Alprazolam (Alprazolam)
Overview of Alprazolam
Alprazolam is a psychotherapeutic drug, used in anxiety and sleep disoredrs. Alprazolam is a 1,4-benzodiazepine. A substituent in the 7th position such as halogen or a nitro group is required for sedative hypnotic activity. Benzdiazepines are the most widely used anxiolytic drugs. The benzodiazepines are more effective and safer. They have largely replaced barbiturates and meprobamates in the treatment of anxiety.
Indication of Alprazolam
Alprazolam is primarily indicated in conditions like Anxiety, Panic disorders, Premenstural syndrome, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Depression.
Contraindication of Alprazolam
Alprazolam is contraindicated in conditions like Pulmonary insufficiency,Narrow-angle glaucoma,Hypersensitivity.
Side Effects of Alprazolam
Alprazolam produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Respiratory depression, Blood dyscrasias. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Alprazolam therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Alprazolam include Coma, Drowsiness, Confusion, Ataxia, Excitation, Sedation, CNS depression.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Alprazolam are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Headache, Drowsiness, Fatigue, Excitement, Ataxia, Anxiety, Insomnia, Confusion, Pain, VertigoX, Sedation, Hallucination, Depression, Somnolence, Muscle weakness, Thrombophlebitis, Changes in libido, GI disturbance, Tension, Trembling, Withdrwal seizures, Rage.
Precautions of Alprazolam
Perform periodic blood counts and liver function tests during long term therapy. Alprazolam should be used with caution in patients, if increased salivation cause respiratory difficulty, because it may produce an increase in salivation. Give least amount of drug to patients in whom depression accompanies anxiety and suicidal tendencies may be present. Use with caution (if it contains tartrazine) in patients with aspirin hypersensitivity because it may cause allergic reaction (including bronchial asthma).