Spain is the first country in the world in the rate of benzodiazepine consumption per 1,000 inhabitants. Most of us know what it is when we hear names like Diazepam (Valium), Alprazolam (Trankimazin), Lorazepam (Orfidal), among others. In Spain, there is frequently overmedicalization in problems of anxiety, insomnia or depression. In this article we will talk about Alprazolam. Are you interested in knowing what it is about? Find out in this Psychology-Online article in which we will go into depth about Alprazolam for sleep: what it is, dosage, how to take it and side effects.
What is Alprazolam and what is it used for?
Alprazolam, also known as Trankimazin or Xanax, is one of the most prescribed psychotropic drugs in our country for the treatment of anxiety or insomnia problems. Therefore, if you are wondering if Alprazolam pills are for sleeping, the answer is yes. It is an anxiolytic from the benzodiazepine group. In this article we talk about the.
This anxiolytic has hypnotic and muscle relaxing properties and is highly active in anxiety attacks, since its mechanism of action is intermediate. This means that it acts quickly and has a life of 12 hours in our body. If your question is how long the effect of Alprazolam lasts, this would be the time.
Alprazolam dosage needed to sleep
The dose will depend on the needs of the subject, therefore, the psychiatrist will have to adapt the treatment on an individual basis based on the severity of the symptoms and the individual’s response.
- In patients with anxiety disorders, between 0.25 and 0.5 mg three times a day are frequently prescribed.
- For elderly subjects this dose frequently ranges from 0.25 mg twice a day.
- In patients with , the initial dose is 0.5 mg to 1 mg before bed or 0.5 mg administered 3 times a day.
- In all cases, the professional can increase the medication depending on the individual’s needs, but the recommended dose should not exceed 4 mg per day in divided doses.
How to take Alprazolam
Alprazolam is indicated for Panic Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Although it is currently a widely prescribed drug for subjects with insomnia problems.
This drug is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines, acute alcohol poisoning, epilepsy, history of seizures, cerebral edema, liver or kidney dysfunction, among others. Its use is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy, nor during breastfeeding. Here you will find .
It is also important to keep in mind that this anxiolytic increases depressant effects of phenothiazines, opioids, barbiturates, alcohol, tricyclic antidepressants, general anesthetics, oral contraceptives, antihistamines, clozapine, disulfiram, among others.
General recommendations in the use of anxiolytics and hypnotics include el risk of producing dependence, advising its use in a restricted manner, with the lowest possible dose and for a short time. Also, to avoid withdrawal symptoms, gradual withdrawal of the drug is recommended. In cases where the administration is stopped suddenly, the Withdrawal Syndrome is likely to appear, which is characterized by:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Muscle spasms or pain
- Tremor and instability
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Hypersensitivity to stimuli
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Convulsive crises (in cases of severe dependency)
Alprazolam side effects
The most important side effects of this drug are the dependence and tolerance that it causes. Although there are usually more consequences. Let’s see which ones there are:
- Drowsinessfatigue, weakness, confusion, nystagmus, headache, dizziness and dysarthria.
- Decreased coordination of movements and depending on the ataxia dose.
- Anterograde amnesia, reduced intellectual capacity and concentration. Confusion and disorientation, especially in older people.
- Main impact on verbal acquisition and retention processes.
- paradoxical reaction with agitation, insomnia, hallucinations, nightmares, euphoria, violent behavior and rage reactions.
- Anticholinergic effectssuch as blurred vision or dry mouth.
- sexual dysfunction with decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, anorgasmia, alteration of ejaculation and sperm size and shape.
- respiratory depression in high doses and in people with respiratory disorders
There is research indicating that side effects are more intense in children and the elderly. Furthermore, both in these and in people who have some type of brain injury, benzodiazepines can cause symptoms of paradoxical agitation.
Finally, we must mention that, as stated at the beginning of this article, sometimes drugs are necessary, but in our country there is a great deal of overmedication for anxiety and insomnia problems. The treatment of this drug should be as short as possible, and it is advisable not to exceed 12 weeks (including the drug withdrawal time).
Currently, studies indicate greater effectiveness and efficiency of psychological versus pharmacological therapy. Behavior changes learned through cognitive behavioral therapy and sleep hygiene are the best treatment for persistent insomnia.
In this article, we talk about the
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Becerra-García, JA “Cognitive effects of prolonged alprazolam consumption: the amnestic syndrome.” Addictive disorders 13.2 (2011): 80-83.
- Berlanga, C., Canetti, A., Chávez, E., De la Fuente, JR, del Carmen Lara, M., León, C., … & Sepúlveda, J. (1991). Pharmacological treatment of anxiety attacks. Comparative report of the efficacy and safety of alprazolam and imipramine in a controlled study. Mental Health, 14(1), 1-5.
- Dawson, G.W., Jue, S.G., & Brogden, R.N. (1984). Alprazolam. Drugs, 27(2), 132-147.
- Ortiz, María Fe Bravo. Psychopharmacology for psychologists. Synthesis, 2008.