Alprazolam: what it is, what it serves for and side effects

Alprazolam is an active substance indicated for the treatment of anxiety disorders, which may include symptoms such as anxiety, tension, fear, apprehension, discomfort, difficulty concentrating, irritability or insomnia, for example.

In addition, this remedy can also be used to treat panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia, in which an unexpected panic attack, a sudden attack of intense apprehension, fear or terror can occur.

Alprazolam is available in pharmacies and can be purchased with the presentation of a prescription.

The dose of alprazolam should be adapted to each case, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the individual response of each person.

In general, the recommended starting dose for the treatment of anxiety disorders is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg administered 3 times daily and the maintenance dose is 0.5 mg to 4 mg per day, administered in fractional doses. . Find out what anxiety disorder is.

For the treatment of panic disorders, the starting dose is 0.5 mg to 1 mg before bedtime or 0.5 mg given 3 times daily and the maintenance dose should be adapted to the person’s response to treatment.

In elderly patients or with debilitating diseases, the recommended starting dose is 0.25 mg, 2 or 3 times daily and the maintenance dose may range from 0.5 mg to 0.75 mg per day, administered in divided doses.

After ingestion, alprazolam is rapidly absorbed and the maximum concentration of the drug in the body occurs 1 to 2 hours after administration and the time it takes to remove it is 11 hours on average, unless the person suffers from renal or hepatic impairment.

Sedation and drowsiness are one of the most common side effects that can occur during treatment with alprazolam. Therefore, some people are very likely to feel drowsy during treatment.

Alprazolam should not be used in people with hypersensitivity to any of the components of the formula or other benzodiazepines, people with severe myasthenia or acute closed-angle glaucoma.

It should also not be used in children under 18 years of age during pregnancy and lactation.

The most common side effects that can occur during treatment with alprazolam are depression, sedation, drowsiness, ataxia, memory problems, difficulty articulating words, dizziness, headache, constipation, dry mouth, fatigue and irritability.

Although more rare, in some cases, alprazolam can cause decreased appetite, confusion, disorientation, decreased or increased sex drive, anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, balance disorders, abnormal coordination, attention disorders, hypersomnia, lethargy, tremors, blurred vision, nausea. , dermatitis, sexual dysfunction and changes in body weight.

See some stress and anxiety tips in the video below:

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