Xanax (Alprazolam)
Xanax, otherwise known as Alprazolam, is an anxiolytic drug (tranquilizer) hat belongs to the class of benzodiazepines of the average duration of action; the medicine also has a sedative-hypnotic effect. Alprazolam strengthens the inhibitory effect of endogenous GABA (a neurotransmitter of pre- and postsynaptic inhibition in the CNS). Stimulates benzodiazepine receptors located in the allosteric center of postsynaptic GABA receptors, the ascending activating reticular formation of brain stem neurons and the lateral horns of the spinal cord, reduces the excitability of the subcortical brain structures (the limbic system, thalamus, hypothalamus), inhibits the polysynaptic spinal reflexes. Anxiolytic effect is manifested in the reduction of emotional tension, easing anxiety, fear, restlessness. Sedative-hypnotic effect is manifested in decrease in symptoms of neurotic origin (anxiety, fear). Pronounced anxiolytic activity of Xanax is combined with a mild soporific effect, decreases the number of hours needed for sleep thanks to the improving the quality of sleeping, reducing the number of nighttime awakenings. The mechanism of hypnotic action lies in inhibition of cell reticular formation of the brain. Alprazolam reduces the impact of emotional, autonomic and motor stimuli that interfere with the mechanism of sleep.
Alpozalam is administered for the patients that suffer from anxiety and neuroses, stress, restlessness, irritability, impairment of sleep, somatic disorders, as well as anxiety associated with depression (as part of adjuvant therapy), panic disorder (treatment), tremor (senile, essential), insomnia.
Xanax is not meant for the use in patients displaying the symptoms of the following diseases: hypersensitivity, coma, shock, myasthenia gravis, angle-closure glaucoma (acute attack or predisposition), acute alcohol poisoning (with the weakening of the vital functions), narcotic analgesics, hypnotics and psychoactive drugs; severe COPD (progression of the degree of respiratory failure), acute respiratory failure, severe depression (suicidal tendencies may occur), pregnancy (especially the I trimester), lactation, age below 18 (safety and efficacy are not defined). Alprozalam must be taken with caution by patients with hepatic failure, chronic renal failure, cerebral and spinal ataxia, drug abuse history, the tendency to abuse drugs, hyperkinesis, organic brain disease, psychosis (possible paradoxical reactions), hypoproteinemia, sleep apnea (or suspected), old age.
Some of the drug effects of Xanax (Alprozalam) include dormancy, tiredness, gaudiness, difficulty concentrating, ataxia, disorientation, unsteady gait, slowing of mental and motor responses, sometimes – migraines, excitement, depression, tremors, memory imairment, impaired coordination of movements, impaired mood, confusion, extrapyramidal dystonic reactions (involuntary movements, twitching), weakness, myasthenia gravis, difficult or unclear articulation of speech that is otherwise linguistically normal, very seldom – a paradoxical reaction (aggressive flare, confusion, psychomotor agitation, fear, suicidal tendencies, muscle spasms, hallucinations, agitation, irritability, anxiety, insomnia).
Alprazolam needs to be taken by mouth, 2 or 3 times a day as prescribed by the doctor. Xanax can be taken with or without food. Dose is adjusted depending on the severity of syndrome, an individual patient's sensitivity and its response to the drug. Start with minimal doses (0.25-0.5 mg / day) with a consequent increase in the first evening and then during the next afternoon. Xanax is prescribed to be taken by 0.25mg doses 2-3 times a day in elderly and debilitated patients. Further dose increase (up to 0.5-0.75 mg / d) is carried out with caution, provided that tolerability is good. For the patients with anxiety states the initial daily dose constitutes 0.75-1.5mg, and may be eventually increased to 3-4.5mg / day. In panic disorder patients this dose is 0.5mg 3 times daily, with the daily dose that can reach 3-6mg, with the highest daily dose - 10mg. Duration Alprazolam therapy can last from a few days (for the acute state of fear) to 3 months. Due to the possibility of drug abuse a longer continuous use of the drug is not recommended. If necessary, discontinuation of therapy is decreased gradually to 0.5mg dose every 3 days (the abrupt withdrawal can exacerbate anxiety and fear).