Alprazolam
Also sold as: Xanax, Restyl
Prescription neededAnxiety and sleep (sedatives)
Comes as:Tablet
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose for anxiety: 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg up to three times a day, for a short time only. It has a high risk of dependence — do not stop suddenly after long use.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- drowsiness
- tiredness
- unsteady walking
- poor memory
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- slow or shallow breathing
- severe confusion
- falls in older people
- dependence and seizures if stopped suddenly
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Severe breathing problems or sleep apnoea
- Severe liver disease
- Myasthenia gravis
- Use of alcohol or opioid medicines
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- History of drug or alcohol dependence
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious4 medicinesDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Clarithromycin
Clarithromycin raises alprazolam levels and sedation.
- Itraconazole
Itraconazole greatly raises alprazolam levels; avoid together.
- Morphine
Together they can cause deep sedation, slowed breathing and death.
- Tramadol
Together they can cause deep sedation and slowed breathing.
Moderate1 medicineTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Mirtazapine
Both cause drowsiness; together they slow thinking and reactions more.