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Alprazolam (Alprazolam) - Summary

 
 



ALPRAZOLAM SUMMARY

Alprazolam extended-release tablets contain alprazolam USP, which is a triazolo analog of the 1,4 benzodiazepine class of central nervous system-active compounds.

Alprazolam extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia.

This claim is supported on the basis of two positive studies with alprazolam extended-release conducted in patients whose diagnoses corresponded closely to the DSM-III-R/IV criteria for panic disorder (see CLINICAL EFFICACY TRIALS ).

Panic disorder (DSM-IV) is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks, i.e., a discrete period of intense fear or discomfort in which four (or more) of the following symptoms develop abruptly and reach a peak within 10 minutes: (1) palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate; (2) sweating; (3) trembling or shaking; (4) sensations of shortness of breath or smothering; (5) feeling of choking; (6) chest pain or discomfort; (7) nausea or abdominal distress; (8) feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint; (9) derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself); (10) fear of losing control; (11) fear of dying; (12) paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations); (13) chills or hot flushes.

The longer-term efficacy of alprazolam extended-release has not been systematically evaluated. Thus, the physician who elects to use this drug for periods longer than 8 weeks should periodically reassess the usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.


See all Alprazolam indications & dosage >>

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Alprazolam

Comparison of alprazolam versus captopril in high blood pressure: a randomized controlled trial. [2011.08]
CONCLUSION: A significant association exists between the level of BP and anxiety in hypertensive ED patients. Alprazolam is as effective as captopril in lowering BP in ED patients with an initial SBP > 160 mmHg.

Efficacy of alprazolam sublingual tablets in the treatment of the acute phase of panic disorders. [2011.03]
CONCLUSIONS: Alprazolam has been demonstrated to have efficacy, safety and good tolerability in the treatment of the acute phase of panic disorder, the sublingual tablets showing some comparative advantages.

The efficacy and safety of alprazolam versus other benzodiazepines in the treatment of panic disorder. [2011]
We performed a meta-analysis of all single- or double-blind, randomized controlled trials comparing alprazolam to another benzodiazepine in the treatment of adult patients meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third or Fourth Edition, criteria for panic disorder or agoraphobia with panic attacks...

The effects of alprazolam on tinnitus: a cross-over randomized clinical trial. [2009.11]
CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that although alprazolam did not improve the THI score or sensation level of loudness significantly, it has a desirable effect on VAS. Further work is needed to determine the beneficial effects of alprazolam in distressed or depressed patients.

Does oral alprazolam affect ventilation? A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. [2009.05]
The respiratory effects of benzodiazepines have been controversial...

more studies >>

Clinical Trials Related to Alprazolam

Pharmacokinetics Of Alprazolam Sublingual Tablet Versus Conventional Tablet [Completed]
To assess if the sublingual tablet will have similar pharmacokinetics as the conventional tablet of alprazolam.

Bioequivalence of a New Sublingual and a Reference Alprazolam Immediate Release Tablet Formulation [Withdrawn]
This study tests the assumption that the bioavailability of alprazolam from a new sublingual formulation is the same as that from an existing commercial immediate release tablet formulation.

Bioequivalence of Alprazolam Sublingual vs Oral Tablets [Completed]
This study tests the assumption that the bioavailability of alprazolam from a new sublingual formulation is the same as that from a standard orally administered tablet.

A Study Of Two Oral Preparations Of 2 Mg Alprazolam In Healthy Volunteers Under Fasting Conditions [Withdrawn]
The purpose of this study is to compare bioavailability between formulations of alprazolam in tablets to determine their bioequivalence in terms of rate and magnitude of absorption.

Staccato® Alprazolam and EEG Photoparoxysmal Response [Recruiting]
The purpose of this study is to determine whether people who usually have photosensitive epilepsy will show a reduction in epileptic activity when they take a single dose of Staccato Alprazolam as compared to placebo. People with photosensitive epilepsy have changes on their electroencephalogram (EEG) when shown flashing lights. Three dose levels of Staccato Alprazolam will be compared to placebo. This study will also assess the level of sedation of Staccato Alprazolam compared to placebo.

more trials >>

Reports of Suspected Alprazolam Side Effects

Completed Suicide (524)Cardiac Arrest (384)Respiratory Arrest (382)Toxicity TO Various Agents (341)Drug Abuse (239)Cardio-Respiratory Arrest (229)Death (209)Poisoning (154)Drug Ineffective (113)Intentional Drug Misuse (99)more >>


PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTS

Based on a total of 13 ratings/reviews, Alprazolam has an overall score of 8.77. The effectiveness score is 8.92 and the side effect score is 8.46. The scores are on ten point scale: 10 - best, 1 - worst. Below are selected reviews: the highest, the median and the lowest rated.
 

Alprazolam review by 49 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Highly Effective
Side effects:   No Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   anxiety
Dosage & duration:   .5mg once a day taken up to once a day for the period of over two years
Other conditions:   None
Other drugs taken:   None
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   In low doses, this drug does exactly what it says it does - reduces symptons of anxiety. It is especially helpful for very anxiety-producing situations such as speaking in front of groups, flying, and going into crowded places. The drug produces a feeling of being more relaxed, and in extremely high anxiety situations (flying), if I take the full dose of .5 mg, it will sleep and wake up with no residual effects.
Side effects:   Drowsiness, if I take the high end of the prescribed dose, but in this case, that's the desired effect.
Comments:   I can take up to .5 mg / day as needed. I usually take .25 mg to .5 mg / day.

 

Alprazolam review by 55 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Considerably Effective
Side effects:   Mild Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   anxiety
Dosage & duration:   .5 mg taken 3x daily for the period of 6 months
Other conditions:   depression
Other drugs taken:   none
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   I found that episodes of anxiety were less frequent and less severe. I was not as edgy or easily startled.
Side effects:   During the day, there were times I was drowsy and did not feel it was safe to take the medication, as I had to be alert for driving or for concentrating at work.
Comments:   Doctor monitored, and when there was improvement sustained over time, I "weaned" off the drug and have a prescription where I can take small doses "as needed."

 

Alprazolam review by 25 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Considerably Effective
Side effects:   Mild Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   Panic attacks
Dosage & duration:   1mg taken 3 times a day for the period of nearly 2 years
Other conditions:   none
Other drugs taken:   none
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   It was very good in controlling the panic attacks. Before taking it I was even unable to drive my car down the road without having a panic attack. I worked liked magic from the very first dose. I could resume to being close to feeling like a normal person again. It worked well for panic attack prevention.
Side effects:   There were no real side effects other than a dry mouth. I still suffered from some anxiety symtoms such as feeling a bit nervous restless, sometimes had trouble sleeping. If I drank alcohol at the same time in small amounts, I felt even better and seemed to have no bad feeling at all but that was short lived, and as I found out later on also dangerous. And Just don"t ever stop taking it suddenly. Thats also very dangerous.
Comments:   The treatment was to take three 1 mg tablet a day, with food. The trouble was that I became very reliant on the medication and felt I needed to keep taking it. Then one day I decided to quit and I just stopped taking it. I don"t know why I did not slowly wean myself off over a couple of weeks. Over the course of the next three days I never got out of the house I was sick, shaking uncontrollably, having hallucinations both audial and visual I thought I was going to die. I felt like hell. A friend found me and took me to the doctor. It was the worst feeling I have ever felt in my life it was the withdrawal symptoms from the drug. All I needed to do was take more, but I felt to afraid. To this day I cant tell you why I just could"nt think straight.

See all Alprazolam reviews / ratings >>

Page last updated: 2013-02-10

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