Alprazolam is a generic drug generally used for treating psychological disorders such as anxiety disorders, panic disorders, etc. Anxiety is one of the worst psychological health issues among several illnesses i.e. ADHD, anxiety, schizophrenia, eating disorders, etc. Taking reference from WHO studies, anxiety is the world’s most common mental disorder, affecting more than 301 million people in 2019. However, there are several medications available to manage anxiety condition and Alprazolam is one of them.
Overview of Alprazolam Drug
Alprazolam is a generic variant for various brand-name drugs such as Xanax, Xanax ER (extended-release), and Niravam. It is commonly used to treat panic and anxiety disorders, caused by depression health condition. Alprazolam belongs to the Benzodiazepine drug class. Benzodiazepine medications are typically prescribed for the management of anxiety disorders, insomnia, seizures, and many other health problems.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Alprazolam in 1981, for psychiatric treatments. One should be aware that it is a prescription-only medication. So, before taking this drug, medical consultation is necessary to avoid any mishappening.
Alprazolam is a Schedule IV controlled substance medication. On the other hand, individuals should know that this drug has euphoria, disinhibition, and anxiolytic effects, making Alprazolam a subject to misuse.
Uses of Alprazolam Medicine
Alprazolam is a widely prescribed psychotropic medication in the USA. It is frequently recommended to manage specific conditions such as panic and anxiety disorders. Notably, it is also used for non-FDA-approved or off-label purposes.
Below, we have listed the primary and off-label uses of Alprazolam, including:
The primary uses of Alprazolam
- Anxiety disorders – Anxiety disorders, also termed Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a severe mental health condition that interferes with one’s daily activities. GAD can occur at any age. Alprazolam works by controlling the electrical activities in the brain.
- Panic disorders – An unrealistic wave of fear or discomfort can characterize panic disorders. Individuals suffering from panic disorders may experience unexpected panic attacks. Alprazolam works by slowing down abnormal activity or excitement in the brain.
Off-label uses of Alprazolam
Alprazolam drug is also used for several non-FDA labeled purposes. However, the individual must understand that these off-label uses are not regulated by any healthcare authorities. If using this drug for not approved indications, medical supervision is required.
These indications include various uses, such as:
- Insomnia
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Depression
After taking a dose of Alprazolam, it can make an individual feel more sleepy. But, one should avoid taking this drug as a sleeping pill. Notably, it is approved for managing specific health conditions.
Mechanism of Action of Alprazolam Medication
Alprazolam starts working by binding selective Benzodiazepine receptors, which are part of the GABAA receptor. After binding the receptors, Alprazolam increases and enhances the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits the irregular activity of neurons in the brain.
By improving the effects of GABA, Alprazolam helps slow down the excitability of neurons in specific regions of the brain. It produces a calming effect that is responsible for relieving anxiety and reducing the intensity of panic attacks.
Effectiveness, Administration, and Dosage of Alprazolam
Availability of Alprazolam
Alprazolam is available in the form of oral tablets and oral concentrates. If someone wants to purchase this drug online, they can look for a reputed online pharmacy.
The two generally used formulations of Alprazolam drug are Alprazolam IR (immediate-release) tablets and Alprazolam XR (extended-release) tablets. IR tablets are prescribed for short-term relief from anxiety and panic attack symptoms, and XR tablets are suggested for managing GAD and other conditions that require continuous symptom relief.
Effectiveness of Alprazolam
An individual can experience the concentration effects of Alprazolam quickly after taking a dose, typically between 30 and 60 minutes. However, the duration of effects may vary from person to person, as it depends on the individual’s dosage, tolerability, metabolism, and type and formulation of the drug i.e. generic or branded.
Individuals can experience the peak effects of Alprazolam IR tablets in 1 to 2 hours after taking a dose. The effects can last up to 6 to 12 hours. On the other hand, XR tablets are developed to release the formulation slowly. One can feel the concentration effects of XR tablets for 24 hours after indigestion.
Dosage strengths of Alprazolam
Alprazolam comes in various dosage strengths that help individuals adjust their dose according to their needs and the severity of anxiety symptoms. The dosage strengths of Alprazolam medication typically range between 0.5 gm to 3 mg.
- Oral tablet – 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg
- Extended release tablet – 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg
- Orally disintegrating tablet – 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg
- Oral solution – 1 mg / ml
Dosage and Administration of Alprazolam
Alprazolam oral tablet can be taken with enough amount of water and is formulated to be swallowed at once. The initial dosage for most patients that a doctor prescribes is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg for the management of anxiety disorder. The recommended dosage should be followed thrice a day. For treating panic disorder, the initial dosage is 0.5 mg which can be taken three times a day.
Side effects
Alprazolam can cause some mild to serious aftereffects. However, the intensity of side effects may vary for individuals, as it depends on the ability to tolerate the concentration effects of the drug.
Below, we have listed a few aftereffects of Alprazolam drug, including:
Common side effect
- Chills
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
- Unusual tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Muscle pain
- Body pain
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Shivering
- Joint pain
- Fever
- Sudden loss of hearing
- Feeling jittery
- Stomach pain
- Abdominal pain
Severe side effect
- Belching
- Indigestion
- Runny nose
- Hives
- Heartburn
- Redness of skin
- Sour stomach
Precautions
- During medical consultation, it is important to share medical history and concurrent use of drugs, to avoid unexpected aftereffects.
- Alcohol consumption is not suggested while taking Alprazolam drug.
- This medication may interact with other drugs that can cause severe side effects.
- Alprazolam is not intended to be used in pregnant women, as it has the potential for fatal harm if taken during pregnancy.
- One should not stop using Alprazolam drug immediately, it can create life-threatening withdrawal symptoms that may last longer.