If you have an anxiety disorder, your doctor may prescribe alprazolam IR oral tablets.

Alprazolam is used to treat.

To learn more about the conditions alprazolam is used to treat, see the “What is alprazolam IR oral tablet used for?” section below.

Alprazolam IR oral tablet basics

Alprazolam is classified as a benzodiazepine. (A drug class is a group of medications that work in the same way.)

Alprazolam IR tablets are taken by mouth. The term “IR” means that the dose is released into your body.

Note: Alprazolam also comes in other forms: oral solution (which you take by mouth), extended-release (XR) oral tablets, and oral disintegrating tablets (which dissolve on or under your tongue). Only alprazolam IR oral tablets are described in this article.

There are different forms of alprazolam. Alprazolam XR has a dose of 3 milligrams. Alprazolam IR oral tablets are not available in this dose.

If you want to learn more about alprazolam, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Alprazolam IR oral tablet brand-name versions

Alprazolam IR oral tablet is a generic drug. It’s also available as a brand-name drug called Xanax.

Note: The other forms of alprazolam have other brand-name drug versions. To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Alprazolam IR is a generic drug that is an exact copy of a brand-name medication. The brand name medication that alprazolam IR oral tablet is based on is called Xanax.

Generic drugs are thought to be as effective as the brand-name drug they are based on. Generic drugs are usually cheaper than brand-name drugs.

If you’d like to know more about using Xanax instead of alprazolam IR oral tablet, talk with your doctor. Read this Healthline article to learn more about the differences between generic and brand-name drugs.

Alprazolam IR oral tablets may cause mild or serious side effects. Some of the more common side effects of alprazolam IR oral tablets are described below. All possible side effects are not included in these lists.

Side effects of a drug can depend on other factors.

  • Your age.
  • You have other health conditions.
  • You may be taking other drugs.

The doctor or the pharmacy can tell you more about the side effects of alprazolam IR. They can suggest ways to reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that alprazolam IR oral tablets can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read alprazolam IR oral tablet’s prescribing information.

There are some mild side effects of alprazolam IR oral tablets.

The side effect focus section gives more information on this side effect.

Many drugs can have mild side effects that go away in a few days or weeks. If they become intolerable, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Alprazolam IR oral tablets can have serious side effects, but they are not very common. If you have serious side effects from taking this drug, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, you should call the emergency number.

There have been reports of serious side effects of alprazolam IR oral tablets.

The side effect focus section gives more information on this side effect.

Suicide prevention

If you think someone is at risk of self-injury or hurting another person.

  • You can call your local emergency number.
  • Stay with the person until help arrives.
  • Guns, knives, medications, and other things should be removed.
  • “Don’t judge, argue, threaten, or yell.”

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, you should get help from a hotline. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 800-273-8255.

Side effect focus

Some of the side effects of alprazolam IR oral tablets can be found here.

Boxed warning

Alprazolam IR oral tablets have a boxed warning. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Warning: Risks when used with opioids. Using a benzodiazepine such as alprazolam with an opioid can increase your risk for severe side effects, including:

What can help?

If your doctor agrees that the best treatment plan for you is alprazolam IR oral tablets with an opiate, you should use them. The doctor will prescribe the lowest dose needed to treat your condition for the shortest time possible.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all the drugs you take before you take alprazolam. They can check for drug interactions. Taking medications with a drug can affect how it works.

If you take an opiate, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of alprazolam. They may prescribe a different medication.

If you are taking an opiate, be sure to tell your doctor about it. You may need a lower dose of the medication. Your doctor may decide to reduce the dose of alprazolam. They may prescribe something else besides an opiate.

For a list of opioids, see “Interactions” in the “What should be considered before taking alprazolam IR oral tablet?” section below.

Side effects in older people

Older people may be at higher risk for side effects if they take alprazolam. This is because the way our kidneys handle certain medications, including alprazolam, changes as we age.

As a result, alprazolam levels may build up in older people, even at approved doses. This puts older people at higher risk for side effects from alprazolam, including sleepiness and problems with coordination or balance.

What can help?

The lowest alprazolam that works for you will be prescribed by your doctor. This helps reduce the risk of side effects.

If you are concerned about side effects from alprazolam, you should talk to your doctor.

