Alprazolam 0.25 mg

Category- Allopathy

Medicine Highlights

Alprazolam Uses

Alprazolam 0.25 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the category of benzodiazepine drugs and is used for the following indications:

1. Anxiety 
2. Panic attacks 

Alprazolam side effects 

More Common  

1. Trouble with balance or coordination 
2. Low blood pressure 
3. Trouble saying words clearly (dysarthria) 
4. Changes in sex drive 
5. Problems with memory 
6. Drowsiness 
7. Constipation or nausea 

Less Common 

1. Blurred vision 
2. Body aches or pain 
3. Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles, or tingling feelings 
4. Changes in behavior 
5. Chest tightness 
6. Chills 
7. Clay-colored stools 
8. Confusion about identity, place, and time 
9. Cough 
10. Dark urine 
11. Decrease in frequency of urination 
12. Decrease in urine volume 
13. Diarrhea 
14. Difficult or labored breathing 
15. Difficulty in passing urine (dribbling) 
16. Difficulty with concentration 
17. Difficulty with moving 

How Alprazolam works 

Alprazolam acts like a policeman controlling a crowd at a gate. In conditions such as anxiety and panic attacks, nerve signals fire excessively, like a crowd pushing to get through at once. By binding to the GABA receptor, Alprazolam helps regulate these signals, allowing them to pass in a calmer, more controlled manner.

Safety Measures and Warning 

Pregnancy

There are no well-researched human studies on the effect of alprazolam, but there are animal studies clearly indicating that it affects the fetus’s development directly. This is a prescription medicine with high potency, so, take a recommendation from the doctor before using it.

Breastfeeding

Alprazolam passes into breast milk and can alter the baby’s mental behavior. If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, inform your doctor so that he can make an appropriate decision.

Kidney and Liver Problems

Alprazolam is safe for consumption in liver and kidney disease patients.

Past Mental Health Issues

Alprazolam directly acts on the brain and causes different side effects like sedation, drowsiness, and suicidal thoughts. Inform the doctor about your past mental health issues before using alprazolam.

Alprazolam Interaction with Food Product 

Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking simultaneously, as it may affect the drug’s action and show an effect on the brain, leading to severe drowsiness, sedation, and coma in severe cases.

Alprazolam Interaction with Other Medicines  

Avoid taking Alprazolam 0.25 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:

Alprazolam Chemical Structure

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name

8-chloro-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H- [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a] [1,4] benzodiazepine

Intake routine/cycle

Daily dose

Take Alprazolam exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.

Overdose

It is not recommended to take more than 10 mg of Alprazolam per day, as it may cause severe overdosing effects like extreme drowsiness, confusion, unconsciousness, sweating, double vision, low blood pressure, and slurred speech. Immediately seek medical attention and meet the doctor if necessary 

Storage

1. Store the medicine at room temperature 
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture 
3. Keep out of reach of children 

Directions for use 

1. Take Alprazolam exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day. 
2. Do not stop taking Alprazolam without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
3. If you forget to take Alprazolam, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. 

Alprazolam Summary 

Alprazolam is a fast-acting medicine used to treat anxiety and panic attacks by boosting gamma-aminobutyric acid. It is used for off-label indications like depression and insomnia. It is a calming chemical in the brain that slows down overactive signals. It helps people feel more relaxed but may cause sleepiness, dizziness, or forgetfulness. Mixing it with alcohol, strong painkillers, or antifungal drugs like ketoconazole can dangerously increase sedation. Grapefruit juice can raise alprazolam levels in the blood, increasing side effects, while high-fat meals may delay its action. Herbal products like kava and St. John’s wort can either intensify drowsiness or reduce its effectiveness. Alprazolam should be stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, and liquid forms must be discarded after 90 days. Take this medicine only under the supervision of a healthcare advisor.

FAQ’s

What are the uses of alprazolam tablets?

Alprazolam is a long-acting benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, depression, and insomnia and sedation before procedures.

What are the side effects of alprazolam?

Common side effects of alprazolam use include drowsiness, dizziness, and muscle weakness.

Which class does alprazolam belong to?

Alprazolam belongs to the class of benzodiazepines and is commonly used for the management of anxiety, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

What is the highest dose of alprazolam?

It is not recommended to take more than 10 mg of Alprazolam per day, as it may cause severe overdosing effects like extreme drowsiness, confusion, unconsciousness, sweating, double vision, low blood pressure, and slurred speech. Immediately seek medical attention and meet the doctor.

Reference 

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Alprazolam. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. Available from. 
2. Practo. Alprazolam 0.25 MG Tablet – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Price, Composition. [Internet]. Available from. 
3. British National Formulary. Alprazolam. [Internet]. London: NICE; [cited 2025 Sep 10]. Available from. 
4. Mayo Clinic. Alprazolam (oral route) – Description, Dosage, Side Effects. [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2025 Sep 10]. Available from. 
5. Drugs.com. Alprazolam: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects. [Internet]. Cerner Multum, Inc.;2023 Aug 23 [cited 2025 Sep 10]. Available from. 

Siva Krishna Adithya Bhumireddy

Siva Krishna Adithya Bhumireddy completed Bachelor of Pharmacy from GIET School of Pharmacy affiliated to Andhra University and from his 3rd year of graduation itself he was working as a freelance Medical and Publication writer and having expertise in Systematic reviews and clinical research. With his keen interest and skills in research and documentation practices he also reviewed more than 100 manuscripts from international journals like Elsevier, Springer Nature, Sage Journals and all the manuscripts were indexed and appeared in Pub Med, Scopus and Web of Science databases and received honorary recognition letters and certificates from all of them. Siva Krishna Adithya also published few systematic, narrative reviews and few chapters of international expertise.