$Unique_ID{BRK03017} $Pretitle{} $Title{alprazolam} $Subject{Xanax Upjohn Benzodiazepine sedative/hypnotic alprazolam anxiety associated depression depressant central nervous system nervousness} $Volume{} $Log{ Xanax .25 mg*0301701.scf Xanax .5 mg*0301702.scf Xanax 1 mg*0301703.scf} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. alprazolam ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAME (Manufacturer) Xanax (Upjohn) TYPE OF DRUG Benzodiazepine sedative/hypnotic INGREDIENT alprazolam DOSAGE FORM Tablets (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg) STORAGE This medication should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. USES Alprazolam is prescribed to treat symptoms of anxiety and anxiety associated with depression. It may work by acting as a depressant of the central nervous system. This drug is currently used by many people to relieve nervousness. It is effective for this purpose for short periods, but it is important to try to remove the cause of the anxiety as well. TREATMENT This drug should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor. It can be taken with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs. Do not take this drug with antacids, as they may retard its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. If you are taking this medication regularly and you miss a dose, take the missed dose immediately if you remember within an hour of the scheduled dose. If more than an hour has passed, skip the dose you missed and wait for the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Bitter taste in mouth, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness (after a night's sleep), dry mouth, excessive salivation, fatigue, flushing, headache, heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, sweating, or vomiting. As you adjust to the drug, these effects should disappear. To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). Dry mouth can be relieved by chewing sugarless gum or by sucking on ice chips. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about blurred or double vision, chest pain, severe depression, difficulty in urinating, fainting, falling, fever, hallucinations, joint pain, mouth sores, nightmares, palpitations, rash, shortness of breath, slurred speech, sore throat, uncoordinated movements, unusual excitement, unusual tiredness, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS Alprazolam interacts with several other types of drugs: 1. To prevent oversedation, this drug should not be taken with alcohol, other sedative drugs, central nervous system depressants (such as antihistamines, barbiturates, muscle relaxants, pain medications, narcotics, medicines for seizures, and phenothiazine tranquilizers), or antidepressant medications. 2. This medication may decrease the effectiveness of carbamazepine, levodopa, and oral anticoagulants (blood thinners) and may increase the side effects of phenytoin. 3. Disulfiram, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), isoniazid, and cimetidine can increase the blood levels of alprazolam, which can lead to toxic effects. 4. Concurrent use of rifampin may decrease the effectiveness of alprazolam. Before starting to take alprazolam, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to alprazolam or other benzodiazepine tranquilizers (such as chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate, diazepam, flurazepam, halazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, prazepam, temazepam, or triazolam). * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had liver disease, kidney disease, epilepsy, lung disease, myasthenia gravis, narrow-angle glaucoma, porphyria, mental depression, mental illness, or sleep apnea. * This medicine can cause drowsiness. Avoid tasks that require mental alertness, such as driving a car or using potentially dangerous equipment. * This medication has the potential for abuse and must be used with caution. Tolerance may develop quickly; do not increase the dosage of the drug without first consulting your doctor. It is also important not to stop this drug suddenly if you have been taking it in large amounts or if you have used it for several weeks. Your doctor may want to reduce the dosage gradually. * This is a safe drug when used properly. When it is combined with other sedative drugs or alcohol, however, serious side effects can develop. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. This medicine may increase the chance of birth defects if it is taken during the first three months of pregnancy. In addition, too much use of this medicine during the last six months of pregnancy may result in addiction of the fetus--leading to withdrawal side effects in the newborn. Also, use of this medicine during the last weeks of pregnancy may cause drowsiness, slowed heartbeat, and breathing difficulties in the infant. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. This medicine can pass into breast milk and cause excessive drowsiness, slowed heartbeat, and breathing difficulties in nursing infants. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.