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Niravam (Alprazolam) - Summary

 
 



NIRAVAM SUMMARY

NIRAVAM® (alprazolam orally disintegrating tablets) contains alprazolam which is a triazolo analog of the 1,4 benzodiazepine class of central nervous system-active compounds. NIRAVAM® is an orally administered formulation of alprazolam which rapidly disintegrates on the tongue and does not require water to aid dissolution or swallowing.

Anxiety Disorders

NIRAVAM® is indicated for the management of anxiety disorder (a condition corresponding most closely to the APA Diagnostic and Statistical Manual [DSM-III-R] diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder) or the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with an anxiolytic.

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by unrealistic or excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation) about two or more life circumstances, for a period of 6 months or longer, during which the person has been bothered more days than not by these concerns. At least 6 of the following 18 symptoms are often present in these patients: Motor Tension (trembling, twitching, or feeling shaky; muscle tension, aches, or soreness; restlessness; easy fatigability); Autonomic Hyperactivity (shortness of breath or smothering sensations; palpitations or accelerated heart rate; sweating, or cold clammy hands; dry mouth; dizziness or lightheadedness; nausea, diarrhea, or other abdominal distress; flushes or chills; frequent urination; trouble swallowing or 'lump in throat'); Vigilance and Scanning (feeling keyed up or on edge; exaggerated startle response; difficulty concentrating or 'mind going blank' because of anxiety; trouble falling or staying asleep; irritability). These symptoms must not be secondary to another psychiatric disorder or caused by some organic factor.

Anxiety associated with depression is responsive to alprazolam.

Panic Disorder

NIRAVAM® is also indicated for the treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia.

Studies supporting this claim were conducted in patients whose diagnoses corresponded closely to the DSM-III-R/IV criteria for panic disorder (see CLINICAL STUDIES).

Panic disorder (DSM-IV) is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks, ie, 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.

Demonstrations of the effectiveness of alprazolam by systematic clinical study are limited to
4 months duration for anxiety disorder and 4 to 10 weeks duration for panic disorder; however, patients with panic disorder have been treated on an open basis for up to 8 months without apparent loss of benefit. The physician should periodically reassess the usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.


See all Niravam indications & dosage >>

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Niravam (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 Niravam (Alprazolam)

A Relative Bioavailability Study of 2 mg Alprazolam OD Tablets Under Fasting Conditions [Completed]
This study compared the relative bioavailability (rate and extent ofbsorption) of Alprazolam Orally Disintegrating Tablets, 2. 0 mg by Purepac Pharmaceutical Co. with that of Niravam' 2 mg Orally Disintegrating Tablets manufactured for Schwarz Pharma, Inc. (by Cima Labs Inc.®)following a single, oral dose (I x 2 mg disintegrating tablet) in healthy adult volunteers administered under fasting conditions.

A Relative Bioavailability Study of 2 mg Alprazolam OD Tablets Under Non-Fasting Conditions [Completed]
This study compared the relative bioavailability (rate and extent ofbsorption) of Alprazolam Orally Disintegrating Tablets, 2. 0 mg by Purepac Pharmaceutical Co. with that of Niravam' 2 mg Orally Disintegrating Tablets manufactured for Schwarz Pharma, Inc. (by Cima Labs Inc.®)following a single, oral dose (I x 2 mg disintegrating tablet) in healthy adult volunteers administered under non-fasting conditions.

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.

An Bioequivalence Study Of Xanax Extended Release Tablets From Two Different Manufacturing Sites [Completed]
Study to evaluate if Xanax sustained release tablets manufactured at two different sites provide similar drug levels in the blood.

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.

more trials >>


Page last updated: 2013-02-10

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