$Unique_ID{BRK01818}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{ALPRAZOLAM}
$Subject{Xanax (Upjohn)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Xanax 0.25*0181801.scf
Xanax 1*0181802.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


ALPRAZOLAM
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Xanax (Upjohn)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Benzodiazepine sedative/hypnotic
INGREDIENT:
     alprazolam
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg)
STORAGE:
     This medication should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
       light-resistant container.

USES

     Alprazolam is prescribed to treat symptoms of anxiety and anxiety
associated with depression.  It is not clear exactly how this medicine works,
but it may relieve anxiety by acting as a depressant of the central nervous
system.  This drug is currently used by many people to relieve nervousness.
It is effective for this purpose for short periods, but it is important to try
to remove the cause of the anxiety as well.

TREATMENT

     This medication should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor.  It
can be taken with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs.  Do
not take this medication with antacids, since they may retard its absorption
from the gastrointestinal tract.
     If you are taking this medication regularly and you miss a dose, take the
missed dose immediately if you remember within an hour of the scheduled dose.
If more than an hour has passed, skip the dose you missed and wait for the
next scheduled dose.  Do not double the dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Bitter taste in mouth, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness
(after a night's sleep), dry mouth, excessive salivation, fatigue, flushing,
headache, heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, sweating, or
vomiting.  As your body adjusts to the medication, these side effects should
disappear.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     Dry mouth can be relieved by chewing sugarless gum or by sucking on ice
chips.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blurred or double vision, chest pain, severe depression, difficulty in
urinating, fainting, falling, fever, hallucinations, joint pain, mouth sores,
nightmares, palpitations, rash, shortness of breath, slurred speech, sore
throat, uncoordinated movements, unusual excitement, unusual tiredness, or
yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Alprazolam interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. To prevent oversedation, this drug should not be taken with alcohol,
other sedative drugs, central nervous system depressants (such as
antihistamines, barbiturates, muscle relaxants, pain medications, narcotics,
medicines for seizures, and phenothiazine tranquilizers), or antidepressant
medications.
     2. This medication may decrease the effectiveness of carbamazepine,
levodopa, and oral anticoagulants (blood thinners) and may increase the side
effects of phenytoin.
     3. Disulfiram, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), isoniazid, and
cimetidine can increase the blood levels of alprazolam, which can lead to
toxic effects.
     4. Concurrent use of rifampin may decrease the effectiveness of
alprazolam.
     Before starting to take alprazolam, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to alprazolam or other benzodiazepine
tranquilizers (such as chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate, diazepam, flurazepam,
halazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, prazepam, temazepam, or triazolam).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had liver disease,
kidney disease, epilepsy, lung disease, myasthenia gravis, narrow-angle
glaucoma, porphyria, mental depression, or mental illness.
     * This medicine can cause drowsiness.  Avoid tasks that require mental
alertness, such as driving a car or using potentially dangerous equipment.
     * This medication has the potential for abuse and must be used with
caution.  Tolerance may develop quickly; do not increase the dosage of the
drug without first consulting your doctor.  It is also important not to stop
this drug suddenly if you have been taking it in large amounts or if you have
used it for several weeks.  Your doctor may want to reduce the dosage
gradually.
     * This is a safe drug when used properly.  When it is combined with other
sedative drugs or alcohol, however, serious side effects can develop.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  This medicine may
increase the chance of birth defects if it is taken during the first three
months of pregnancy.  In addition, too much use of this medicine during the
last six months of pregnancy may result in addiction of the fetus--leading to
withdrawal side effects in the newborn.  Also, use of this medicine during the
last weeks of pregnancy may cause drowsiness, slowed heartbeat, and breathing
difficulties in the infant.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding
an infant.  This medicine can pass into breast milk and cause excessive
drowsiness, slowed heartbeat, and breathing difficulties in nursing infants.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
