Alprazolam

This information from Lexicomp^® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

ALPRAZolam Intensol; ALPRAZolam XR; Xanax; Xanax XR

Brand Names: Canada

ALPRAZolam TS; APO-Alpraz; APO-Alpraz TS; PRO-Alprazolam; TEVA-Alprazolam; Xanax; Xanax TS

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat anxiety.
• It is used to treat panic attacks.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

• If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
• If your child has glaucoma.
• If your child is taking any of these drugs: Clarithromycin, itraconazole, or ketoconazole. There may be other drugs that must not be taken with this drug. The doctor or pharmacist can tell you if your child is taking a drug that must not be taken with this drug.

If your child is breast-feeding a baby:

• Be sure your child does not breast-feed a baby while taking this drug.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

• Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• If your child has been taking this drug for a long time or at high doses, it may not work as well and your child may need higher doses to get the same effect. This is known as tolerance. Call the doctor if this drug stops working well. Do not give more than ordered.
• Have your child avoid tasks or actions that call for alertness until you see how this drug affects your child. These are things like riding a bike, playing sports, or using items such as scissors, lawnmowers, electric scooters, toy cars, or motorized vehicles.
• Alcohol may interact with this drug. Be sure your child does not drink alcohol.
• Talk with your child’s doctor before your child uses marijuana, other forms of cannabis, or prescription or OTC drugs that may slow your child’s actions.
• Have blood work checked if your child is on this drug for a long time. Talk with your child’s doctor.
• If your child drinks grapefruit juice or eats grapefruit often, talk with your child’s doctor.
• If your child has phenylketonuria (PKU), talk with your child’s doctor. Some products have phenylalanine.
• If your child stops or starts smoking, talk with the doctor. How much drug your child takes may need to be changed.

If your child is pregnant:

• This drug may cause harm to the unborn baby if your child takes it during pregnancy. If your child is pregnant or gets pregnant while taking this drug, call the doctor right away.
• Taking this drug late in pregnancy may raise the chance of breathing or feeding problems, low body temperature, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Talk with the doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of depression, suicidal thoughts, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.
• Change in balance.
• Feeling confused.
• Shortness of breath.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Memory problems or loss.
• Trouble speaking.
• Trouble passing urine.
• Trouble controlling body movements.
• Muscle twitching.
• A fast heartbeat.
• Blurred eyesight.

If your child has menstrual periods:

• Period (menstrual) changes.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

• Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak.
• Dry mouth.
• Appetite changes.
• Constipation, diarrhea, throwing up, or upset stomach.
• Weight gain or loss.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Headache.
• Sweating a lot.

If your child is or may be sexually active:

• Change in sex interest.
• Sex problems.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All products:

• Give this drug with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.

Liquid (solution):

• Use the dropper that comes with this drug to measure the drug.
• Mix the liquid with water, juice, soda, applesauce, or pudding before giving it.
• Have your child swallow the mixture right away. Do not store for use at a later time.

Oral-disintegrating tablet:

• If the tablets come in a foil blister, do not push the tablet out of the foil when opening. Use dry hands to take it from the foil.
• Place on your child’s tongue and let it dissolve. Water is not needed. Do not let your child swallow it whole. Do not let your child chew, break, or crush it.

Extended-release tablets:

• Have your child swallow whole. Do not let your child chew, break, or crush.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child’s next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Some products are to be given as needed. If your child is taking this drug as needed, do not give more often than told by the doctor.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

All products:

• Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Store this drug in a safe place where children cannot see or reach it, and where other people cannot get to it. A locked box or area may help keep this drug safe. Keep all drugs away from pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Liquid (solution):

• Protect from light.
• Throw away any part not used 90 days after opening.

General drug facts

• If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
• Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2023-02-09

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