PROLAM 0.5MG TAB

What is Alprazolam for:

It is used to treat anxiety and panic attacks.

How does Alprazolam work:

It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.

How should Alprazolam be used:

Take Alprazolam exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor. Do not take Alprazolam for a longer period of time than instructed by your doctor. In some medical conditions, such as anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia, it is not advisable to take Alprazolam long-term. See your doctor if Alprazolam does not seem to help you. If you are taking Alprazolam as a sleeping pill, you should take it only when you have problems sleeping and when you are able to sleep for 7-8 hours without being interrupted. Take it just before you go to bed. - If you have been taking Alprazolam over a certain period of time, do not stop taking Alprazolam suddenly as this may cause withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, cramps, vomiting, sweating and tremors. Your doctor will reduce the dose of Alprazolam gradually before stopping it completely. Follow your doctors instructions carefully. - You may take Alprazolam with or without food. However, taking it immediately after food may reduce the side effects of drowsiness and sleepiness. - If you have been given the slow-release tablet (usually marked as XR or SR), swallow it whole. Do not chew, crush or break it.

Common side effects of Alprazolam :

Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred eyesight, or a change in thinking clearly; Dry mouth; Change in sex ability; Feeling tired or weak; Change in balance.

What do I do if I miss a dose

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. - If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. - Many times this drug is taken on an as needed basis.

What precautions should I take when taking Alprazolam :

Alert your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant while being treated with Alprazolam. Do not take Alprazolam if you are pregnant. - It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with Alprazolam. - Use appropriate birth control. - Alert your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while being treated with Alprazolam. - Alert your doctor if you ever had an allergic reaction to sleeping pills such as diazepam, midazolam, lorazepam and others. - Alert your doctor if you have liver disease or an eye disease known as glaucoma. - Alert your doctor if you have lung or breathing problems such as sleep apnea, myasthenia gravis or if you are at risk of falls. - Do not give Alprazolam to children, unless specifically instructed by the childs doctor. - Alprazolam is not meant for children younger than 18 years old.

When do I need to seek medical help

Seek help if you have signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Inform doctor if you experience any bruising or bleeding, any rash, or if any side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

Can I take Alprazolam with other medicines:

Do not take Alprazolam with antifungal medications, especially itraconazole and ketoconazole. - Alert your doctor quickly if you are taking any of these medicines: - other sleeping pills. - any medicines that cause drowsiness such as opioid (morphine-like) pain-killers, antihistamines and medicines for mood and personality disorders. - antidepressants such as fluoxetine, nefazodone, fluvoxamine, sertraline, paroxetine. - antibiotics such as rifampicin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin, doxycycline, isoniazid. - epilepsy (fits or seizure) medicines such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbitone. - heart or blood pressure medicines such as diltiazem, nifedipine, nicardipine, verapamil, quinidine, amiodarone - AIDS (HIV) medicines. - birth control pills. - gastric medicines such as cimetidine. - asthma medicines such as theophylline. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Are there any food restrictions

Avoid alcohol and grapefruit juice.

How do I store Alprazolam :

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Pregnancy Category

Category D : There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Therapeutic Classification

Hypnotics & Sedatives, Anxiolytics