alprazolam identification
(al PRAH zoe lam)
Xanax, Xanax XR
What is the most important information I should know about alprazolam?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardousactivities alprazolam identification. Alprazolam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness alprazolam identification. If youexperience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities alprazolam identification.
• Avoid alcohol while taking alprazolam alprazolam identification. Alcohol may increase drowsinessand dizziness caused by alprazolam alprazolam identification.
• Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release form alprazolam (XanaxXR) alprazolam identification. Swallow them whole alprazolam identification. These tablets are specially formulated to release themedication slowly in the body alprazolam identification.
• Alprazolam is habit forming alprazolam identification. You can become physically and psychologicallydependent on the medication alprazolam identification. Do not take more than the prescribed amount ofmedication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor alprazolam identification. Withdrawaleffects may occur if alprazolam is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuoususe alprazolam identification. Seizures may be a side effect of sudden discontinuation of the medication alprazolam identification. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose alprazolam identification.
What is alprazolam?
• Alprazolam is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines alprazolam identification. Alprazolamaffects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety alprazolam identification.
• Alprazolam is used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and tension associatedwith anxiety disorders alprazolam identification. Alprazolam is also used to treat panic disorders alprazolam identification.
• Alprazolam may also be used for purposes other than those listed in thismedication guide alprazolam identification.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking alprazolam?
• Do not take alprazolam if you have narrow-angle glaucoma alprazolam identification. Alprazolammay worsen this condition alprazolam identification.
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
· have kidney disease;
· have liver disease;
· have a history of alcohol or drug abuse;
· have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease;
· are depressed or have suicidal thoughts; or
· have mania, bipolar disorder, or another psychiatric condition (otherthan anxiety or panic disorder) alprazolam identification.
• You may not be able to take alprazolam, or you may require a dosage adjustmentor special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listedabove alprazolam identification.
• Alprazolam is in the FDA pregnancy category D alprazolam identification. This means that alprazolamis known to be harmful to an unborn baby alprazolam identification. Do not take this medication withoutfirst talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant duringtreatment alprazolam identification.
• It is not known whether alprazolam passes into breast milk alprazolam identification. Do not takealprazolam without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding ababy alprazolam identification.
• If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experienceside effects from alprazolam alprazolam identification. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of themedication alprazolam identification.
How should I take alprazolam?
• Take alprazolam exactly as directed by your doctor alprazolam identification. If you do not understandthese instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them toyou alprazolam identification.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water alprazolam identification.
• Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release form alprazolam (XanaxXR) alprazolam identification. Swallow them whole alprazolam identification. These tablets are specially formulated to release themedication slowly in the body alprazolam identification.
• Do not take more of the medication than is prescribed for you alprazolam identification.
• Alprazolam is habit forming alprazolam identification. You can become physically and psychologicallydependent on the medication alprazolam identification. Do not take more than the prescribed amount ofmedication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor alprazolam identification. Withdrawaleffects may occur if alprazolam is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuoususe alprazolam identification. Seizures may be a side effect of sudden discontinuation of the medication alprazolam identification. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose alprazolam identification.
• Store alprazolam at room temperature away from moisture and heat alprazolam identification.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember alprazolam identification. However, if it is almosttime for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularlyscheduled dose alprazolam identification. Do not take a double dose of this medication alprazolam identification. A double dosecould be dangerous alprazolam identification.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected alprazolam identification.
• Symptoms of an alprazolam overdose include sleepiness, dizziness, confusion,a slow heart beat, difficulty breathing, difficulty walking and talking, anappearance of being drunk, and unconsciousness alprazolam identification.
What should I avoid while taking alprazolam?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardousactivities alprazolam identification. Alprazolam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness alprazolam identification. If youexperience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities alprazolam identification.
• Avoid alcohol while taking alprazolam alprazolam identification. Alcohol may increase drowsinessand dizziness caused by alprazolam alprazolam identification.
• Alprazolam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness,including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treatinsomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and musclerelaxants alprazolam identification. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and donot take any other medicine without first talking to your doctor alprazolam identification.
What are the possible side effects of alprazolam?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop takingalprazolam and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
· sores in the mouth or throat;
· yellowing of the skin or eyes;
· a rash;
· hallucinations or severe confusion; or
· changes in vision alprazolam identification.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur alprazolam identification. Continueto take alprazolam and talk to your doctor if you experience
· drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness;
· depression;
· nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;
· difficulty urinating;
· vivid dreams;
· headache;
· dry mouth;
· decreased sex drive; or
· changes in behavior alprazolam identification.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur alprazolam identification. Talk to yourdoctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome alprazolam identification.
What other drugs will affect alprazolam?
• Do not take ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox) duringtreatment with alprazolam without first talking to your doctor alprazolam identification.
• Alprazolam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness,including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treatinsomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and musclerelaxants alprazolam identification. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and donot take any medicine without first talking to your doctor alprazolam identification.
• Antacids may decrease the effects of alprazolam alprazolam identification. Separate doses of anantacid and alprazolam by several hours whenever possible alprazolam identification.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with alprazolam alprazolam identification. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-countermedicines, including herbal products alprazolam identification.
Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has additional information about alprazolam written forhealth professionals that you may read alprazolam identification.
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