Information on Orally Disintegrating Tablets of Alprazolam

Alprazolam Orally Disintegrating Tablets: A Guide

What is Alprazolam Orally Disintegrating Tablets?

Alprazolam Orally Disintegrating Tablets, also known as Niravam, belong to the class of drugs called benzodiazepines. It is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks.

Important Warning

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine drug that, when taken with opioid drugs, can lead to serious side effects such as slowed or trouble breathing and death. If you are taking this medicine with an opioid drug, seek medical help immediately if you experience symptoms such as extreme sleepiness or dizziness, shallow breathing, or passing out. Caregivers should also seek medical help if the patient does not respond or wake up.

Uses of Alprazolam Orally Disintegrating Tablets

Alprazolam Orally Disintegrating Tablets are used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks.

Before Taking Alprazolam Orally Disintegrating Tablets

If you are allergic to alprazolam or any other drugs, foods, or substances, inform your doctor. If you have glaucoma, are taking itraconazole or ketoconazole, or are breastfeeding, do not take this medicine. Inform your doctor of all your drugs and health problems before taking alprazolam.

Things to Know or Do While Taking Alprazolam Orally Disintegrating Tablets

Inform all your healthcare providers that you are taking alprazolam. This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use. If you have been taking it for a long time or at high doses, it may not work as well and you may need higher doses to get the same effect. Avoid driving or doing tasks that require alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not drink alcohol while taking alprazolam. Inform your doctor before using other drugs or natural products that slow your actions. Have your blood work checked if you are on this medicine for a long time. If you drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit often, inform your doctor. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), some products have phenylalanine. If you start or stop smoking, inform your doctor as the amount of drug you take may need to be changed. If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with care as you could have more side effects. If you have been taking this medicine on a regular basis and stop it suddenly, you may have signs of withdrawal. This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if taken while pregnant, especially in the first trimester. If you are pregnant or get pregnant while taking this medicine, call your doctor immediately.

How to Take Alprazolam Orally Disintegrating Tablets

Take this medicine as ordered by your doctor. Take with or without food. If the tablets come in a foil blister, use dry hands to take it from the foil. Place on your tongue and let it dissolve. Do not swallow it whole, chew, break, or crush it.

Missed Dose

If you take this medicine on a regular basis and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Many times this medicine is taken on an as-needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

Side Effects

Some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking this medicine. Seek medical help immediately if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, depression, suicidal thoughts, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, lack of interest in life, change in balance, shortness of breath, very bad dizziness or passing out, feeling confused, memory problems or loss, trouble speaking, trouble passing urine, or period (menstrual) changes. Common side effects include feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak, dry mouth, feeling more or less hungry, upset stomach, constipation, change in sex interest, sex problems, weight gain or loss.

Overdose

If you suspect 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.

Storage and Disposal