Weight gain or weight loss

Taking alprazolam IR oral tablets could cause weight gain or weight loss. People taking the drug in clinical trials reported weight changes.

Weight loss can also be a symptom of withdrawal from alprazolam. For more information about withdrawal and alprazolam, see the “What are some frequently asked questions about alprazolam IR oral tablet?” section below.

It’s also important to note that weight changes can be symptoms of an anxiety disorder.

What can help?

If you are concerned about your weight while taking alprazolam IR oral tablets, talk to your doctor. They can help you maintain a healthy weight. They may suggest stopping alprazolam treatment and trying a different medication.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to alprazolam IR oral tablets.

A mild allergic reaction can include some symptoms.

  • There is a skin rash.
  • It is itchy.
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is not uncommon. A severe allergic reaction can cause swelling under your skin, which can be seen in your eyes, lips, hands, and feet. They can include swelling of your mouth, throat, and tongue, which can cause trouble breathing.

If you have an allergic reaction to alprazolam IR, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, call the emergency number.

If you have an anxiety disorder, your doctor may prescribe alprazolam IR oral tablets for your condition.

It’s normal to have feelings of anxiety caused by the stress of everyday life. But for people with anxiety disorders, anxiety symptoms can be more severe and don’t go away on their own. These symptoms include Problems concentrating, being irritable or angry, and more.

Alprazolam is used to treat.

  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People with GAD have uncontrollable worries about common situations. They may have symptoms such as feeling that something bad will happen or being unable to calm themselves.
  • Symptoms of anxiety. Symptoms of anxiety vary, but they generally include Problems concentrating, restlessness, and sleep problems, among others. Alprazolam may be used short term to treat symptoms of anxiety.
  • Panic disorder. A person with panic disorder is a disorder. is a disorder. is a disorder. has recurring and unexpected panic attacks. A panic attack involves feeling sudden, intense fear. And it can cause physical symptoms such as breathing difficulties, fast or racing heartbeat, and sweating.

Alprazolam is only prescribed to adults for these uses. The drug has not been studied in children.

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine drug. It’s unclear what the mechanism of action for benzodiazepines is. (“Mechanism of action” is how a drug works.) But this type of drug is thought to slow down the central nervous system (CNS).

Your CNS consists of your brain and spinal cord. It controls activity throughout your body. Slowing your CNS can help treat or prevent certain symptoms of anxiety or panic disorder is a disorder. is a disorder. is a disorder.s.

Alprazolam may also be used off-label for other conditions. With off-label use, a drug is prescribed for a condition it isn’t approved to treat. Talk with your doctor for more information.

Your doctor will explain how you should take alprazolam IR oral tablets. They will also explain how much to take and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Alprazolam IR oral tablets are available in four strengths.

The term “IR” means that the dose is released into your body.

Taking alprazolam IR oral tablet

Alprazolam IR are pills that you take.

Dosage

Alprazolam is used to treat.

Alprazolam IR oral tablets are usually taken three times a day. Your doctor will start you with a low dose. They may increase your dose every 3 or 4 days until you reach a treatment that works to treat your condition.

Taking alprazolam IR oral tablet with other drugs

Alprazolam IR oral tablets can be used alone or with other drugs.

Other factors will affect whether you take alprazolam with other medications. The severity of the condition you are treating with the drug is included. Your doctor can answer questions about taking alprazolam IR with other drugs.

Questions about taking alprazolam IR oral tablet

There are a lot of questions related to taking alprazolam IR oral tablets.

  • What if I miss a dose of alprazolam IR oral tablets? If you miss a dose of alprazolam, try to take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Do not take more than your doctor prescribes at your next dose. This could increase your risk for side effects from alprazolam.
  • Will I need to use alprazolam IR oral tablets long term? Maybe. It depends on the condition you’re using alprazolam to treat, the severity of your condition, and other factors. Your doctor can tell you more about whether you’ll need to use alprazolam IR oral tablets long term.
  • Can alprazolam IR oral tablets be chewed, crushed, or split? There are several manufacturers of alprazolam IR oral tablets. Whether alprazolam can be chewed, crushed, or split may depend on the manufacturer. Ask your pharmacist whether the specific type of alprazolam IR oral tablet you take can be chewed, crushed, or split.
  • Should I take alprazolam IR oral tablets with food? You may take alprazolam IR oral tablets with or without food.
  • How long do alprazolam IR oral tablets take to work? Alprazolam IR oral tablets begin to work as soon as you take your dose. Depending on the condition you’re using alprazolam to treat, you may not feel the drug working right away. Some people may feel the drug’s effects as soon as 30 minutes after taking a dose. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about when alprazolam IR oral tablets may start to work for your condition.

Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about alprazolam IR. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help you.

  • Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
    • How will alprazolam IR affect my body, mood, and lifestyle?
  • Bring someone with you to your appointment to make you feel more comfortable.
  • “If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it.”

“Your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. They want you to get the best care possible. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or give feedback on your treatment”

Find out what the answers are to some questions.

Is alprazolam used for sleep?

Alprazolam isn’t approved for treating sleep disorders, such as insomnia. However, it may be given off-label to treat this condition. (With off-label use, a drug is prescribed for a condition it isn’t approved to treat.)

If you have questions about the use of alprazolam, you should talk to your doctor.

How does alprazolam work?

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine drug. It’s unclear what the mechanism of action for benzodiazepines is. (“Mechanism of action” is how a drug works.) But this type of drug is thought to slow down the central nervous system (CNS). Your CNS consists of your brain and spinal cord. It controls activity throughout your body.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how alprazolam works.

What is alprazolam’s half-life? How long does it stay in your system?

The half-life of alprazolam IR is about 11 hours. The drug is more popular in older adults. Alprazolam IR oral tablets stay in your system for about 5 times the half-life, which is around 2 days.

Is alprazolam a controlled substance?

Yes, alprazolam is a controlled substance in the United States. This means that the drug’s use is controlled by the U.S. government to prevent possible misuse. It also means alprazolam can lead to dependence (when your body needs a drug in order for you to feel normal).

Misusing medications such as alprazolam can cause severe CNS Depression., which means your CNS slows down. This may lead to serious side effects, including Seizures., trouble breathing, or A A A coma…. In rare cases, CNS Depression. can even be fatal.

Using other medications that depress your CNS with alprazolam increases your risk for severe CNS Depression..

If you have questions about controlled substances, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

How does alprazolam compare with flualprazolam and etizolam?

Flualprazolam and etizolam are benzodiazepines, the same group of drugs that alprazolam belongs to. These drugs are used to treat some of the same conditions, such as anxiety.

Flualprazolam and etizolam are not approved by the FDA for use. The drugs are not available in the US.

If you have questions about alprazolam, you should talk to your doctor.

Does stopping alprazolam cause withdrawal symptoms?

withdrawal symptoms can be caused by stopping alprazolam treatment. When you stop taking a drug, your body becomes dependent on it and you experience withdrawal symptoms.

Mild or serious withdrawal symptoms can be found from alprazolam IR oral tablets.

If you stop alprazolam, you may experience anxiety. It is not known if this is due to withdrawal or to the symptoms of your condition getting worse after stopping the medication.

“Unless your doctor tells you to stop taking alprazolam, you should not. You should not take the medication in a way that is different from your doctor’s instructions. withdrawal symptoms can be caused by missing alprazolam doses.”

If you and your doctor agree that you should stop taking alprazolam IR oral tablets, your doctor will suggest a way to reduce your dose. Slowly decreasing the dose is what tapping a dose means. This helps reduce your risk of withdrawal symptoms from alprazolam.

How long do alprazolam’s effects last?

How long alprazolam’s effects last can depend on several factors. These include Your age., the condition you’re using it to treat, and other conditions you may have, such as liver problems.

The effects of alprazolam last around 6 hours.

When considering treatment with alprazolam IR oral tablets, it is important to have a discussion with your doctor.

  • Your overall health.
  • You may have medical conditions.
  • You may take other drugs.

Read on for more information.

Interactions

Taking medications, vaccines, foods, and other things with a certain drug can affect how the drug works. These effects are called interactions.

Before taking alprazolam IR oral tablets, it is advisable to tell your doctor about all your medication. You should also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Alprazolam IR oral tablets can interact with drugs. These include:

The list does not include all drugs that may interact with alprazolam IR oral tablets. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the interactions that may occur with alprazolam IR oral tablets.

