What is Alprazolam - Meaning and definition

Published by Roberto Wenk. Reviewed by Alison Ramsey. Last updated date: July 16, 2018.

A triazolobenzodiazepine agent with anxiolytic, sedative-hypnotic, and anticonvulsant activities.
Alprazolam binds to a specific site distinct from the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) binding site on the benzodiazepine-GABA-A-chloride ionophore receptor complex located in the limbic, thalamic, and hypothalamic regions of the central nervous system (CNS). This binding causes an allosteric modification of the receptor and enhances the affinity of GABA to the receptor leading to an increase in the frequency of chloride-channel opening events. This leads to an increase in chloride ion conductance, neuronal hyperpolarization, and inhibition of the action potential, leading to a decrease in neuronal excitability.

National Cancer Institute. NCI Drug Dictionary. Internet. September 15, 2009.

Published by Roberto Wenk. Last updated date: June 6, 2016.

Indications
Adult
PO Short-term management of anxiety 250-500 mcg tid, increased every 3-4 days up to a total of 3-4 mg/day.
Panic disorder 0.5 mg tid, increased as necessary in increments of not more than 1 mg every 3-4 days up to 10 mg/day. As extended release tab: 0.5-1 mg once daily, increased every 3-4 days in increments of not more than 1 mg/day up to 3-6 mg/day

Adverse drug reactions
CNS effects (e.g. ataxia, cognitive dysfunction, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, dysarthria, fatigue, irritability, memory impairment, sedation); decreased/increased libido, wt gain/loss
GI effects (e.g. appetite changes, constipation, xerostomia, diarrhoea, dyspepsia)
Micturition difficulty, dysmenorrhoea, sexual disorder, urinary incontinence; nasal congestion, hypotension, palpitations, sinus tachycardia, muscle cramps, muscle twitching, myalgia, tremor, weakness; blurred vision.

Adapted from CIMS Drug Information System. Internet. Accessed on January 10, 2016.

Alprazolam

Related terms

To cite