Health Library

Alprazolam (By mouth)

Alprazolam (al-PRA-zoe-lam)

Treats anxiety and panic disorder.

Brand Name(s):

Xanax, Xanax XR

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet, Dissolving Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Disintegrating tablet: Dry your hands before you handle the tablet. Place the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve.
• Extended-release tablet: Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Protect the orally disintegrating tablets from moisture. Throw away any cotton that was in the bottle and reseal it tightly after each use.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine if you are also using ketoconazole or itraconazole.
• Some foods and medicines can affect how alprazolam works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Amiodarone, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, cimetidine, cyclosporine, desipramine, diltiazem, ergotamine, erythromycin, fluconazole, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, imipramine, isoniazid, nefazodone, nicardipine, nifedipine, paroxetine, phenytoin, propoxyphene, ritonavir, sertraline, theophylline
  • Birth control pills
  • Other benzodiazepine medicine
  • Seizure medicine
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Using this medicine during the later part of a pregnancy may cause problems in your newborn baby (including sedation or withdrawal symptoms). Tell your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. This medicine passes into your breast milk and may cause problems in your baby. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, glaucoma, lung problems, or a history of drug or alcohol abuse, depression, mental health problems, or seizures.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of overdose, which can be life-threatening
  • Respiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening), when used with narcotic pain medicines
  • Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Blue lips, fingernails, or skin, trouble breathing, slow heartbeat
• Change or loss of consciousness, confusion, dizziness, faintness, lightheadedness, problems with coordination, unusual drowsiness
• Changes in mood or behavior, depression, thoughts or attempts of hurting yourself
• Problems with memory, speech, or walking
• Seizures or tremors

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Change in appetite or weight
• Constipation, nausea

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024