Alprazolam 2mg ODT Tablets
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take this medication with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, take it with food to help minimize this side effect.
When taking the medication, make sure to handle the tablets carefully. If they come in a foil blister pack, do not push the tablet out of the foil. Instead, use dry hands to remove it from the packaging. Place the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve completely. You do not need to drink water with it. It's essential to avoid swallowing the tablet whole, chewing, breaking, or crushing it.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature in a dry place, away from the bathroom. Keep it in a safe and secure location where children cannot see or reach it, and where others cannot access it. Consider using a locked box or area to store your medication. Remember to keep all medications out of reach of pets.
When disposing of unused or expired medication, do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist. Check with your pharmacist for guidance on the best way to dispose of your medication. You may also want to explore drug take-back programs in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you take this medication regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses.
If you take this medication as needed, follow your doctor's instructions and do not take it more frequently than recommended.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Avoid alcohol and other sedating medications while taking alprazolam, as this can increase drowsiness and dangerous side effects.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you, as it can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
- Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
- Store the ODT tablets in their original blister packaging and do not open until ready to use. Handle with dry hands.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, especially opioids.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Alprazolam 0.25mg Tablets
- Alprazolam 0.5mg Tablets
- Alprazolam 1mg Tablets
- Alprazolam 2mg Tablets
- Alprazolam Con 1mg/ml Solution
- Alprazolam 2mg ODT Tablets
- Alprazolam 1mg ODT Tablets
- Alprazolam 0.5mg ODT Tablets
- Alprazolam 0.25mg ODT Tablets
- Alprazolam ER 1mg Tablets
- Alprazolam ER 2mg Tablets
- Alprazolam XR 3mg Tablets
- Alprazolam ER 0.5mg Tablets
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
BLACK BOX WARNING
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention right away:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of depression, suicidal thoughts, or mood changes, including:
+ Emotional ups and downs
+ Abnormal thinking
+ Anxiety
+ Lack of interest in life
Change in balance
Shortness of breath
Severe dizziness or fainting
Confusion
Memory problems or loss
Difficulty speaking
Trouble urinating
Difficulty controlling body movements
Muscle twitching
Rapid heartbeat
Blurred vision
Changes in menstrual period (in women)
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:
Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, or weakness
Dry mouth
Changes in appetite
Constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach upset
Changes in sex drive
Sexual problems
Weight gain or loss
Sleep disturbances
Headache
Excessive sweating
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Extreme drowsiness or sedation
- Difficulty breathing or shallow breathing
- Unusual dizziness or lightheadedness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Slurred speech
- Memory problems
- Paradoxical reactions (e.g., increased agitation, aggression, hallucinations)
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma.
* If you are currently taking any of the following medications: clarithromycin, itraconazole, or ketoconazole. Your doctor or pharmacist can provide guidance on other medications that should not be taken in combination with this drug.
Additionally, if you are breast-feeding, please note that you should not breast-feed while taking this medication.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (including prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other medications and health issues. Do not initiate, stop, or modify the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
If you have been using this drug for an extended period or at high doses, you may develop tolerance, which means it may not be as effective, and you may require higher doses to achieve the same effect. If you notice this medication is no longer working as well as it should, contact your doctor. Do not exceed the prescribed dose.
Until you understand how this medication affects you, avoid driving and other activities that require alertness. Additionally, refrain from consuming alcohol while taking this drug.
Before using marijuana, other forms of cannabis, or prescription and over-the-counter medications that can cause drowsiness, consult with your doctor.
If you are taking this medication long-term, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor your condition.
If you regularly consume grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit, discuss this with your doctor, as it may interact with your medication.
If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), a condition where your body cannot break down the amino acid phenylalanine, consult with your doctor, as some products may contain phenylalanine.
If you start or stop smoking, inform your doctor, as this may affect your dosage.
If you are 65 years or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.
This medication may harm an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. Taking this medication late in pregnancy may increase the risk of breathing or feeding problems, low body temperature, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Discuss the potential risks with your doctor.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Confusion
- Impaired coordination (ataxia)
- Diminished reflexes
- Slurred speech
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Respiratory depression
- Coma
- Death
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Naloxone may reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression but is not effective for benzodiazepine overdose alone. Flumazenil may be used in severe cases but carries risks (e.g., seizures).
