Alprazolam (By Mouth)

Alprazolam (al-PRAZ-oh-lam)

Treats anxiety, panic disorder, insomnia (trouble sleeping), and anxiety caused by depression. This medicine is a benzodiazepine.

Brand Name(s):

Xanax, Alprazolam Intensol, Xanax XR
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to alprazolam or to similar medicines (such as Valium®), or if you are pregnant. You should not use this medicine if you are also using ketoconazole (Nizoral®) or itraconazole (Sporanox®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Liquid, Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with or without food. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cimetidine (Tagamet®), cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®), diltiazem (Cardizem®, Tiazac®), fluconazole (Diflucan®), isoniazid, theophylline, antibiotics (such as erythromycin, Biaxin®), ergot medicines (such as Cafergot® or Wigraine®), heart or blood pressure medicine (such as nicardipine, nifedipine, Adalat®, Cardene®, Cordarone®, Procardia®), medicine for depression (such as Effexor®, Paxil®, Prozac®, Zoloft®), medicine for seizures (such as Dilantin®, Tegretol®), or any medicine to treat mental illness.
• Do not drink alcohol or grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine. Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy (such as sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, or sedatives).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have glaucoma, seizures, breathing problems, liver disease, or kidney disease. Tell your doctor if you have been addicted to alcohol or other drugs, or if you have a history of depression or mental illness.
• This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not take more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.
• Taking too much of this medicine can cause death. Symptoms of an overdose include: Severe confusion, problems with memory or balance, shortness of breath, slow heartbeat, seizures, severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased sweating, and cold, clammy skin.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Severe confusion, drowsiness, or muscle weakness
• Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or increased sweating
• Twitching or muscle movements you cannot control
• Unusual behavior or thoughts of hurting yourself
• Yellow skin or eyes

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

• Change in appetite or weight
• Dry mouth, constipation
• Hangover feeling
• Mild nausea, vomiting

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.