Description

Treats anxiety, panic disorder, insomnia (trouble sleeping), and anxiety caused by depression. Belongs to the group of drugs called benzodiazepines.

When you should not use this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to alprazolam or to other medicines that are like alprazolam (such as Valium®, Librium®, or Dalmane®).

How to use and store this medicine

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Tablets:

• May be taken with or without food.
• Store at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and light.

Solution (liquid):

• Measure your dose carefully using a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
• Store at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and light.

If you miss a dose:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible if you are not more than 1 hour late with your dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to use this medicine

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Alprazolam should not be taken with ketoconazole (Nizoral®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), fluvoxamine (Luvox®) or nefazodone (Serzone®).
• Do not drink alcohol while taking alprazolam.
• Check with your doctor before taking other drugs that could make you sleepy, such as tranquilizers, sleeping pills, pain medicine, or cold or allergy medicine.

Warnings

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Talk with your doctor before taking alprazolam if you have glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson's disease, or kidney, liver, or lung disease.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. You should not use more than the prescribed amount or for longer periods than your doctor has ordered.
• If you have taken this medicine for a long time, talk with your doctor before you stop taking it. You may need to take smaller doses before you completely stop the medicine.
• Alprazolam may make you sleepy or dizzy. Avoid driving a car or using machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Side effects

Call your doctor right away if any of these side effects occur:

• Depressed mood or severe confusion
• Seizures
• Severe drowsiness and weakness
• Slow or fast heartbeat
• Trouble breathing
• Unsteadiness (having a hard time standing up)

If you have problems with these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Drowsiness, dizziness, clumsiness, or difficulty concentrating
• Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation
• Blurred vision, headache, or feeling "hungover" the next morning after using