Do you guys know anything about this one medicine called Alprazolan?
1) What does Alprazolan do exactly? Like I know it is for anxiety but I don't get how it is supposed to help.
2) Does it affect your ability to drive in any way? I am a new driver (I'm only 16) and I was wondering if it will affect my driving- like I was gonna take it tommorrow but I am driving tommorrow too so will it hurt my driving?
3) Is it addictive in any way? I heard you can get hooked on it or it drugs you up, is that true?
She told me to take one and if it doesn't help with nervousness then bump it up. These are .25 mg tablets incase anyone needs to know that.
Thanks so much everyone for your help and I appreciate it! =)
Answer:
Different drugs have different affects on people. I can't take the Alprazolam but my husband takes three a day. I posted a web site below that has a lot of information on it about the drug.
It makes me sleepy and useless. I could not drive or anything else. Like I said my husband takes three a day and he works, drives everything.
EDIT: Here is a section on the drug from the page I mentioned. It is a lot of mumbo jumbo but here it is simply put from the sam page
Common side effects of alprazolam can include:
Somnolence (drowsiness)
Amnesia (minor memory impairment)
Euphoria
Less common side effects can include:
Fatigue
Headache
Dizziness
Physical Dependence and Withdrawal
There is now a general consensus among psychiatrists that alprazolam and other benzodiazepines can cause withdrawal symptoms after long-term treatment and should be done slowly over a period of months (or even up to a year) to avoid serious withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, panic attacks, rebound anxiety, muscle cramps and seizures. Some patients may benefit from a substitution with diazepam or clonazepam as these drugs remain in the bloodstream longer and therfore have less potential for abuse and dependence.
Patients taking a dosing regimen larger than 4 mg per day have an increased potential for dependence. This medication may cause withdrawal symptoms, which in some cases have been known to cause seizures. The discontinuation of this medication may also cause a reaction called rebound anxiety. Other withdrawal effects reported from discontinuing alprazolam therapy include homicidal ideation, rage reactions, hyperalertness, increased nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.[1]
When a patient discontinues use, they may experience the symptoms they had before taking medication. Symptoms may also be accompanied by other reactions including changes in mood, anxiety or sleep. Rebound anxiety is usually a result of abrupt discontinuation of this medication; patients who taper off are less likely to experience these symptoms.
Physical dependence is the major limiting factor against long term use of alprazolam and other benzodiazepines.
Rare side effects can include:
Sleep apnea, hypoventilation, blurred vision, difficulty in depth perception, slurred speech or dysarthria, changes in personality, disorientation, vivid dreams and/or nightmares, jaundice, tachycardia, bradycardia, changes in plasma cortisol and ACTH levels, blood dyscrasias, decreased or increased salivation, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, elevated hepatic (liver) enzymes, and incontinence.
DO NOT DRIVE after taking Alprazolam until you know how the drug affects you.
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine, which is a class of anti-anxiety drugs, like Valium. It's Valium's cousin.
Like the other poster mentioned, some people are barely touched by that drug, while others are knocked for a loop. The aim to is reduce your anxiety, without causing you to be drowsy, or spacey or forgetful (all are common side effects).
You can be arrested for driving while impaired if you have a problem and they find that you were taking that drug, so be super careful. By that, I mean - DO NOT DRIVE while taking this medication, until you are on a stable dose and know that it isn't making you drowsy.
YES it can be addictive, and is a drug of abuse. It is a controlled substance, so if you share it with a friend, you can go to jail. There is also something called dependency, which is different than addiction. It means your body needs the drug, and you will have withdrawal if you stop it suddenly. (Addiction implies that you take it for more than its therapeutic reasons). Benzodiazepines can cause seizures if you are dependent on them and stop suddenly.
If you take it according to your doctor's instructions, you should be fine.
I hope it helps you.
Xanax (alprazolam) is one of the more popular benzodiazepines used for treating anxiety. There are specific benzo receptors in the brain, but for your purposes you can think of it as the equivalent of a good stiff drink, with a slightly different side-effect profile. It is sedative, and you should indeed be very cautious about driving while taking the drug. During your trial period, you shouldn't drive after taking it. It is addictive, but you needn't worry about that with the fifteen pills you have. Over months, it could become an issue. The quarter-milligram dose is pretty small, so you should be OK compared to an abnormal level of anxiety. If your anxiety is within the range that one would expect from anybody under your circumstances, then drugs are not the answer, but I suppose you and your doctor have gotten past that already.
What is the most important information I should know about alprazolam?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Alprazolam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.
Avoid alcohol while taking alprazolam. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by alprazolam.
Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release form alprazolam (Xanax XR). Swallow them whole. These tablets are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.
Alprazolam is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if alprazolam is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Seizures may be a side effect of sudden discontinuation of the medication. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.
What is alprazolam?
Alprazolam is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Alprazolam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.
Alprazolam is used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and tension associated with anxiety disorders. Alprazolam is also used to treat panic disorders.
Alprazolam may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take alprazolam?
Do not take alprazolam if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Alprazolam may worsen this condition.
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 (other than anxiety or panic disorder).
You may not be able to take alprazolam, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Alprazolam is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that alprazolam is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether alprazolam passes into breast milk. Do not take alprazolam without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from alprazolam. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of the medication.
How should I take alprazolam?
Take alprazolam exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release form alprazolam (Xanax XR). Swallow them whole. These tablets are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.
Do not take more of the medication than is prescribed for you.
Alprazolam is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if alprazolam is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Seizures may be a side effect of sudden discontinuation of the medication. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.
Store alprazolam at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. A double dose could be dangerous.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of an alprazolam overdose include sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, a slow heart beat, difficulty breathing, difficulty walking and talking, an appearance of being drunk, and unconsciousness.
What should I avoid while taking alprazolam?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Alprazolam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.
Avoid alcohol while taking alprazolam. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by alprazolam.
Alprazolam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other medicine without first talking to your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of alprazolam?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking alprazolam 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.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to 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.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
The medicine and health information post by website user , ByeDR.com not guarantee correctness , is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
More Questions and Answers...