Indications
This drug is indicated for Anxiety disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia
Therapeutic Class
Benzodiazepine sedatives
Pharmacology
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.
Dosage & Administration
Must be individualized and carefully titrated in order to avoid excessive sedation or mental and motor impairment.For Adults:Â Initially 0.25 mg given 2 or 3 times daily. If required, increases may be made in 0.25 mg increments according to the severity of symptoms and patient response.
Interaction
Alprazolam produces additive CNS depressant effects when co-administered with other psychotropic medications, anticonvulsants, antihistaminics, ethanol and other drugs which themselves produce CNS depression.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to alprazolam or other benzodiazepines. Alprazolam is also contraindicated in patients with myasthenia gravis, acute narrow angle glaucoma, during pregnancy and also in infants.
Side Effects
The most frequently reported are drowsiness, coordination difficulties with dizziness. Release of hostility and other paradoxical effects such as irritability, excitability and hallucinations are known to occur with the use of benzodiazepines.
Pregnancy & Lactation
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.
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