on the scope, sources, procedures, and possible solutions of the prescription drug problem.
Prescription Drug Abuse The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs
Informative, accessible, and easy to use, it has become a classic indispensable resource for the layperson and professional alike.
With detailed descriptions of all the psychiatric medications available today, including their uses, side-effects, cost, dosage, and more, consumers can take an active role in their mental health and know what to expect from specific drugs.
The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs
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