Alprazolam
Instructions for use:
- 1. Release form and composition
- 2. Indications for use
- 3. Contraindications
- 4. Method of application and dosage
- 5. Side effects
- 6. Special instructions
- 7. Analogs
- 8. Terms and conditions of storage
Alprazolam is an antidepressant, hypnotic and mild anticonvulsant drug.
Release form and composition
The tool is released in tablets with a dosage of 0.25 mg and 1 mg, 50 pieces per package.
Indications for use
According to the instructions, Alprazolam is used for:
- Anxiety and neuroses, accompanied by a sense of danger or anxiety, sleep impairment, as well as somatic disorders;
- Neurotic reactive-depressive states, which are accompanied by decreased mood, insomnia, loss of interest in the environment and decreased appetite;
- Mixed anxiety-depressive states;
- Panic disorder with and without phobic symptoms;
- Anxiety and neurotic depression, developed against the background of somatic diseases.
Contraindications
In accordance with the instructions, Alprazolam is contraindicated for use when:
- Severe depression;
- Closed-angle glaucoma;
- Shock;
- Acute alcohol poisoning, hypnotics and psychotropic drugs, as well as opioid analgesics;
- Chronic obstructive airway diseases with initial manifestations of respiratory failure;
- Myasthenia gravis;
- Acute respiratory failure;
- Hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines or other components of Alprazolam.
The use of Alprazolam during pregnancy is contraindicated due to the toxic effects on the fetus.
The active substance of the drug is excreted in breast milk and can negatively affect the newborn, therefore, breastfeeding must be interrupted while taking the drug.
Alprazolam is not prescribed for persons under 18 years of age.
During the period of treatment, it is contraindicated to consume alcohol.
In case of impaired renal or liver function, the drug should be used with increased caution.
Method of administration and dosage
According to the instructions, Alprazolam is recommended to be taken in the minimum effective doses. The starting dosage is 250 to 500 mcg up to three times a day. If necessary, it can be gradually increased to 4.5 mg per day. With a weakened body, as well as in old age, the initial dose should not exceed 500-750 mcg per day.
Side effects
Most often, side effects occur at the beginning of treatment and are manifested as a feeling of fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, ataxia, decreased ability to concentrate, gait instability, disorientation, as well as a slowdown in mental and motor reactions.
In some cases, the use of Alprazolam can cause the following side effects:
- From the side of the central nervous system: headache, depression, impaired coordination of movements, aggressive outbreaks, euphoria, anxiety and insomnia, dystonic extrapyramidal reactions, memory loss, hallucinations, confusion, psychomotor agitation, tremor, depression of mood, weakness, myasthenia gravis, dysarthria, irrational fear, muscle spasm;
- From the digestive system: decreased appetite, nausea, dry mouth or drooling, heartburn, constipation or diarrhea, vomiting, liver dysfunction, jaundice;
- From the urinary system: incontinence or urinary retention, impaired renal function;
- From the side of the cardiovascular system: lowering blood pressure and tachycardia;
- From the hematopoietic system: neutropenia, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, anemia, thrombocytopenia;
- Allergic reactions: skin rash and itching;
- From the endocrine system: libido disorders, changes in body weight and menstrual irregularities.
special instructions
When treating, it should be borne in mind that long-term use of Alprazolam in high doses can develop addiction. The drug should be withdrawn gradually. It is recommended to reduce the dose by 500 mcg per dose no more than three times a day. In some cases, slower drug withdrawal is required. Abrupt discontinuation of Alprazolam can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which manifests itself in the form of insomnia, increased sweating, seizures, tremors, and skeletal muscle spasms.
In the treatment of endogenous depression, the drug can be used simultaneously with antidepressants.
Taking Alprazolam with psychotropic and anticonvulsant drugs can increase the negative effect of the drug on the central nervous system.
Care should be taken with the simultaneous use of the drug with histamine H2 receptor blockers, macrolide antibiotics, other tranquilizers and digoxin.
Analogs
The structural analogs of Alprazolam include the following drugs: Alzolam, Helex, Helex SR, Zolomax.
Storage conditions and periods
Alprazolam should be stored in a place protected from sunlight at an air temperature not exceeding 30 ° C.
The shelf life of the drug is 5 years from the date of manufacture.
Information about the drug is generalized, provided for informational purposes only and does not replace the official instructions. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
