Alprazolam is an antianxiety agent, benzodiazepines. Used primarily for short-term relief of mild to moderate anxiety and nervous tension. Alprazolam is also effective in the treatment of activity depression or panic attacks. It can be useful in treating irritable bowel syndrome and anxiety due to a neurosis as well. Alprazolam may help the symptoms of PMS if extreme, some cancers pains if given with various narcotics, agoraphobia, essential tremor, and ringing ears.

CLASS:
Triazolo Benzodiazepines.

Generic name:
Alprazolam.

Type:
Antianxiety.


Strengths:

Oral Solution:
0.25mg , 0.5 mg
1 mg / 5 ml, 0.25mg  / 2.5 ml.

Tables:
0.25mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg.

Dosages: Actual dosage must be determined by a physician.

Normal dosage:

USE UP TO EIGHT MONTHS ONLY!

If under 18 years of age, DO NOT USE!
18 to 60 years of age, 0.25mg to 1.5mg daily.
Over 60 years of age, Lower dosage increased cautiously.

Dosage Depends on Disorder:

Oral ( For anxiety or nervous tension ):
Start : 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg 3 times daily.
Maximum : 4 mg in 24 hours.

Oral ( For panic disorder ):
Start : 0.5 mg 3 times daily.
Increases : 1 mg daily in 3 to 4 day intervals.
Maximum : 10 mg in 24 hours.

Problems with:

Liver Function:  If liver disease present, start dosage at 0.25mg, increase as needed.
Kidney Function:  N/A.

Test:

Before taking:  None if for short term use.
While taking:  None if for short term use.

Take With:  With or without food.

Full Benefits In:  First day to a week.

Missed Dose(s):  If within one hour take, if over an hour skip and then continue on your normal schedule.
Never Take a Double Dose!

If Stop Taking:  Do not stop without consulting your physician and never abruptly if have been taking for over three weeks.

Overdose symptoms include:  Confusion, loss of consciousness, or sleepiness.
Can be fatal.


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Warnings

Do not stop taking abruptly.

Do not give this drug to anyone who is psychotic.

Narcotics may increase the sedative effects of this drug. Do not take other sedative, benzodiazepines, or sleeping pills with this drug. The combinations could be fatal. Do not drink alcohol when taking benzodiazepines. Alcohol can lower blood pressure and decrease your breathing rate to the point of unconsciousness.

The habit-forming potential is high. It is possible to become dependent in the first few days. Do not stop taking this drug abruptly, this could cause psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms.

Do not use if:

Do not use this drug if you had negative reactions to other benzodiazepines.
Do not use this drug if you have a history of drug dependence.
Do not use this drug if you have had a stroke.
Do not use this drug if you have multiple sclerosis.
Do not use this drug if you have Alzheimer's disease.
Do not use this drug if you are seriously depressed or if you have other brain disorders.
Do not use this drug if you have myasthenia gravis or acute narrow-angle glaucoma.
Do not use this drug if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Do not use this drug if you are breast-feeding.  
Do not use this drug if under eighteen and only in small doses if over sixty with very close monitoring.
Inform Physician If:  If you have a seizure disorder, impaired liver / kidney function, history of alcoholism / drug abuse, psychosis, palpitations, or Tachycardia.


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Alprazolam ( Symptoms or Effects )

Common: Clumsiness / Sleepiness.

Rare: Abdominal cramps, blurred vision, dry mouth, racing heartbeat / palpitations, shaking / slurred speech,  urination problems, convulsions, hallucinations, memory loss, trouble breathing, staggering / trembling, headache,  confusion, sore breast / milk secretion, or irregular menstruation.

See physician always: Abdominal cramps, blurred vision, dry mouth, racing heartbeat / palpitations, shaking / slurred speech, urination problems, convulsions, hallucinations, memory loss, trouble breathing, staggering / trembling, headache, confusion, sore breast / milk secretion, or irregular menstruation.

See physician if severe: Clumsiness / Sleepiness.

See physician NOW: Convulsions, hallucinations, memory loss, trouble breathing, or staggering / trembling.

Hi,I just started taking Xanax.I cut 0.25mg in 1/2.Im feeling so spacy and like Im moving in slow motion.Iwouldnt dare drive feeling like this!Iv tried cutting them into 1/4. that does nothing for me.Do these symptoms go away after your body adjusts??                                                   ??????
                                                                       cat

Usually after you take a medication after awhile, your body adjusts to it, but definitely don't drive while feeling that way.  You may or may not every adjust to it.  Hard to say.  I never had a problem with Xanax, but Seroquel sat me on my butt EVERY time!
I guess it's a "wait and see" situation.
good luck with it!
(the other) Cat  

Thanks Cat,
Ya, Ill try again.If the symptoms dont go away Ill try to find something that works better for me for the anxiety.Funny..I took seroquel for about a year and had no problems.I hope people here dont confuse us 2 cats. :) Sorry ,I didnt mean to steal your name.
                                                              Take care,
                                                                  Cat#2

Welcome to our Forums, Cat!   :)

There are some special warnings about this medication..


Xanax may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended.

If you are being treated for panic disorder, you may need to take a higher dose of Xanax than for anxiety alone. High doses--more than 4 milligrams a day--of this medication taken for long intervals may cause emotional and physical dependence. It is important that your doctor supervise you carefully when you are using this medication.

Remember that withdrawal symptoms can occur when Xanax is stopped suddenly.

Hope this helped.

I am closing the medications info so you all can start your own threads with your own questions and concerns!