Alprazolam (usually referred to by the brand name Xanax) has received more media attention in the last year, highlighting what is perceived to be an increase in the number of young people using it. The majority of media accounts have focused on individual cases or reports from treatment providers, with little attention paid to research evidence or actual data.
There is a risk that the evidence isn’t adequately presented or even available, and that elevating the prominence of a particular drug can accidentally enhance interest among some drug users, as with all media coverage that exposes prospective changes in drug usage.
What is alprazolam?
Xanax in the UK belongs to the benzodiazepine class of medicines. Benzodiazepines are most typically used to treat anxiety and sleeplessness, but they can also be used to control seizures induced by epilepsy.
Diazepam, also known as Valium, is the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepine in the United Kingdom. Alprazolam, on the other hand, is a faster-acting and 10 times stronger substance, which means it can cause sedation quickly.
When taken without medical supervision, Xanax in the UK like other benzodiazepines can cause complications. Its abuse can result in over-sedation, collapse, and overdosing in the short term. When used for an extended period of time, it can lead to physical dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms when reduced or stopped.
How should I take alprazolam?
- When buying and taking Xanax in the UK, follow your doctor’s instructions. Read all drug recommendations and guidelines on your prescription label carefully. Your dose may need to be adjusted from time to time by your doctor. Never use more alprazolam than prescribed or for a longer period of time than advised. Tell your doctor if you feel compelled to take more of this medicine.
- Do not give this medication to anybody else, especially if they have a drug misuse or addiction history. Place the medication in a safe place where no one else will be able to get it.
- Carefully measure liquid medicine. Use the accompanying dosage syringe or pharmaceutical dose-measuring equipment (not a kitchen spoon).
- Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release tablet; swallow it whole.
- The orally disintegrating tablet should not be swallowed whole. Allow it to dissolve without chewing in your mouth.
- For Anxiety Disorders, alprazolam is normally used for no more than 4 months, and for panic disorders, it is usually taken for no more than 10 weeks.
Duration of treatment
Depending on the Xanax in the UK, therapy should last as little as feasible (see section 4.2), but no longer than eight to twelve weeks, including the tapering off phase. Extensions beyond these time frames should be avoided until the situation is re-evaluated.
When starting treatment, it’s a good idea to tell the patient that it’ll only be for a short time and to explain how the dosage will be gradually reduced. Furthermore, the patient should be informed of the likelihood of rebound symptoms, reducing concern about such symptoms if they occur when the pharmaceutical substance is being withdrawn.
What to avoid?
- Don’t drive or do anything dangerous until you know how alprazolam will impact you. Falls, accidents, and severe injuries can all be caused by dizziness or drowsiness.
- Grapefruit and alprazolam may interact, causing undesirable side effects. Grapefruit products should be avoided.