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Alprazolam

  • Important: alprazolam can cause people to feel drowsy, dizzy, light-headed, clumsy, unsteady or less alert than normal. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you are not fully alert.
  • Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. It is best not to drink alcohol whilst you are taking alprazolam.
  • Don't stop taking alprazolam suddenly. Your doctor will need to reduce your dose gradually before stopping.

About alprazolam

Type of medicine Benzodiazepine
Used for The relief of anxiety (worry) for short periods of time
Also called Xanax
Available as Tablets

Alprazolam works by affecting the part of the brain that controls emotion, promotes sleep and relaxes muscles.

Before taking alprazolam

Before taking alprazolam make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
  • If you suffer from liver, kidney or respiratory (breathing) problems including sleep apnoea (temporary stopping of breathing during sleep).
  • If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you have, or have ever had, an addiction to drugs or alcohol.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take alprazolam

  • Read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try not to miss any doses, but if you do miss a dose, don't worry just take the next dose when it is due. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of alprazolam contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Where possible take the container with you even if it is empty. Signs of overdose include persistent slurred speech, confusion, severe drowsiness and excessive weakness.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be checked.
  • Alprazolam is a drug that can cause dependence and therefore is used for short-term therapy only.

Can alprazolam cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you are not fully alert
Nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting (being sick) Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast
Blurred vision, dizziness, unsteadiness, feeling weak Getting up or moving slowly may help
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor

Other side-effects include: confusion, forgetfulness, seeing or hearing things that aren't real and aggressive behaviour. If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store alprazolam

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  • Do not keep any out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3411		 DocRef:
dils2480		 Last Updated:
20 Aug 2007		 Date of Next Review:
19 Aug 2009		 Version:
22








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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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