Alprazolam

Alprazolam has also been used on occasion to treat nausea due to chemotherapy, in combination with a variety of other medicines. In these instances, it has consistently been shown to reduce the frequency of vomiting, and the severity of the nausea experienced.

This treatment works by boosting the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid, otherwise known as GABA, in the brain. This creates a calming effect, and significantly reduces unnecessary feelings of stress and worry.

What is Alprazolam?

This treatment was created at the Upjohn Company in the United States, before being patented in 1971. It gained approval for sale in America in 1981, and has since been made available in a large number of countries worldwide. This medication is better known by its original brand-name Xanax. It is most commonly sold in the form of alprazolam 1mg, or alprazolam 2mg tablets.

The dosage that a person requires will vary greatly among individuals, depending on the condition that they are using it to treat, their age, weight, medical history and a variety of other factors. Alprazolam is classified as a benzodiazepine, which are a group of medications that slow down brain activity, to produce a calming effect. This particular treatment has become one of the most popular benzodiazepines, due to its powerful effects, and reliability in treating anxiousness disorders.

How Alprazolam Works

This medication can be specifically described as a triazolobenzodiazepine, which is a benzodiazepine that has a triazole ring connected to its structure. As previously mentioned, this medicine works by binding to GABA in the brain, and enhancing its effects. This then slows down synaptic transmission, putting the brain in a far more relaxed and calm state.

This effect has been repeatedly proven in clinical studies of alprazolam. In 1993, a total of 84 studies regarding this medication were analysed in great detail. Researchers found that this medicine consistently proved to be more effective than placebos, and equally or more effective than any other benzodiazepines or comparable antidepressants, for the treatment of anxiety disorders.

This same analysis of alprazolam, also found that the onset of its anxiolytic effects was significantly faster than most other treatments of this type, particularly when looking at alprazolam 2mg.

Benzodiazepines

Treatments that fall under this category are a class of central nervous system depressants that are used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, seizures, muscle spasms and insomnia. Alprazolam is one of the most effective and popular benzodiazepines that is available today, and it is specifically used for anxiousness and panic disorders.

The very first benzodiazepine, chlordiazepoxide, was created in 1955 by Leo Sternbach at Hoffmann-La Roche. He was initially disappointed with the pharmacological effects of this compound, and instead focused on other projects. However, when it was tested on animals, it showed strong sedative, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant properties.

This initial breakthrough was followed by the development of a wide range of other benzodiazepines over the next few decades, including alprazolam. They have since become known as the most effective medicines available for the treatment of anxiousness disorders.

Clinical Uses

Anxiety Disorders

The primary use of this medicine, is in the treatment of anxiousness disorders. It works extremely quickly, and can provide patients with an almost immediate sense of relaxation and calm. These conditions can severely interfere with a person's daily life in a wide range of ways. This is why alprazolam is so important for these people, and can even be life-changing in some cases.

Panic Disorders

These disorders involve a person suffering from unexpected and often sudden moments of extreme fear or panic. These panic attacks can be terrifying, and can greatly hinder a person's daily routine. Alprazolam will typically stop these attacks from happening altogether. In cases where they still occur, they will typically be far less severe than they were before using this treatment.

Chemotherapy-induced Nausea

While people are undergoing chemotherapy as a treatment for cancer, they will often suffer from a variety of symptoms and side effects as a result of the radiation that is involved. One of the most common and difficult to deal with of these side effects, is nausea. Alprazolam 1mg can help massively in these situations, when it is administered alongside a variety of other nausea-management drugs.

Alcohol Withdrawal

Alprazolam has also been used on occasion to treat the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. It is important to note that in these cases, this medication does not treat the addiction to alcohol itself, but instead it can alleviate some of the suffering associated with not drinking.

Benzodiazepine Comparison Chart

Although all benzodiazepines are in the same class of drugs, there is still distinct differences between them. For example, alprazolam will become active in a person's system faster than most other benzodiazepines, and will also typically pass through a person's system quicker than the alternative options.

