Welcome to our blog, today we will be taking a close look at the Alprazolam side effects and the reasons for the popularity of this often prescribed antianxiety medication. First, let us understand what alprazolam side effects actually are. By definition, a side effect is a secondary effect which is undesirable compared to the beneficial effects that the medication can have.
In the USA, the FDA states that a medication must have more benefits than negative safety issues to be able to be sold within the country. This shows that medications which are prescribed by doctors can be safe when administered properly and instructions are followed. With all medications, there are side effects which should never be ignored.
Apparently, most alprazolam side effects are experienced when a patient is starting the medication, increasing or decreasing the dosage during a current treatment, or coming off the medication at the end of the treatment. From this, it seems that dramatic changes in dosage can trigger an increase.
The alprazolam side effects and withdrawal symptoms can sometimes share similarities which, at times, can be confusing. Sometimes, even physicians who are unfamiliar with the alprazolam side effects and withdrawal symptoms may get confused. For this reason, the safest thing for a patient to do is to be completely honest with their doctor and disclose everything.
This treatment is an anxiolytic medication which belongs to the family known as benzodiazepines. This medication has been mostly used in treatments for anxiety and panic disorders since it was first synthesized. Despite this, it has found off-label uses for treating those with insomnia and sleep problems.
During the 1950s and 60s, psychiatric treatments were increasing in popularity, and along with it, so did the search for medications to be used in these treatments. Researchers and chemists began looking for ways to help people overcome insomnia. It was through this research that Leo Sternbach, who was 47, developed the first benzodiazepine in 1955.
Leo Sternbach continued his research to develop benzodiazepines on behalf of The Upjohn Company, which is now a subsidiary of Pfizer, the largest pharmaceutical conglomerate in the world. In 1976 the patent for this medication was granted, and the medication was finally approved for use as of October 1981.
Since this medications approval, it has become the most widely prescribed benzodiazepine. When comparing this medication to others in the same family, it is easy to see that it works faster than the others. The potent effects of the medication can be felt quickly, but at the same time they can also wear off quickly too.
This medication should only be used by patients who have been diagnosed with conditions in which this medication can help them. Such conditions that this medication has been recognised to treat include;
These conditions are what this medication is approved to be used for. Many people receive this medication when facing an infrequent phobia, such as flying, due to there being no need to continue use after the event. This discontinuation after short use prevents people from experiencing alprazolam side effects or withdrawal symptoms.
As this medication has a fast onset action, it is perfect for those who experience panic attacks. If a patient administers this medication when they experience a panic attack, the fast action of the medication can quickly relieve them. For each different condition, there are different methods of dosing and treatment.
When left untreated, anxiety can affect every part of our lives, such as; work performance, sleep, health and relationships. As this medication has similar actions to sleeping tablets, some patients with insomnia may be prescribed it, too. When a patient uses this medication, they should not exceed the recommended treatment period, which is 6 weeks.
Minimizing alprazolam side effects can be achieved in various ways, all of which should be explained by a doctor when they prescribe the medication. Dosage, exercise, diet and sleep can all have a massive impact on how harsh the alprazolam side effects can be. The first thing that should be mentioned here is dosage.
The primary objective of a doctor when prescribing a medication is to treat a patient with the lowest dose possible which can achieve the desired effects. The more medication a patient takes, the more risks there are of them experiencing an adverse reaction. This is why it is important to follow treatment plans carefully.
Exercise can be important too. By exercising, it can push the body to feel more energetic and even increase the naturally occurring endorphins found in the human body. Patients should also avoid using any other medications whilst undergoing treatments using this medication. Mixing medications can increase the potential of experiencing alprazolam side effects.
Another way to reduce the risks of an adverse reaction is to eat the right foods. Eating foods low in saturated fats, sugars and salt would be best. Also, eating in moderate portions would be advisable. One food that should be avoided when taking this medication would be grapefruit or grapefruit juice. This can actually increase the potency of alprazolam side effects.
The common alprazolam side effects are mostly experienced by patients who are aged 65 or over, especially the alprazolam side effects which are felt in the mornings. These are, but are not limited to;
Other common alprazolam side effects include;
These alprazolam side effects are the most common and should not be too difficult to manage. According to government studies, if patients experience these, they should make sure they eat and hydrate as normal, this should help in expelling the toxins from the body. Other ways to manage alprazolam side effects have been mentioned earlier in this blog. These methods or techniques should also help with the residual hangover effects felt in the mornings after use.
It is understood that alprazolam side effects may not be completely manageable with these methods. As with all medications, it is important to seek help if any alprazolam side effects persist longer than they should or if they become difficult to manage. This medication should not be stopped suddenly in any event, as this can worsen adverse effects.
It is very important to acknowledge that all the above and below alprazolam side effects are more prominent when this medication is mixed with alcohol, especially in high volumes. When taking this medication, it is highly recommended that patients stop or at least reduce their alcohol consumption to try and curb any chances of experiencing an adverse reaction. Rarer side effects include;
These are a lot more difficult to manage than the previous, more common, alprazolam side effects. If these are experienced, a doctor, nurse or pharmacist should be contacted for help or advice on how to cope. As mentioned previously this medication should never be abruptly stopped, as this can put patients at an increased risk of experiencing alprazolam side effects or withdrawal.
Coming off of some medications can carry risks of their own which should be discussed with a doctor first, to work out the safest way to possibly achieve this. If any patient needs a more comprehensive list of alprazolam side effects, it would be advisable to read through the patient information leaflet.
All generic medications stocked at our online pharmacy are FDA-approved. Despite this, there are many things patients should do to make sure they are taking the medication safely and properly. Whenever a patient and doctor meet and outline a treatment plan, patients should follow that treatment plan as closely as possible, to avoid alprazolam side effects.
As mentioned previously, it is important to only use the smallest amount of the medication which achieves the desired effects. Exceeding that amount should only be the decision of the doctor and never a choice of the patient. When going through treatments, patients should meet back with their doctors to discuss progress, it is at this stage that dosages may be increased by their doctor.
People who should avoid this medication include; those allergic to similar medications, people with myasthenia gravis, patients who have breathing problems or sleep apnoea, people with liver or kidney problems and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. As always, if there are any doubts, speak to a doctor first.
If you are unsure if this is the right medication for your treatment plans, visit our page at www.stretta-therapy.com and read through some of our other blogs on medications for anxiety, insomnia and pain. The extensive information we publish on our products should help you stay informed on the options available for treating your condition.
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