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, nefazodone, fluvoxamine, ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir)
Major Interactions
- Opioids (increased risk of respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death)
- Other CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, barbiturates, sedating antihistamines, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, general anesthetics)
- Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin, diltiazem, verapamil, grapefruit juice)
- Digoxin (may increase digoxin levels)
Moderate Interactions
- Oral contraceptives (may increase alprazolam levels)
- Cimetidine (may increase alprazolam levels)
- Fluoxetine (may increase alprazolam levels)
- Propoxyphene (may increase alprazolam levels)
- Imipramine, desipramine (may increase levels of these antidepressants)
Minor Interactions
- Theophylline (may decrease alprazolam effects)
- Rifampin (may decrease alprazolam levels)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To assess baseline anxiety/panic symptoms and cognitive function.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Rationale: Alprazolam is primarily metabolized by the liver; baseline assessment is important, especially in patients with suspected hepatic impairment.
Timing: Prior to initiation, particularly if hepatic impairment is suspected or present.
Rationale: Although renal excretion of unchanged drug is minimal, metabolites are renally cleared. Important for overall patient assessment.
Timing: Prior to initiation, particularly if renal impairment is suspected or present.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Regularly, at each follow-up visit (e.g., weekly initially, then monthly/quarterly)
Target: Reduction in symptom severity, improved functional status.
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement, worsening symptoms, or development of new symptoms may require dose adjustment or re-evaluation of therapy.
Frequency: Regularly, at each follow-up visit
Target: Minimal to no intolerable side effects.
Action Threshold: Significant or intolerable side effects warrant dose reduction, change in dosing schedule, or discontinuation.
Frequency: Regularly, at each follow-up visit
Target: Absence of drug-seeking behavior, escalating doses, or withdrawal symptoms.
Action Threshold: Evidence of abuse or dependence requires careful re-evaluation of treatment plan, potential referral for addiction treatment, and consideration of tapering off the medication.
Frequency: Closely monitor, especially during initiation or dose escalation of either drug.
Target: Normal respiratory rate and depth.
Action Threshold: Bradypnea, shallow breathing, or signs of hypoventilation require immediate medical attention.
Symptom Monitoring
- Excessive sedation
- Dizziness
- Ataxia
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Memory impairment
- Paradoxical reactions (e.g., agitation, aggression, hallucinations)
- Signs of withdrawal (e.g., rebound anxiety, insomnia, seizures, tremors, muscle cramps, vomiting) upon discontinuation or dose reduction.
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Alprazolam is classified as Pregnancy Category D, indicating positive evidence of human fetal risk. It should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Alprazolam is excreted into breast milk. Due to potential for sedation, feeding difficulties, and withdrawal symptoms in the infant, use is generally not recommended during breastfeeding. If use is necessary, monitor the infant closely for adverse effects.
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients (<18 years of age). Use is generally not recommended due to lack of data and potential for adverse effects.
Geriatric Use
Elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of benzodiazepines and may experience increased risk of sedation, dizziness, falls, and cognitive impairment. Initial doses should be lower (e.g., 0.25 mg ODT two or three times daily) and titrated slowly. Monitor closely for adverse effects.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Alprazolam ODT offers a faster onset of action compared to conventional tablets for some patients due to rapid dissolution, which can be beneficial for acute anxiety or panic attacks.
- Due to its relatively short half-life and high potency, alprazolam carries a higher risk of physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms compared to longer-acting benzodiazepines. Tapering is crucial upon discontinuation.
- The ODT formulation is useful for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills or for situations where water is not readily available.
- Educate patients thoroughly about the risks of concomitant use with opioids, alcohol, and other CNS depressants.
- Monitor for paradoxical reactions, especially in pediatric, geriatric, or psychiatrically unstable patients.
- Assess for a history of substance abuse before initiating therapy, as alprazolam has a high abuse potential.
Alternative Therapies
- Other benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, clonazepam, diazepam)
- SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) for long-term anxiety/panic disorder management (e.g., escitalopram, sertraline, paroxetine)
- SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) (e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine)
- Buspirone (for generalized anxiety disorder)
- Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol for performance anxiety or physical symptoms of anxiety)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other psychotherapies.