Alprazolam

Alprazolam is also used in the treatment of panic disorder, which appears as unexpected panic attacks and may be accompanied by a fear of open or public places called agoraphobia. Only your doctor can diagnose panic disorder and best advise you about treatment.

Some doctors prescribe Alprazolam to treat alcohol withdrawal, fear of open spaces and strangers, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, and premenstrual syndrome.

Side effects of Alprazolam are usually seen at the beginning of treatment and disappear with continued medication. However, if dosage is increased, side effects will be more likely.

• More common side effects may include:
  Abdominal discomfort, abnormal involuntary movement, agitation, allergies, anxiety, blurred vision, chest pain, confusion, constipation, decreased or increased sex drive, depression, diarrhea, difficult urination, dream abnormalities, drowsiness, dry mouth, fainting, fatigue, fluid retention, headache, hyperventilation (too frequent or too deep breathing), inability to fall asleep, increase or decrease in appetite, increased or decreased salivation, impaired memory, irritability, lack of or decreased coordination, light-headedness, low blood pressure, menstrual problems, muscular twitching, nausea and vomiting, nervousness, painful menstruation, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, rash, restlessness, ringing in the ears, sedation, sexual dysfunction, skin inflammation, speech difficulties, stiffness, stuffy nose, sweating, tiredness/sleepiness, tremors, upper respiratory infections, weakness, weight gain or loss
• Less common or rare side effects may include:
  Abnormal muscle tone, arm or leg pain, concentration difficulties, dizziness, double vision, fear, hallucinations, hot flushes, inability to control urination or bowel movements, infection, itching, joint pain, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, muscle spasticity, rage, seizures, shortness of breath, sleep disturbances, slurred speech, stimulation, talkativeness, taste alterations, temporary memory loss, tingling or pins and needles, uninhibited behavior, urine retention, weakness in muscle and bone, yellow eyes and skin
• Side effects due to decrease or withdrawal from Alprazolam:
  Anxiety, blurred vision, decreased concentration, decreased mental clarity, depression, diarrhea, headache, heightened awareness of noise or bright lights, hot flushes, impaired sense of smell, insomnia, loss of appetite, loss of reality, muscle cramps, nervousness, rapid breathing, seizures, tingling sensation, tremor, twitching, weight loss

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Alprazolam or other tranquilizers, you should not take this medication. Also avoid Alprazolam while taking the antifungal drugs Sporanox or Nizoral. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have experienced.

Do not take this medication if you have been diagnosed with the eye condition called narrow-angle glaucoma.

Anxiety or tension related to everyday stress usually does not require treatment with Alprazolam. Discuss your symptoms thoroughly with your doctor.

Alprazolam may intensify the effect of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.

Never combine Alprazolam with Sporanox or Nizoral. These drugs cause a buildup of Alprazolam in the body.

If Alprazolam is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is important to check with your doctor before combining Alprazolam with the following:

Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Antihistamines such as Benadryl and Tavist
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Certain antibiotics such as Biaxin and erythromycin
Certain antidepressant drugs, including Elavil, Norpramin, and Tofranil
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Ergotamine
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Grapefruit juice
Isoniazid (Rifamate)
Major tranquilizers such as Mellaril and Thorazine
Nefazodone (Serzone)
Nicardipine (Cardene)
Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia)
Oral contraceptives
Other central nervous system depressants such as Valium and Demerol
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Propoxyphene (Darvon)
Sertraline (Zoloft)