Trade Name(s): Xanax
	Type of Drug: Alprazolam is used to reduce anxiety and belongs to a general class of drugs called benzodiazepines.
	How Alprazolam Works: Alprazolam binds to receptors in the central nervous system resulting in decreased anxiety, muscle relaxation, and decrease in seizures.
	How Alprazolam Is Given: Alprazolam is taken in pill form, with food or milk if the drug upsets your stomach. At first the dose is lower and gradually increased if needed over 3 to 4 days, as directed by your doctor. Once the right dose is found, the drug can be continued for up to 4 months. When stopping the drug, it is important to decrease the dose gradually, instead of just stopping it. Elderly patients may receive lower doses. Keep the medicine in a tightly closed container and out of the reach of children and pets.

	How Should I Take Alprazolam? Take Alprazolam exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or nurse to explain them to you.
	Read the following information. If you do not understand it or if any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor.
	Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.
	Should I avoid any other medications, foods, alcohol, and/or activities? Your prescription and nonprescription medications may interact with other drugs, causing a harmful effect. Certain foods or alcohol can also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medication, prescription or nonprescription, without asking your doctor or nurse if it will interact with alcohol, foods or other medications. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and may affect activities such as driving.
	Precautions: Alprazolam should be used cautiously if you have liver or kidney problems. Talk with your doctor or nurse about this. After starting alprazolam, if you feel "manic" or very excited and are overly active (hyperactive), stop the drug and call your doctor or nurse. You should not take Alprazolam for now. At first, you may feel drowsy, tired, lethargic, or weak, or be slightly confused and/or have a headache. This will go away with continued use. If such symptoms continue, tell your doctor. The dose of the drug might need to be reduced. Alprazolam is used for the short–term (less than 4 months) relief of anxiety associated with depression and panic disorder. It can cause psychological dependence (addiction) as well as physical dependence (body goes into withdrawal if the drug is suddenly stopped). It should not be taken to manage everyday stress. When taken as directed by your doctor or nurse, this will not be a problem. Alprazolam should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
	Tell all the doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this drug. Most of the following side effects probably will not occur. Your doctor or nurse will want to discuss specific care instructions with you. They can help you understand these side effects and help you deal with them.
	Side Effects:
	More Common Alprazolam Side Effects: Alprazolam Drowsiness (when first starting the drug) Alprazolam Tiredness (fatigue) (when first starting the drug) Alprazolam Weakness (when first starting the drug) Alprazolam Confusion (when first starting the drug) Alprazolam Headache (when first starting the drug) Alprazolam Dry mouth Alprazolam Decreased mental alertness
	Less Common Alprazolam Side Effects: Alprazolam Nausea Alprazolam Vomiting Alprazolam Change in body weight
	Rare Alprazolam Side Efects: Alprazolam Vivid dreams Alprazolam Bizarre behavior Alprazolam Change in heart rate Alprazolam Change in blood pressure Alprazolam Palpitations Alprazolam Swelling of feet Alprazolam Rash Alprazolam Itching Alprazolam Hives
	Side Effects/Symptoms of Alprazolam: Take care in walking around or changing position if you are drowsy. Stop the drug and call your doctor or nurse if the drowsiness does not go away, or if you have trouble walking or moving because of it.
	Other side effects not listed above can also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop any problems