Alprazolam is the most prescribed active substance for treating anxiety, panic attacks or severe stress, it is a very effective psychotropic drug, but whose use and administration should scrupulously follow guidelines to avoid addiction.
We have all heard of certain drugs with alprazolam, however, sometimes we lack small details that need to be taken into account, first of all it must be said that this active substance is a type of benzodiazepine intermediate action, that is, its effect is relatively fast, which is very useful when we experience, for example, a panic attack or a panic attack at some point.
- Alprazolam.
- Marketed as Xanax.
- Among other names.
- Is a drug derived from benzodiazepines that are used to treat anxiety disorders.
Secondly, another interesting and useful detail is that alprazolam has anti-depressive and relaxing qualities. This medicine is also anxiolytic, i. e. it cannot be prescribed exclusively to treat depressive disorders, but attacks of anxiety, neurosis and this type of anxiety that presents traces. depression.
We are certainly faced with a useful and effective pharmacological option, but with the inevitable side effects that we need to know.
Alprazolam is the active ingredient in drugs marketed as Xanax, for example, in general each tablet contains 0. 5 mg of this element, the rest of the components that make up each tablet are lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, corn starch, sulfosuccinate dioctyl sodium (85%) with sodium benzoate (15%), colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, etc.
At the same time, it should be mentioned that alprazolam was first synthesized by Upjohn Laboratories (now part of Pfizer) in the 1960s as an alternative to barbiturates, which are extremely addictive, as we already know, and with serious side effects. It was not until 1981 that it began to be sold as the first drug approved to treat panic attacks. Success was immediate, so much so that today it is the most prescribed benzodiazepine in the world.
Natália has been taking alprazolam for six years. He doesn’t take it continuously, but rarely when anxiety blocks it in such a way that he can no longer react or think, when he has a panic attack or feels that stress prevents him from working. or even take responsibility for your children.
It all began with the death of his father, an unexpected and traumatic event that he has not yet managed to overcome, the doctor, in the face of his condition, prescribed Xanax with one condition: he could only take it in critical states, never continuously. This is an example of the many cases in which alprazolam is useful and fulfills its function. Let’s look at a list of all uses of this medicine:
Alprazolam is easily absorbed into the digestive tract. It has a rapid start of action and a bioavailability of 80% to 90%. The drug is metabolized in the liver and eliminated by urine. At the same time, it is common for doctors to prescribe doses ranging from 0. 25 mg to 0. 5 mg three times a day.
On the other hand, it is important to remember that the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines is almost always the same: they act on GABA receptors, however, alprazolam has its peculiarity, very similar to that of tricyclic antidepressants, all of this has a sedative effect, effect and hypnotic and anticonvulsant properties, as well as a more than remarkable potential to reduce anxiety. We are facing a high power benzodiazepine and quick elimination.
Alprazolam, like all medicines, and especially like all psychotropics, has associated side effects, treatment with this anxiolytic should be as short as possible, ideal and recommended not to exceed 12 weeks (including weaning time during this period).
It will always be the trusted doctor or psychiatrist who will analyze the situation, considering whether we should include other drugs in our treatment, reduce the dose or start the progressive withdrawal phase of alprazolam (remember that abrupt withdrawal is very counterproductive).
Next, we’ll look at the side effects associated with this psychiatric drug.
Alprazolam is not recommended for the general population. There are exceptional cases that the healthcare professional must take into account:
In conclusion, we affirm once again that while alprazolam is effective for the rapid treatment of anxiety disorders, psychotropic medications are not the ultimate solution, supplementing with psychological therapy is certainly the best way to solve the root of the problem.