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Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet
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Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet

Manufactured byZydus Cadila
ContainsAlprazolam
Description
Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders (sudden and unexpected extreme fear, tension and worry). It works on the brain and nerves (central nervous system) to provide a calming effect, thus relieving anxiety and panic attacks. Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet show side effects like nausea, vomiting, headache, lightheadedness, etc. It may also cause dizziness and sleepiness. Avoid driving vehicles or operating machines if you feel dizzy or sleepy. If any of these side effects do not resolve with time or worsen, seek a doctor's consultation at the earliest. Avoid taking this medicine if you are allergic to it. Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet should be taken with or without food. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of this medicine based on the severity of the medical condition. This medicine has habit forming tendency so do not take it on your own without a doctor's consultation. Try not to miss the dose prescribed and do not stop taking it on your own even if you feel better. Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet should be taken with caution if you have liver and kidney problems. Your doctor may monitor your liver function and blood profile if you have been prescribed this medicine for a long time. Let your doctor know if you are taking any medicine as it can interact with them. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
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Side effectsConcernsUsage

Substitutes

List of substitutes for Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet

Alprax Mt 0.5 MG Tablet
Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Besquil 0.5 MG Tablet
Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd.
Manorest 0.5 MG Tablet
Orchid Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Restyl 0.5 MG Tablet
Cipla Ltd.
Tagat 0.5 MG Tablet
Strides Shasun Ltd.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet

  • Changes in pattern of speech
  • Unsteadiness
  • Loss of coordination
  • Drowsiness
  • Blurred vision
  • Abdominal pain
  • Difficult or painful urination
  • Headache
  • Chest pain
  • Irregular menstrual periods
  • Decreased appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Double vision
  • Sudden sweating
  • Acid or sour stomach
  • Heartburn

Uses of Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet

What is it prescribed for?

  • Anxiety
  • Panic disorder
Read More
Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • How long does it take for this medicine to take effect?
    The effect of Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet can be observed within 40-60 minutes of administration of the dose. You may start feeling relaxed within an hour of intake of this medicine.
  • How long do the effects of this medicine last?
    Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet remains effective in the body for about six hours.
  • Is it safe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine?
    Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet due to the increased risk of serious side effects. These side effects may include dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, breathing difficulties, etc.
  • Is this a habit forming medicine?
    The habit-forming tendency has been reported for Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet.
  • Can this medicine be taken during pregnancy?
    Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it is known to cause serious side effects in the foetus. Your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative with the same therapeutic effect based on your condition.
  • Can this medicine be taken while breast-feeding?
    Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet pass into the breastmilk and hence it is not recommended to be used in breastfeeding. Your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative with the same therapeutic effect based on your condition.

Allergy

Avoid taking Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.

Acute narrow-angle glaucoma

Acute narrow-angle glaucoma is increased pressure within the eyes due to blockage of drainage systems. Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet is not recommended if you have acute narrow-angle glaucoma as it can worsen your condition.
Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it is known to cause serious side effects in the foetus. Your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative with the same therapeutic effect based on your condition.

Breast-feeding

Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet pass into the breastmilk and hence it is not recommended to be used in breastfeeding. Your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative with the same therapeutic effect based on your condition.
General warnings

Drug abuse

Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet should be taken with caution if you have a known history of drug abuse. Chances of dependency are very high, especially if the intended use is for a long duration of time. Your doctor will monitor closely for any changes in mood and behaviour and any drug-seeking behaviour.

Suicidal tendency

Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet should be taken with caution due to the increased risk of suicidal tendencies. Your doctor will closely monitor for any change in mood or behaviour. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative will be done by your doctor based on the clinical condition.

Use in children

Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.

Elderly population

Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet should be used with extreme caution if you are 60 years old and above due to the increased risk of sedation and muscle weakness.

Kidney/Liver Diseases

Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet should be used with caution if you have kidney/liver condition due to the increased risk of side effects. Your doctor will suggest tests for regular monitoring of kidney/liver function. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be done by your doctor based on the clinical condition.

Driving vehicles or operating heavy machines

Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet may cause blurred vision or dizziness. It is advised that you do not perform any activities such as driving vehicles or operating heavy machines if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this medicine.

Withdrawal symptoms

Abrupt discontinuation of Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet may increase the risk of side effects, especially if you have been using a high dose for a long duration. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.

Sports

Athletes are advised to not indulge in certain sports while taking Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet. Archery, racing, shooting and other high-risk sports should be avoided. Sportspersons should refer to the list of medicines published by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) which are not to be taken while participating in specific sports events.

Respiratory depression

Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet should be used with caution if you have a respiratory condition, especially at high doses due to the increased risk of respiratory depression which may result in coma and life-threatening conditions.

Depression

Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet should be used with caution if you have depression as it can worsen your condition. Monitoring, appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative will be done by your doctor based on the clinical condition.

Missed Dose

Do not miss the dose of Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet. In case you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.

Overdose

Do not take more than the prescribed dose of Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol

Description

N/A

Instructions

Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet due to the increased risk of serious side effects. These side effects may include dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, breathing difficulties, etc.
Interaction with Medicine

Cetirizine

Metoclopramide

Opioids

Clozapine

Disease interactions

Seizure disorders

Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet should be taken with caution if you have seizures (fits) as it can worsen your condition. Do not stop the use of any medicine without consulting your doctor. Monitoring, dose adjustments or replacement with suitable alternatives may be done by your doctor.
Food interactions
Consumption of grapefruit juice is not recommended during treatment with Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet due to the increased risk of severe side effects.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible drug interactions. You should consult your doctor about all the possible interactions of the drugs you’re taking.
Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet can be taken with or without food. Do not break, chew, or crush the tablet. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Take it at the same time every day for the ease of remembering. It should not be taken for more than recommended dose. Take the medicine as directed by your doctor. Do not stop the medicine without consulting your doctor as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as fits, anxiety, headache or difficulty in sleeping. Your doctor will monitor you for any change in mood or behaviour. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your kidney and liver function.
Miscelleneous

Can be taken with or without food, as advised by your doctor

To be taken as instructed by doctor

Causes sleepiness

How it works
Alprazolam 0.5 MG Tablet binds to certain receptors in your brain and nervous system and it enhances the activity of a chemical substance called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which helps to produce a calming effect in your brain.
Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Approved

Approved

Classification

Category

Benzodiazepines

Schedule

Schedule H1

Accessdata.fda.gov. 2022. [online] Available at: [Accessed 2 August 2022].

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/018276s055lbl.pdf

Accessdata.fda.gov. 2022. [online] Available at: [Accessed 2 August 2022].

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/018276s052lbl.pdf

Accessdata.fda.gov. 2022. [online] Available at: [Accessed 2 August 2022].

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2006/021726s006lbl.pdf

George, T. and Tripp, J., 2022. Alprazolam. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: [Accessed 2 August 2022].

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538165/#:~:text=Compared%20to%20other%20benzodiazepines%2C%20alprazolam,which%20may%20cause%20memory%20loss.
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Information on this page was last updated on 12 Jan 2023

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