Alprazolam

Introduction

Alprazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine. It is used in the short-term treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD improvement occurs generally within a week. Alprazolam is generally taken by mouth.

Pronunciation

Alprazolam 0.25mg (XANAX)

Generic Name 藥名	HA Code 藥物代碼	Classification藥物分類
Alprazolam Tablet 0.25 mg	ALPR01	DDA
Alprazolam Tablet 0.5 mg	ALPR02	DDA

Mechanism of Action

• Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine.
• Gama-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, acting on the GABA receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), thus inhibiting the nerve impulses.
• Alprazolam acts on the benzodiazepine receptors in the brain and the spinal cord. Benzodiazepine receptors in the CNS are linked with GABA receptors as a complex.
• Alprazolam by binding to the benzodiazepine receptors results in activation of the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex, resulting in inhibition of nerve impulses, overall depression of brain and spinal cord.
• Thus alprazolam use helps to promote muscle relaxation, reduce anxiety, control of convulsions and promote sleep.

Dosage

Short-term use in anxiety	By mouth ADULT: 250 – 500 micrograms 3 times a day, increased if necessary, every 3 to 4 days, up to 3 mg daily. ELDERLY: 250 micrograms 2 – 3 times a day DEBILITATED PATIENTS: 250 micrograms 2 – 3 times a day

Side Effects

Sedative drugs, including alprazolam, have been associated with an increased risk of death.

Possible side effects include:

Very common (>10% of incidence) or Common (1-10% of incidence)	Amnesia失憶and concentration problems Ataxia (especially in the elderly) Confusion (especially in the elderly) Dependence Drowsiness the next day Muscle weakness Paradoxical increase in aggression
Infrequent (0.1 -1% of incidence)	Dizziness Dysarthria Gastro-intestinal disturbances Gynecomastia headache Hypotension Incontinence Urinary retention, constipation Slurred speech Tremor Vertigo Visual disturbances
Rare (<0.1% of incidence)	Apnoea窒息 Blood disorder Jaundice Respiratory depression hypersensitivity reactions