Health Centres - Xanax
How does it work?
Xanax tablets contain the active ingredient alprazolam, which is a type of medicine called a benzodiazepine. (NB. Alprazolam tablets are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Benzodiazepines are used for their sedative and anxiety-relieving effects.
Benzodiazepines work by acting on receptors in the brain called GABA receptors. This causes the release of a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) in the brain.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are stored in nerve cells in the brain and nervous system. They are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. GABA is a neurotransmitter that acts as a natural 'nerve-calming' agent. It helps keep the nerve activity in the brain in balance, and is involved in inducing sleepiness, reducing anxiety and relaxing muscles.
Alprazolam increases the activity of GABA in the brain and therefore increases its calming effect. This helps decrease anxiety and also causes drowsiness and relaxation of muscles.
Alprazolam is used for the treatment of severe anxiety, including anxiety associated with depression. It should only be used when the disorder is severe, disabling or subjecting the individual to extreme distress. It is only suitable for short-term use, as the medicine has a high potential for dependence and addiction.
Alprazolam remains active in the body for many hours and, as a result, any drowsiness it causes may last into the next day.
What is it used for?
- Short-term treatment of severe anxiety, including anxiety associated with depression
Warning!
- Benzodiazepines can sometimes cause unexpected reactions in certain people. If you experience any unusual feelings, thoughts or behaviour after starting treatment with this medicine, for example feeling restless, agitated, irritable or aggressive, or experiencing delusions, rages, nightmares or hallucinations, you should consult your doctor, as this medicine may not be suitable for you or the dose may be too high.
- The body rapidly becomes used to benzodiazepine drugs and they can be addictive. As a result, they are useful for short-term help (two to four weeks), but should not generally be used for longer periods.
- Treatment with this medicine should be stopped gradually by slowly reducing the dose, following the instructions given by your doctor. This is because suddenly stopping treatment can cause withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, muscle pain, restlessness, confusion, sweating, tremor, loss of appetite, difficutly sleeping, irritability, severe anxiety, sensitivity to light, noise or physical contact, hallucinations or convulsions.
Use with caution in
- Elderly people
- History of alcoholism or drug abuse
- Disease affecting the airways or lungs (respiratory disease)
- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased liver function
- People who are severely depressed or suicidal
- Personality disorders
Not to be used in
- Allergy to benzodiazepines
-
Abnormal muscle weakness
- Severe breathing difficulties
-
Syndrome involving short spells when breathing stops during sleep
- Severe liver disease
- Breastfeeding.
- This medicine is not recommended for children.
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
- This medicine should not be used during pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor, as it may be harmful to the developing baby. This is particularly important during the third trimester of pregnancy and during labour, because it can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms in the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor if you get pregnant or plan to get pregnant while taking this medicine.
- This medicine passes into breast milk. It should not be used by mothers who are breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
Label warnings
- This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.
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