Uses of Aprolam 0.5: - Anxiety Oral Short-term management of anxiety Adult: 0.25-0.5 mg tid, increased to 3-4 mg daily if necessary. Elderly: Initially, 0.25 mg bid/tid. Panic attacks Adult Immediate-release 0.5 mg PO q8hr; may increase q3-4Days by ?1 mg/day Average dose: 5-6 mg/day PO May require up to 10 mg/day PO divided q8hr Extended-release 0.5-1 mg PO qDay; may increase q3-4Days by <1 mg/day Average dose: 3-6 mg PO qDay Anxiety Associated With Depression 1-4 mg/day PO divided q8hr Hepatic impairment: Avoid in severe impairment. <18 years old: Not recommended

Benzodiazepine sedatives

Alprazolam binds with high affinity to the GABA benzodiazepine receptor complex. Considerable evidence suggests that the central pharmacologic or therapeutic actions of alprazolam are mediated via interaction with this receptor complex.Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine, bind nonspecifically to benzodiazepine receptors BNZ1, which mediates sleep, and BNZ2, which affects muscle relaxation, anticonvulsant activity, motor coordination, and memory. As benzodiazepine receptors are thought to be coupled to gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptors, this enhances the effects of GABA by increasing GABA affinity for the GABA receptor. Binding of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA to the site opens the chloride channel, resulting in a hyperpolarized cell membrane that prevents further excitation of the cell.

How to use Alprazolam: Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Alprazolam may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time. Administration: Potentiates action of alcohol and CNS depressants. Reduced conc with cigarette smoking by 50%. Potentially Fatal: Cimetidine and fluoxetine reduce the clearance of alprazolam. Alprazolam enhances activity of imipramine and desipramine. Adult Dose: Dosage reduction or gradual withdrawal. Dependence. Geriatric or debilitated patients. Muscle weakness, impaired hepatic or renal function; arteriosclerosis; obesity; depression particularly suicidal tendency; chronic pulmonary insufficiency. May impair ability to drive or operate machinery. Children <18 yr. Lactation: Enters breast milk/not recommended Renal Dose: Alprazolam has anxiolytic, muscle-relaxant, anticonvulsant, antidepressant and sleep-modifying effects. It binds to the ? aminobutyric acid (GABA)-specific sites throughout the CNS, leading to an increase in the inhibitory effect of GABA on neuronal excitability. Increased neuronal permeability to chloride ions thus results in hyperpolarisation and stabilisation.

Acute narrow-angle glaucoma, preexisting CNS depression or coma, resp depression, acute pulmonary insufficiency or sleep apnoea; severe hepatic impairment; pregnancy, lactation.

<18 years old: Not recommended

Common - Lightheadedness - Drowsiness Renal impairment: Use caution; not studied

Safety in pregnancy has not been established, therefore its use is not recommended. Studies have suggested an increased risk of congenital malformations associated with the use of the benzodiazepines, such as chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, and also meprobamate, during the first trimester of pregnancy. Since alprazolam is a benzodiazepine derivative, its administration is rarely justified in women of childbearing potential.Studies in rats have indicated that Alprazolam and its metabolites are secreted into the milk. Therefore, nursing should not be undertaken while a patient is receiving the drug.

Precaution: Anxiety disorders, Panic disorders, Nausea due to chemotherapy

Manifestations of Alprazolam overdosage include somnolence, confusion, impaired coordination, diminished reflexes, and coma. In such cases of overdosage general supportive measures should be employed along with immediate gastric lavage.

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Benzodiazepine sedatives

Administration May be taken with or without food. Side effects eg sleepiness/drowsiness may be reduced if taken immediately after meals.

>10% (4 mg dose) Drowsiness (41%),Depression (10-15%),Headache (10-15%),Constipation (10-15%),Diarrhea (10-15%),Dry mouth (10-15%) >10% (10 mg dose) Drowsiness (77%),Impaired coordination (40-50%),Increased appetite (30-35%),Fatigue (30-35%),Memory impairment (30-35%),Irritability (30-35%),Decreased salivation (30-35%),Cognitive disorders (20-30%),Insomnia (20-30%),Dcreased appetite (20-30%),Headache (20-30%),Lightheadedness (20-30%),Dysarthria (20-30%),Diarrhea, constipation, and nausea/vomiting (20-30%),Weight change (20-30%),Nasal congestion (15-20%),Decreased or increased libido (10-15%),Menstrual disorder (10-15%),Difficult micturition (10-15%) 1-10% (4 mg dose) Tachycardia (5-10%),Confusion (5-10%),Insomnia (5-10%),Nausea/vomiting (5-10%),Blurred vision (5-10%),Nasal congestion (5-10%),Hypotension (1-5%),Syncope (1-5%),Akathisia (1-5%),Dizziness (1-5%),Increased salivation (1-5%),Nervousness (1-5%),Tremor (1-5%),Weight change (1-5%) 1-10% (10 mg dose) Increased salivation (5-10%),Talkativeness (1-5%),Incontinence (1-5%) Potentially Fatal: Blood dyscrasias.