(Legend)

Generic Name

• Alprazolam
  Intermediate T½ = 12–15 h
  Pregnancy category D

Trade Name

• Xanax
• Xanax XR
• Apo-Alpraz
• Novo-Alprazol
• Nu-Alpraz

Dose Range/Adult Daily Dose

• 0.25–0.5 mg po 2–3 times daily (anxiety); panic: 0.5 mg 3 times daily; not to exceed 10 mg/d; XR: 0.5–1 mg once daily in AM; usual range 3–6 mg/d

Use/Common Side Effects (CSE)

• Use: Anxiety, panic; unlabeled: PMS
  CSE: Dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy; sometimes confusion, hangover, paradoxical excitation, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

Geriatric & Dose Considerations

• ↓Dose required; begin 0.25 mg 2–3 times/d; assess CNS and risk for falls
  Elderly have ↑ sensitivity to benzodiazepines.

Classification

• Antianxiety agent

Assessment Cautions

• Monitor CBC, liver, renal function in long-term therapy; avoid grapefruit juice; risk for psychological/physical dependence; seizures on abrupt discontinuation. Interacts with alcohol, antidepressants, antihistamines, other benzos, and opioids.