Name of Drug Generic Alprazolam Brand Xanax Dosage and Frequency: 0.25 0.

5 mg 2 3 times daily Route Oral Classification Antianxiety

Mechanism of Action Acts at many levels in the CNS to produce anxiolytic effect May produce CNS depression Effects may be mediated by GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter Therapeutic Effects: Relief of anxiety

Indications Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Panic Disorder Management of anxiety associated with depression Contrainidcations Hypersensitivity Cross-sensitivity with other benzodiazepines may exist Pre-existing CNS depression Severe uncontrolled pain Angle-closure glaucoma, obstructive sleep apnea, pulmonary disease Pregnancy and lactation Concurrent itraconazole or ketoconazole

Adverse Effects CNS: dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy, confusion, hangover, headache, mental depression, paradoxical excitation. EENT: blurred vision. GI: constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weight gain. Derm: rashes. Misc: physical dependence, psychological dependence, tolerance.

Nursing Responsibilities Before Assess degree and manifestations of anxiety and mental status Do not confuse Xanax (alprazolam) with Zantac (ranitidine). Instruct patient to take medication exactly as directed; do not skip or double up on missed doses. 4. Assess CNS effects and risk of falls. Institute falls prevention strategies. 5. Advise patient to avoid the use of alcohol or other CNS depressants concurrently with alprazolam
1. 2. 3.

During 1. Administer greatest dose at bedtime to avoid daytime sedation. 2. Tablets may be crushed and taken with food or fluids if patient has difficulty swallowing 3. Taper by 0.5 mg q 3 days to prevent withdrawal. 4. If early morning anxiety or anxiety between doses occurs, the same total daily dose should be divided into more frequent intervals. 5. May be administered with food if GI upset occurs. After 1. Assess patient for drowsiness, light-headedness, and dizziness. 2. Advise patient to avoid drinking grapefruit juice. 3. Advise patient to avoid the use of alcohol or other CNS depressants . 4. If medication is less effective after a few weeks, check with health care professional; do not increase dose. 5. Monitor CBC and liver and renal function

Source: http://davisplus.fadavis.com/ pedersonpocket_psych/Psychotropic_D rugs/alprazolam.cfm?title=alp razolam%20(Xanax)