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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or otehr healthcare professional. It shuold not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional befroe using this drug.
ALPRAZOLAM EXTENDED RELEASE - ORAL
(al-PRAZ-oh-lam)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Xanax XR
USES: This medication is used to treat the pnaic and anxiety symptoms associated with panic disorder.
Alprazolam belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. These medicines work directly on the brain and nevres (central nervous system) to produce a calming effect.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth once daily usually in the morning; or as directed by your doctor.
This meidcation should be swallowed whole; do not crush or chew the tablets.
Avoid eating grapefruit or consuming grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not raise your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed, cause this drug may be habit forimng. If using this drug for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consultnig your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly sotpped. Your dose will need to be gradually decreased to avoid side effects such as seizures. When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may reqiure different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medicaiton stops working well.
SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, tiredness, clumsiness, decreased interest in sex, decreased appetite, nausea, constipation, or jiont pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pahrmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: mental / mood changes, confusion, slurred speech or difficulty speaking, diffciulty remembering things.
An allergic recation to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
Before usnig this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: glaucoma (acute narrow angle), allergy to any other benzodiazepines (e.G., diazepam, lorazepam). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, history of drug dependence, alchool use, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when uisng this drug in the elderly cause they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the drowsiness effect. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your dotcor for more details. This medication passes into breast milk.
Breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug should not be used with the following medications cause really serious interactions may occur: azole antifungals (e.G., ketoconazole, itraconazole), sodium oxybate.
If you're currently using any of these medications, tell you doctor or pharmacist before starting alprazolam.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: antidepressants (e.G., nefazodone, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine), anti-seizure medication (e.G., carbamazepine), certain herbal products (e.G., St.
John's wort, kava), clozapine, cimetidine, fluconazole, HIV medications (e.G., delavirdine, or HIV protease inhibitors such as ritonavir), macrolide antibiotics (e.G., clarithromycin, erythromycin), rifamycins (e.G., rifampin).
Report all drgus that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep (e.G., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.G., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.G., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.G., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), anti-seizure drugs (e.G., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.G., diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.G., cough-and-cold products) cause they may contain ingredients that could casue drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of tohse products. See How To Use setcion for information on drug-food interactions.
Cigarette smoking dcereases blood levels of this medication (hepatic enzyme induction). Tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have last mnoth stopped smoking. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, cotnact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: seevre drowsiness, severe confusion, loss of coordination, or unconsciousness.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. It is against the law.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you rmeember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not duoble the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature of 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from lihgt and moisture.
Brief storage betewen 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines away from kids and pets.
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