Another key difference to be aware of is that alprazolam has a record of being habit-forming for certain individuals. This highlights the importance of speaking to a doctor before getting any of these medicines. If a person has a history of substance abuse, their doctor is likely to suggest a different benzodiazepine for their treatment.

Dosage and Administration

This treatment is sold in alprazolam 1mg and alprazolam 2mg tablets, however many people will break these pills up into smaller dosages, and take these lesser amounts throughout the day. It is crucial that anybody using alprazolam, follows their doctor's advice strictly, as misuse of this treatment will increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects, and the risk of developing an addiction.

These tablets should be swallowed whole, and accompanied by a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food, although eating a heavy meal with alprazolam, can potentially slow down the rate of absorption within the body.

Doctors will often suggest three small dosages of this medicine throughout the day when treating generalised anxiety disorder, or any other anxiousness condition. This allows a person to maintain a consistent level of medication across the entire day.

Safety and Potential Side Effects

Side effects are quite rare with this medicine, as long the safe and correct usage guidelines are followed. However, it is still important for people to be aware of them before acquiring this medication. Some examples of mild side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, or a slight decrease in general cognitive function. These will often be temporary as a person's body adjusts to alprazolam.

In rare instances, some people have reported quite extreme side effects such as problems with their memory, low blood pressure, and even difficulties with co-ordination or balance. If these symptoms are interfering with a person's daily life, then they should seek advice from their doctor before they cease taking alprazolam, as suddenly stopping can lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Risks, Dependence and Precautions

Certain individuals will take a bit of time for their body to adjust to this medication. While they are beginning their dosage of alprazolam, they must refrain from operating heavy machinery, driving or any other activity that has the potential to become dangerous.

It is important for people that want to use this medicine, to tell their doctor about any other medicines or herbal treatments that they are using. This is because alprazolam has been known to interact unusually with antifungal medicines, painkillers and antidepressants. In these cases, a doctor may start somebody out on a lesser dosage to understand how they tolerate it, before moving them up to a greater concentration, such as alprazolam 2mg.

As dependence is very possible with this medicine, it is important for patients to stick to their doctor's guidance regarding dosage. If they gradually find themselves craving more than their alprazolam 1mg per day, they should discuss the dosage with their doctor.

Price of Alprazolam

The price of this medicine will vary greatly depending on the strength, the quantity a person is getting, and where exactly patients opt to get it from. Internet pharmacies are normally considerably cheaper than traditional chemists due to their overall business model. Below are some typical prices that can be expected when getting alprazolam through these digital dispensaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What drug is alprazolam?

This is a medication that is used to treat a variety of different anxiety disorders and panic disorder. It is classified as a benzodiazepine and it works by suppressing certain signals in the brain that are responsible for excitement and unnecessary feeling of stress or nervousness.

What are the normal alprazolam side effects?

Although side effects are not particularly common when alprazolam is used as advised by a doctor, it is still important for people to be aware of them before they get this medication. The most commonly reported adverse symptoms include drowsiness, sedation and a generally poorer level of cognitive function.

What's the difference between alprazolam and Xanax?

These two medicines are chemically identical. Alprazolam is simply the active ingredient in the more well-known brand-name medication. It is now legal for this ingredient to be sold in a generic medicine, so that customers can get the exact same product for a fraction of the original price.

Is dependence possible?

Yes, alprazolam can become addictive for certain in people in particular circumstances. This is far more likely if a person is using alprazolam 2mg to treat their anxiousness or panic disorder, as this stronger dosage will allow a person to develop a tolerance much more quickly.

Are withdrawal symptoms possible and how can I manage them?

Yes, withdrawal symptoms from this medicine are entirely possible. This is why it is so important to get reliable advice from a doctor on whether a starting dosage of alprazolam 1mg will be sufficient, or if more is required. A doctor can also advise on how to slowly reduce this dosage, to limit the risk of withdrawal symptoms when a person's course of treatment is finished.