GENERIC NAME

Alprazolam

BRAND NAME

Xanax

DOSAGE

0.25 to 0.5 mg

ROUTE

Po

MECHANISM OF ACTION

is unknown. Benzodiazepines bind to gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain and
enhance GABA-mediated synaptic inhibition; such actions may be responsible for the efficacy of
alprazolam in anxiety disorder and panic disorder.

INDICATION

are indicated for the management of anxiety disorder (a condition corresponding most closely to the
APA Diagnostic and Statistical Manual [DSM-IIIR] diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder) or the short-
term relief of symptoms of anxiety

CONTRAINDICATIONS

contraindicated in any patient with a known alprazolam or other benzodiazepine hypersensitivity or

known allergies to any component of the formulation.

SIDE EFFECTS

 Drowsiness.
 Tiredness.
 Dizziness.
 Sleep problems (insomnia)
 Memory problems.
 Poor balance or coordination.
 Slurred speech.
 Trouble concentrating.

ADVERSE EFFECTS

CNS: Transient, mild drowsiness initially; sedation, depression, lethargy, apathy, fatigue, light-
headedness, disorientation, anger, hostility, episodes of mania and hypomania, restlessness, confusion,
crying, delirium, headache, slurred speech, dysarthria, stupor, rigidity, tremor, dystonia, vertigo,
euphoria, nervousness, difficulty in concentration, vivid dreams, psychomotor retardation,
extrapyramidal symptoms; mild paradoxical excitatory reactions during first 2 wk of treatment
CV: Bradycardia, tachycardia, CV collapse, hypertension, hypotension, palpitations, edema

Dermatologic: Urticaria, pruritus, rash, dermatitis

EENT: Visual and auditory disturbances, diplopia, nystagmus, depressed hearing, nasal congestion

GI: Constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, salivation, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing,
gastric disorders, hepatic impairment

GU: Incontinence, changes in libido, urinary retention, menstrual irregularities

Hematologic: Elevations of blood enzymes—LDH, alkaline phosphatase, AST, ALT; blood dyscrasias—
agranulocytosis, leukopenia

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES

Avoid alcohol, sleep-inducing, or over-the-counter drugs.

You may experience these side effects: Drowsiness, dizziness (these effects will be less pronounced after
a few days, avoid driving a car or engaging in other dangerous activities if these occur); GI upset (take
drug with food); fatigue; depression; dreams; crying; nervousness.

Report severe dizziness, weakness, drowsiness that persists, rash or skin lesions, difficulty voiding,
palpitations, swelling in the extremities.