Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Alprazolam as follows:
- 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. Alprazolam must be used with extreme caution or avoided in such individuals, to prevent any abuse and toxic side-effects with Alprazolam use.
- Alprazolam use in expectant mothers could harm the unborn baby and result in pregnancy complications, such as, low birth weight baby, small head circumference, and preterm delivery. So, Alprazolam use should be avoided during pregnancy and in women planning to get pregnant.
- Some medications, such as, phenytoin and carbamazepine, induce the enzymes needed for the metabolism of Alprazolam. Concurrent administration of these medications with Alprazolam can quicken the metabolism of alprazolam and clear the medication out of the body quicker. Thus, alprazolam stays in the body for shorter duration of time in comparison to normal and results in compromised therapeutic benefit. If you are being newly started on Alprazolam, discuss with your physician regarding all other medications you are currently taking and their safety with Alprazolam. Also, if you have been taking Alprazolam for long, discuss with your physician regarding your history of Alprazolam intake, when you are being started on any new medication.
