Alprazolam

This information from Lexicomp^® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

ALPRAZolam Intensol; ALPRAZolam XR; Xanax; Xanax XR

Brand Names: Canada

ALPRAZolam TS; APO-Alpraz; APO-Alpraz TS; PRO-Alprazolam; TEVA-Alprazolam; Xanax; Xanax TS

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat anxiety.
• It is used to treat panic attacks.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

• If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have glaucoma.
• If you are taking any of these drugs: Clarithromycin, itraconazole, or ketoconazole. There may be other drugs that must not be taken with this drug. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you if you are taking a drug that must not be taken with this drug.
• If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take this drug.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• If you have been taking this drug for a long time or at high doses, it may not work as well and you may need higher doses to get the same effect. This is known as tolerance. Call your doctor if this drug stops working well. Do not take more than ordered.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this drug affects you.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this drug.
• Talk with your doctor before you use marijuana, other forms of cannabis, or prescription or OTC drugs that may slow your actions.
• Have your blood work checked if you are on this drug for a long time. Talk with your doctor.
• If you drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit often, talk with your doctor.
• If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), talk with your doctor. Some products have phenylalanine.
• If you start or stop smoking, talk with your doctor. How much drug you take may need to be changed.
• If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.
• This drug may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.
• Taking this drug late in pregnancy may raise the chance of breathing or feeding problems, low body temperature, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Talk with the doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of depression, suicidal thoughts, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.
• Change in balance.
• Shortness of breath.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Feeling confused.
• Memory problems or loss.
• Trouble speaking.
• Trouble passing urine.
• Trouble controlling body movements.
• Muscle twitching.
• A fast heartbeat.
• Blurred eyesight.
• Period (menstrual) changes.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak.
• Dry mouth.
• Appetite changes.
• Constipation, diarrhea, throwing up, or upset stomach.
• Change in sex interest.
• Sex problems.
• Weight gain or loss.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Headache.
• Sweating a lot.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All products:

• Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

Liquid (solution):

• Use the dropper that comes with this drug to measure the drug.
• Mix the liquid with water, juice, soda, applesauce, or pudding before taking it.
• Swallow the mixture right away. Do not store for use at a later time.

Oral-disintegrating tablet:

• If the tablets come in a foil blister, do not push the tablet out of the foil when opening. Use dry hands to take it from the foil.
• Place on your tongue and let it dissolve. Water is not needed. Do not swallow it whole. Do not chew, break, or crush it.

Extended-release tablets:

• Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Some products are to be taken as needed. If you are taking this drug as needed, do not take more often than told by your doctor.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

All products:

• Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Store this drug in a safe place where children cannot see or reach it, and where other people cannot get to it. A locked box or area may help keep this drug safe. Keep all drugs away from pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Liquid (solution):

• Protect from light.
• Throw away any part not used 90 days after opening.

General drug facts

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• This drug comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time this drug is refilled. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2024-05-30

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