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ALPRAZOLAM
IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING ALPRAZOLAM.
ALPRAZOLAM-ORAL (al-PRAZZ-oh-lam)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Xanax
USES:
ALPRAZOLAM has a calming effect. It is used to relieve anxiety,
nervousness and tension in the treatment of anxiety disorders and
panic disorders.
HOW TO TAKE ALPRAZOLAM:
Take ALPRAZOLAM by mouth exactly as prescribed. Do not take this
more often, increase your dose or take this longer than directed
without consulting your doctor. Do not suddenly stop taking
ALPRAZOLAM if you have been taking this regularly for several weeks.
Your dose will need to be gradually decreased to prevent side
effects.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Drowsiness, incoordination, headache, fatigue, change in sex drive,
change in appetite, change in weight, difficulty urinating or
stomach upset may occur the first few days as your body adjusts to
the medication. If any of these effects continue or become
bothersome, inform your doctor. To relieve dry mouth, suck on
(sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink
water or use saliva substitute. Notify your doctor if you
develop:
rapid/pounding/irregular heartbeat, skin rash, changes in vision,
slurred speech, confusion, depression, behavioral changes. If you
notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have: kidney problems, liver disease,
glaucoma, muscle weakness, history of drug dependence, any
allergies. ALPRAZOLAM may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
operating machinery or engaging in activities requiring alertness.
Limit intake of alcohol while taking ALPRAZOLAM since it may
aggravate drowsiness and dizziness. Alprazolam is is not recommended
for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using
ALPRAZOLAM. ALPRAZOLAM passes into breast milk and may harm a
nursing infant. Nursing while using alprazolam is not recommended.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. The elderly may be more
sensitive to the effects of this medication and should use
ALPRAZOLAM carefully.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription
medication you take, including:
anti-seizure drugs, antidepressants, narcotic pain relievers,
erythromycin-like antibiotics, cimetidine, sleeping pills,
tranquilizers, azole antifungals. Do not start or stop any medicine
without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
confusion, slow reflexes, clumsiness, deep sleep, and loss of
consciousness.
NOTES:
ALPRAZOLAM when used in high doses or for prolonged periods of time
can lead to dependence. Therefore, it is important to follow your
dosing instructions closely.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if
it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose
and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up"
the dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store ALPRAZOLAM at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15
to 30 degrees C) away from heat, light and moisture. Do not store in
the bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of
children.
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