$Unique_ID{BRK03174}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{halazepam}
$Subject{Paxipam Schering Sedative/hypnotic anti-anxiety halazepam anxiety
depressant central nervous system nervousness}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


halazepam
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Paxipam (Schering)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Sedative/hypnotic (anti-anxiety medication)

INGREDIENT

     halazepam

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (20 mg and 4O mg)

STORAGE

     This medication should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
light-resistant container.

USES

     Halazepam is prescribed to treat symptoms of anxiety.  It is not clear
exactly how this medicine works, but it may relieve anxiety by acting as a
depressant of the central nervous system.  Halazepam 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 medication 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 medication with a dose of antacids, since 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.  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; depression; diarrhea; dizziness;
drowsiness (after a night's sleep); dry mouth; excess saliva; fatigue;
flushing; headache; heartburn; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness;
sweating; and vomiting.  As your body adjusts to the medicine, these effects
should disappear.
     Dry mouth can be relieved by chewing sugarless gum or by sucking on ice
chips.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down awhile.

     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 urinating;
fainting; falling; fever; joint pain; hallucinations; 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

     Halazepam interacts with several other medications.
     1. To prevent over-sedation, it should not be taken with alcohol, other
sedative drugs, central nervous system depressants (such as antihistamines,
barbiturates, muscle relaxants, pain medicines, narcotics, medicines for
seizures, phenothiazine tranquilizers), or with anti-depressants.
     2. This medication may decrease the effectiveness of carbamazepine,
levodopa, and oral anti-coagulants, and may increase the effects of phenytoin.
     3. Disulfiram, isoniazid, and cimetidine can increase the blood levels of
halazepam, which can lead to toxic effects.
     4. Concurrent use of rifampin may decrease the effectiveness of
halazepam.
     If you are already taking any of the medications listed above, CONSULT
YOUR DOCTOR about their use.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
medications, especially to halazepam or any other benzodiazepine tranquilizers
(such as alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate, diazepam, flurazepam,
lorazepam, oxazepam, prazepam, temazepam, or triazolam).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have, or if you have ever had, liver or
kidney disease, epilepsy, lung disease, myasthenia gravis, porphyria, mental
depression, or mental illness.
     * This medicine can cause drowsiness.  You should therefore avoid tasks
that require alertness, such as driving a car or using potentially dangerous
machinery.
     * This medication has the potential for abuse and must be used with
caution.  Tolerance may develop quickly; do not increase the dosage without
first consulting your doctor.  It is also important not to stop taking 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 type of 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 excessive drowsiness, slowed heartbeat, and
breathing difficulties in the infant.  Tell your doctor if you are
breastfeeding 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.