What is Alprazolam? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Alprazolam

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Read the medication guide before taking this medicine.

  • Make sure to read the section titled, “What is the most important information I should know about alprazolam.”

• How to take alprazolam tablets:

  • Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablets.

  • Store alprazolam tablets in a closed container at room temperature, out of the reach of children.

• How to take alprazolam orally disintegrating tablets:

  • Only remove a tablet from the bottle when ready to take a dose.

  • Dry your hands before removing the tablet.

  • Carefully remove the tablet from the bottle.

  • Immediately place the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve before swallowing.

  • Remove the cotton from the bottle after the first use.

  • Store alprazolam ODT in a tightly closed container at room temperature protected from moisture.

• How to use alprazolam oral solution:

  • Alprazolam oral solution is highly concentrated.

  • Only use the dosing syringe that comes with the medicine to measure out a dose. Never use tableware or kitchen measuring devices.

  • Doses are written on the calibrated oral syringe starting at 0.25 mg.

  • You do not need to shake the bottle before measuring out a dose.

  • Store alprazolam oral solution in a tightly closed container at room temperature

  • Throw away the bottle and any remaining medicine 90 days after opening it.

What to do if you miss a dose of Alprazolam

• Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. 

• Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Alprazolam contraindications - Who shouldn't take Alprazolam?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to alprazolam or other benzodiazepines such as Valium (diazepam).

Alprazolam warnings

• Tell your healthcare provider about all medications and health conditions.

• Your healthcare provider will schedule regular appointments to check the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Tell your healthcare provider if you have:

  • Kidney disease

  • Liver disease

  • Lung disease

  • Breathing problems

  • A history of seizures

  • A history of mental health issues such as depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors

  • A history of drug or alcohol abuse or dependency

• Alprazolam use can lead to physical dependency and cause serious withdrawal symptoms when discontinued. 

  • Never increase the dose or take it more often than instructed. Call your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working.

  • Taking too much alprazolam can cause serious side effects and significant impairment. 

  • Alprazolam abuse can lead to overdose or death. 

  • Alprazolam may not be safe to take long term. Long-term use can lead to physical dependency and result in protracted withdrawal symptoms.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly.

  • Your healthcare provider will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Alprazolam is a federally controlled substance. Giving or selling this drug to anyone else is dangerous and against the law.

• Do not take alprazolam when pregnant. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant. Alprazolam could harm an unborn baby. 

• Tell the healthcare provider if you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Alprazolam can make a nursing infant sleepy or less willing to feed.

• This medicine can increase thoughts of suicide. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start to feel depressed and have thoughts about hurting yourself.

• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. 

• Because of the risk of overdose, death, or misuse, keep alprazolam securely out of the reach of children.

Alprazolam interactions & what to avoid when taking Alprazolam

• To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you are using before taking alprazolam.

• Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

• Some drugs can be dangerous to take with alprazolam:

  • Never take alprazolam along with the antifungal drugs ketoconazole or itraconazole.

  • Combining alprazolam with opioids can cause slowed breathing, coma, and death.

  • Combining alprazolam with other sedatives will worsen sedation and impairment. These include other benzodiazepines, antihistamines, sleeping pills, and muscle relaxants.

  • Do not drink alcohol when taking alprazolam.

  • Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice when taking alprazolam.

• Tell the prescribing healthcare provider if you are using any of the following medicines:

  • Mental health medications such as SSRIs

  • Seizure medications

  • Antifungal drugs called azoles

  • Birth control pills

  • Macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin or erythromycin

  • Nefazodone, fluvoxamine, cimetidine, digoxin

Find more detailed information about alprazolam interactions to avoid here.