Generic Name
AlprazolamTherapeutic Group: Drugs of Nervous System
Indications:
Description:- Anxiety disorder
- Short term relief of anxiety
- Anxiety associated with depression
- Panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia.
Alprazolam is a triazole analogue of the 1,4-benzodiazepine class of drugs. It is an anxiolytic with hypnotic and anticonvulsive properties. Alprazolam is presumed to produce its effects via interacting with the Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) - benzodiazepine receptor complex. Like all benzodiazepines, it causes a dose-related CNS depressant activity varying from mild impairment of task performance to hypnosis.
Dosage & Administration:
Treatment should be initiated with a dose of 0.25 to 0.5 mg three times daily. Depending on the response, the dose may
be increased at intervals of 3 to 4 days in increments of no more than 1 mg per day. The maximum dose should not
exceed 4 mg/day. Occasional patients with panic disorder may need as much as 10 mg a day to achieve a successful response and in these cases, periodic reassessment and consideration of dosage adjustment are required.
Dosage should be individualized for maximum beneficial effect with the lowest possible dose. If side-effects occur at
starting dose, the dose may be lowered. When discontinuing therapy, dosage should be reduced gradually by no more than 0.5 mg every three days.
In elderly patients or in patients with advanced liver disease, the usual starting dose is 0.25 mg, two or three times daily, and may be gradually increased if needed and tolerated. The safety and effectiveness of Alprazolam in individuals below 18 years of age have not been established.
Lilium XR 1 should be administered once daily, preferably in the morning by patients who are on multiple dosage
regimens of Zolium 0.25/0.5 mg. The tablets should be taken intact, they should not be chewed, crushed, or broken.
Side Effects:
Side effects, if occur, are generally observed at the beginning of therapy and usually disappear upon continued medication. The most frequent side effects are drowsiness and lightheadedness. The other side effects, that may occur include depression, headache, confusion, dry mouth, constipation, etc.
Precautions:
Because Alprazolam may produce psychological and physical dependence, increment of dose or abrupt discontinuation of Alprazolam therapy should not be done without the physician's advice. The duration of therapy must be determined by the physicians. Alprazolam should be administered with caution to patients with hepatic or renal disease, chronic pulmonary insufficiency, or sleep apnea.
Use in Pregnancy & Lactation:
Pregnancy: Alprazolam has been categorized in pregnancy category D; that means, it should be avoided in pregnancy.
Lactation: Like other benzodiazepines, alprazolam is assumed to be excreted in breast milk. Therefore, nursing should not be undertaken by mothers who must use Alprazolam.
Drug Interaction:
The CNS-depressant action of Alprazolam may be aggravated by concomitant use of other psychotropic drugs, anticonvulsants, antihistaminics, alcohol, and oral contraceptives.
Overdose:
Manifestations of Alprazolam overdosage include somnolence, confusion, impaired coordination, diminished reflexes, and coma. In such cases of overdosage general supportive measures should be employed along with immediate gastric lavage.
Storage:
Keep in a dry place far away from light and warmth. exclude the reach of Children's.