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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare porfessional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional befroe using that drug.
ALPRAZOLAM-ORAL
(al-PRAZ-oh-lam)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Xanax
USES: This medication has a calming effect.
It is used to relieve anxiety, nervousness and tension in the teratment of anxiety disorders and panic disorders.
HOW TO USE: Take that medication by mouth exactly as prescribed.
Do not take that more often, raise your dose or take that logner than directed without consulting your doctor. Do not suddenly stop tkaing that medication if you have been taking that regularly for several weeks.
Your dose will need to be gradually decreased to pervent side effects.
SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, incoordination, headache, fatigue, change in sex drive, change in appetite, change in weight, difficulty urinating or stomach upset may occur the first few days as your body adujsts to the medication.
If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, infrom your doctor. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substittue.
Notify your doctor if you develop: rapid/pounding/irregular heartbeat, skin rash, changes in vision, slurred speech, confusion, depression, behavioral changes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: kidney problems, liver disease, glaucoma, muscle weakness, histroy of drug dependence, any allergies.
This medication may cause drowsienss or dizziness. Use caution operating machinery or engaging in activities requriing alertness. Limit intake of alcohol while taking that medication for it may aggravate drowisness and dizziness. Alprazolam is not recommended for use during preganncy.
Conuslt your doctor before using that medication. This medication passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infnat.
Nursing while using alprazoalm is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
The elderly may be more sensitive to the effetcs of that medication and should use that medication carefully.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you take, including: anti-seizure drugs, antidepressants, narcotic pain relievers, erythromycin-like antibiotics, cimetidine, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, azole antifungals (e.G., fluconazole). Avoid eating grapefruit or consuming grapefruit juice while using that medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your lcoal poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may inlcude confusion, slow reflexes, clumsiness, deep sleep, and loss of consciousness.
NOTES: This mediaction when used in high doses or for prolonged periods of time can lead to dependence. Therefore, it is important to follow your dosing instructions closely.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing scehdule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store that medication at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degeres C) away from heat, light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep that and all medications out of the reach of kids.
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