How to use Alprazolam? (Xanax, Niravam) - Doctor Explains

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 20:59:51 +0000

In this video we will cover everything you need to know about Alprazolam, also known as Xanax. This video is part of a video series on mental health problems. So for more mental health related videos check out this playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playli....st?list=PLaG3Bo3L0gX

Generic name: Alprazolam.
Brand names: Xanax and Niravam.
Available as regular tablets and modified-release tablets.

How to use it?
Swallow the tablets with half a glass of water.

Duration of use?
It is often discouraged to use alprazolam for more than 2 months straight. As this can increase your risk for becoming dependent on this drug. Which means that you will get withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it.
There are some exception though, where treatment with alprazolam could be prolong to 6-12 months. Therefore always discuss prolonged use with your personal doctor.

When to use it?
Alprazolam is part of a group of drugs called Benzodiazepine. It can be used to decrease symptoms of several anxiety disorders, like panic disorder, social phobia or general anxiety disorder.

What is the correct dosage?
The precise dose will depend on your specific indication of use, the side effect you might experience and the severity of your symptoms.Therefore always use the precise amount and frequency your doctor prescribed you.

However, commonly doctors prescribe an initial dose of 0.25–0.5 mg 3×/day for adults using normal tablets. If necessary, this dose can be slowly increased up to a maximum of 3 mg per day divided over several doses.
When prescribing modified-release tablets a common initial dose would be 1mg per day in 1-2 doses

What are common the side-effects?
Very common (10%): sedation, somnolence, depression, memory impairment, slurred speech, dizziness, headache, fatigue, irritability, dry mouth and constipation.
Common (1-10%): decreased appetite, confusion, anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, disorientation, balance disorder, disturbed coordination, disturbed attention, tremor, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, edema, and chest pain.
Uncommon (0.1-1%): anger, aggression, hostility, agitation, stimulation, hallucinations, muscle weakness, thirst, diarrhea, and physical and psychological dependence.

Safety:
First of all be careful to combine Alprazolam with alcohol. As this might increase it’s side effects.
In addition, it can be dangerous to drive while using this drug. As it can cause you to become drowsy, sleepy and/or dizzy. If you experiencing any of these side effects then please do not drive.
Furthermore, Alprazolam can have interactions with other drugs your are taking. always discuss this with your prescribing doctor.

Pregnancy and Lactation:
Research shows that occasional use of Alprazolam in low doses could be safe. This is true for pregnant woman and woman which are breastfeeding. However, there are some exceptions. Therefore always discuss this with your personal doctor.

- Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -

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Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2021). Alprazolam.
2: Apotheek.nl (2020). Alprazolam.

* The images in this video are used for educational purposes only. Most of the images and video material in this video come from https://www.canva.com/.

Music:
1. Verified Picasso, Fish Room
2. Patrick Patrikos, Good Times
3: Patrick Patrikios, Rockville
4: Patrick Patrikios, Grut

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