Alprazolam: uses and side effects that you should know

The A lprazolam is the most prescribed active ingredient to treat anxiety states, panic attacks or intense stress. Its commercial name, Trankimazin, may sound much more familiar to us; However, we are dealing with a highly effective psychotropic drug, but whose use and administration must be carefully scheduled to avoid tolerance and dependencies.

We have all heard of Trankimazin. However, sometimes we miss those small aspects that should be kept in mind. First of all, it should be said that we are facing a type of intermediate-acting benzodiazepine. This means that its effect is relatively fast, something very useful when we suffer, for example, an anxiety or panic attack at a given moment.

In second place, Another detail that makes alprazolam interesting, as well as useful, is its antidepressant and relaxing qualities. Now, this drug is an anxiolytic, that is, it cannot be prescribed exclusively to treat depressive disorders, but it can be prescribed for panic attacks, neuroses and that type of anxiety that presents features of depression.

We are undoubtedly facing a useful and effective pharmacological option but with the inevitable side effects that need to be known.

What exactly is alprazolam?

Alprazolam is the active ingredient of these drugs marketed under the name Trankimazim or Xanax. Generally, each tablet contains 0.5 mg of this element. The rest of the components that make up each tablet are lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, corn starch, sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate (85%) with sodium benzoate (15%), colloidal silica dioxide, magnesium stearate, etc.

Likewise, it should be noted that alprazolam was first synthesized by Upjohn Laboratories (now part of Pfizer) in the 1960s and as an alternative to barbiturates, tremendously addictive and with serious side effects. However, it was not until 1981 when it began to be sold as the first drug approved to treat panic attacks.

The success was immediate, so much so that today, as explained by a study carried out at the University of Virigina and published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, Alprazolam is the most prescribed benzodiazepine in the world (and also one of the most addictive).

In what cases is alprazolam usually prescribed?

Natalia has been taking alprazolam for six years. She does not do it continuously, but on rare occasions, when anxiety blocks her so that she cannot react or think, when she suffers a panic attack or feels that stress prevents her from working or even taking responsibility for her children.

It all started with the death of his father, an unexpected and traumatic event that he has not yet been able to overcome. His family doctor, in view of his condition, prescribes Trankimazim with one condition: You can only consume it in critical states, never continuously. This is any example of the many cases in which alprazolam is useful and fulfills its function. Let’s see, however, all its uses:

Treatment for anxiety disorders.Panic attacks.Psychosocial stress or adjustment disorders.Anxious-depressive disorder.Social phobia.Premenstrual syndrome

Mechanism of action of alprazolam

Alprazolam is easily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It has a rapid onset of action and a bioavailability of 80% to 90%. The drug is metabolized in the liver and eliminated through urine. In addition, It is common for doctors to prescribe their patients doses ranging from 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg about three times a day.

On the other hand, it is important to remember that the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines is almost always the same: they act on GABA receptors. However, The peculiarity of alprazolam is its structure, which is very similar to that of tricyclic antidepressants. All of this generates a sedative, hypnotic and anticonvulsant effect and properties, as well as a more than notable potential to reduce anxiety. This is a benzodiazepine with high potency and rapid elimination.

What side effects does it have?

Alprazolam, like every drug, and especially like every psychotropic drug, has some associated side effects. Treatment with this anxiolytic should be as short as possible, being ideal and It is advisable to never exceed 12 weeks (including in this time, yes, the time of withdrawal of the medication itself).

It will always be our family doctor or our psychiatrist who will assess the situation.considering whether we should include other drugs in our treatment, reduce the dose or start the progressive phase of withdrawal of alprazolam now (remember that a sudden withdrawal is very counterproductive).

Let’s see below the side effects associated with this psychotropic drug.

Most common side effects

Drowsiness.Headache.Constipation.Diarrhea.Dry mouth.Increase or decrease in appetite.Fatigue.Irritability.Increased salivation.Constipation.Impaired memory.Insomnia.Lightheadedness, difficulty focusing attention.Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.Notable changes in sexual desire.Menstrual irregularities.Urinary retention.

Adverse effects

Some side effects of Alprazolan can be serious. If any of the symptoms mentioned below occur, It is important that you call your doctor immediately for emergency medical treatment..

Seizures.Confusion.Difficulty breathing.Intense hives on the skin.Problems with language.Problems with coordination or balance.Jaundice in the skin or eyes.

The effect of chronic alprazolam consumption

One fact that we must consider is that alprazolam is, in many cases, a drug that many patients end up taking excessively regularly. So, The effect of chronic consumption of this type of benzodiazepine has serious consequences.

In fact, the University of Dhaka, in Bangladesh, carried out an exhaustive study to find out the secondary alterations in these cases, and the results of which were published in the journal Behavioral Neurology. They are the following.

Low cognitive performance: attention and memory problems.Psychomotor problems: slower movements. Serious problems driving or operating certain types of machinery.

On the other hand, If the patient ends up developing physical and psychological dependence, the following effects will be experienced:

Headaches. Muscle pains. Marked anxiety, confusion and irritability. Tingling and cramps in the extremities.Sensitivity to light and sounds.Hallucinations or seizures in the most severe cases.

How to stop taking alprazolam?

When stopping the use of benzodiazepines, the person should follow their doctor’s instructions. These medications should not be stopped suddenly, as it can make the patient sick. In this way, the suspension should be done progressively, gradually reducing the dose.

When the dose is reduced, a person may experience some withdrawal symptoms, which involves an uncomfortable physical or mental change.. It happens when the body stops receiving a medication to which it has become accustomed. If this happens, follow your doctor’s plan to help your body adapt more easily.

When the patient starts taking less of the medication, they may notice some changes. They can start immediately or after a few days. You may feel anxious or depressed, have an upset stomach, or have trouble sleeping. These changes are common. They may last a few weeks or longer, but they will ease. If you are having trouble coping, your doctor can help.

Medical monitoring is a key part of treatment and safety. Likewise, to better cope with the suspension of alprazolam we recommend:

Avoid alcohol consumptionl.Do not take over-the-counter sleeping pills unless you talk to your doctor first. Evaluate Consult a counselor or psychotherapist to help you cope with stress and anxiety. Your doctor can recommend one. Keep in mind that it is common to have certain discomforts. The situation will improve.

Contraindications of alprazolam

Alprazolam is not recommended for the entire population, there are exceptional cases that the health professional has to take into account:

Patients with narrow-angle glaucoma will not be able to continue treatment with this drug.People with respiratory tract diseaseswith respiratory or kidney failure will not be able to take alprazolam as a drug for anxiety. It should also not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. On the other hand, it is convenient to remember that Elderly people show a high sensitivity to benzodiazepines. It is common for them to experience more falls and fractures, therefore, it is an aspect that professionals must take into account.

To conclude, we should point out once again that although alprazolam is effective for the specific treatment of anxiety states, psychotropic drugs are not the definitive solution. Complementing them with psychological therapy is undoubtedly the best way to solve the root of the problem.

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