Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorders.
Alprazolam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Alprazolam (Oral)?
You should not take alprazolam if:
- you also take antifungal medicine such as itraconazole or ketoconazole; or
- you have a history of allergic reaction to any benzodiazepine (alprazolam, lorazepam, diazepam, Ativan, Valium, Versed, Klonopin, and others).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- breathing problems;
- drug or alcohol addiction;
- depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or
- kidney or liver disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you use alprazolam during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks.
You should not breastfeed.
If you do breastfeed, tell your doctor if you notice drowsiness or feeding problems in the baby.
Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
User Reviews & Rating
Overall rating for Alprazolam (Oral)
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Alprazolam (Oral)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Alprazolam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- weak or shallow breathing;
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- a seizure;
- hallucinations, risk-taking behavior;
- increased energy, decreased need for sleep;
- racing thoughts, being agitated or talkative;
- double vision; or
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.
Common side effects may include:
- drowsiness; or
- feeling light-headed.
After you stop using alprazolam, get medical help right away if you have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, suicidal thoughts or actions.
Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer after stopping this medicine suddenly. Tell your doctor if you have ongoing anxiety, depression, problems with memory or thinking, trouble sleeping, ringing in your ears, a burning or prickly feeling, or a crawling sensation under your skin.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Alprazolam (Oral) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you use alprazolam during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks.
You should not breastfeed.
If you do breastfeed, tell your doctor if you notice drowsiness or feeding problems in the baby.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Alprazolam (Oral)?
Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Alprazolam (Oral)?
Use Alprazolam (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use alprazolam in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.
Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Allow the orally disintegrating tablet to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.
If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.
Do not stop using alprazolam without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep your medicine in a place where no one can use it improperly.
Throw away any alprazolam liquid not used within 90 days.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Alprazolam (Oral)?
Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, muscle weakness, loss of balance or coordination, feeling light-headed, slow heartbeats, weak or shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.
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