Alprazolam: Encyclopedia II - Alprazolam - Indications

Alprazolam - Indications

The main medical indications are as follows:

1. Treatment of panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia). Alprazolam is very effective in preventing panic attacks. However, despite its efficacy, many psychiatrists are reluctant to use alprazolam for this condition because of the possibility of dependence and interdose anxiety due to its short-acting nature. An extended-release formulation of alprazolam known as Xanax XR® was introduced in 2001 and is often preferred.

2. As needed (PRN) therapy of panic attacks, 4 to 6 doses per month are the acceptable limit. If dependence seems to develop and/or the limit is exceeded therapy may be reconsidered and/or stopped.

3. Initial therapy together with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine, sertraline, or fluoxetine to alleviate initial SSRI-induced anxiety while waiting for the agent to begin working. Clinical experience has shown, however, that SSRIs may actual provoke panic attacks in otherwise healthy individuals and cause sexual dysfunction. In these cases, a tricyclic antidepressant may be used. Buspirone may also be useful in conjunction with alprazolam in cases of generalized anxiety disorder.

4. Long-term treatment of severe generalized anxiety disorders if other therapies either do not work or are contraindicated. Duration of therapy in this case is often four months or longer. The indication must be cautiously made by a specialized psychiatrist taking into account both the individual suffering, quality of life, loss in social performance and the risk of dependence.

5. The drug may be used by specialists to treat severe cases of Borderline Personality Disorder. Some studies have shown positive results.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Indications", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki