Alprazolam
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Abuse:
Benzodiazepines are widely used for non-medical (i.e., recreational) purposes, and have occasionally been used as "date-rape" drugs
Myasthenia gravis
Sensitivity to benzodiazepines
Acute angle closure glaucoma
History of drug dependance or abuse (increased likelihood of dependence)
Severe:
jaundice (rare)
A ...
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 t ...
Alprazolam is a triazolobenzodiazepine, that is, a benzodiazepine with a triazolo-ring attached to its structure. Alprazolam binds to the GABAA subtype of the GABA receptor, increasing inhibitory effects of GABA within the central nervous system. The binding site for benzodiazepines is distinct from the binding site for GABA on the GABA receptor.
Unlike other benzodiazepines, alprazolam may also have some antidepressant activi ...
