Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Alprazolam as follows:
Respiratory depression
- Alprazolam, especially when taken in high doses, can lead to depression of respiratory center in the brain and difficulty breathing. Severe cases might also lead to emergency situations, such as, respiratory arrest and can result in serious debility and death.
- Avoid taking Alprazolam along with any other drugs carrying the potential for causing central nervous system and respiratory depression, such as, OTC cough syrups or narcotic pain medications, as the individual influence of these medications on respirations can get added up, thus leading to severe respiratory depression and can even be fatal.
- Individuals with history of breathing issues, such as, asthma and COPD, must exercise extra precaution in watching out for any compromised breathing function.
- Report any episode of exacerbation of SOB and breathing difficulty to your physician appropriately, for any change in plan of care to be considered.
Withdrawal syndrome
- Tapering the dose gradually over a period of time is the preferred way to quit alprazolam.
- Sudden withdrawal from alprazolam, after using for prolonged period of time, may lead to rebound of anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizure symptoms.
Abuse potential
- Alprazolam intake can be habit-forming and carries an abuse potential. The risk for addiction and abuse can be even higher, especially in individuals with history of substance abuse.