Other interactions

The supplement St. John’s wort can also interact with alprazolam IR oral tablets. Taking St. John’s wort may lower levels of alprazolam in your body. This can reduce how well alprazolam works for you.

Before you start treatment with alprazolam, you should tell your doctor about all your supplements and medications.

Boxed warning

Alprazolam IR oral tablets have a boxed warning about risks when used with opioids. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Warning: Risks when used with opioids. Using a benzodiazepine such as alprazolam with an opioid can increase your risk for severe side effects, including:

The “Side effect focus” section gives more information.

Other warnings

If you have a medical condition that affects your health, Alprazolam IR may not be right for you. Talk to your doctor about your health history before you take the tablets. The factors to consider are listed below.

Breathing problems. Taking alprazolam can cause breathing problems, such as slowed breathing rate. If you have a lung condition, such as asthma, you may be at increased risk for this side effect. You may also be more likely to have serious breathing problems as a side effect from alprazolam.

Before you start treatment, it is important to talk with your doctor about any breathing problems you may have. They can tell you if the drug is safe.

Liver or kidney problems. Your body uses your kidneys and liver to metabolize (break down) alprazolam and pass the drug out of your system. People who have a liver or kidney problem may need a lower alprazolam dose. (Examples include alcoholic liver disease and kidney disease.) Or your doctor may decide another medication is safer for you to take for your condition.

Driving and operating machinery. You should not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how alprazolam will affect you. The drug can cause side effects such as problems with coordination and sleepiness. This can make it dangerous to drive or operate machinery.

“If these side effects will affect your daily life, tell your doctor. They can tell you if there are other treatments that won’t cause these side effects.”

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to alprazolam IR oral tablets or any of the drug’s ingredients, you should not take them. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.

Alprazolam and alcohol

You should not drink alcohol while taking alprazolam. This is because both alprazolam and alcohol can depress your central nervous system. When used together, they increase your risk for serious side effects, such as difficulty breathing and A A A coma…. In rare cases, they can even be fatal.

If you consume alcohol, talk to your doctor. They can help you avoid drinking. They may suggest a different medication to treat your condition.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It is not recommended that you use alprazolam while pregnant. If taken during the first trimester, bicylezepines such as alprazolam may harm a fetus. If you are pregnant or can become pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking alprazolam.

It is not recommended that you breastfeeding while taking alprazolam. There have been reports of side effects in children who are breastfed. Lack of energy and weight loss are included. Talk to your doctor about how to feed your child while you are taking alprazolam.

Xanax is a brand-name drug that contains alprazolam as its active ingredient. (The active ingredient is the part of a medication that makes it work.) Xanax also comes as a tablet that you swallow.

There are no differences between the brand-name version of alprazolam and the generic version. The only difference is that alprazolam is only for oral use, while Xanax is only for oral use. The word oral means taken by mouth.

If you have questions about the drugs, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Bromazepam is a generic drug that is a type of benzodiazepine, like alprazolam. Both medications come as tablets that you swallow. And they’re both used to treat anxiety, as well as some other conditions.

There are some differences between alprazolam and bromazepam. They can cause different side effects, and they can be given in different dosages.

If you have questions about bromazepam, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

You can learn more about other alternatives to alprazolam by reading this.

Alprazolam IR oral tablet vs. lorazepam

Like alprazolam, lorazepam (Ativan) is a type of benzodiazepine. Both drugs are available as immediate-release (IR) oral tablets. And they’re both used to treat some of the same conditions, such as anxiety. But they do have some differences.

To get an idea of how alprazolam and lorazepam compare, check out this article that covers the brand-name versions of these drugs.

If you have questions about which drug is better, please let your doctor know.

Alprazolam IR oral tablet vs. diazepam

Like alprazolam, diazepam (Valium) is available as an IR oral tablet. Both medications are benzodiazepines. And they’re used to treat some of the same conditions, such as anxiety. But alprazolam and diazepam do have differences as well.

If you’d like to know more about the similarities and differences between alprazolam and diazepam, see this comparison article. It discusses the brand-name versions of these drugs.

Discuss the treatment with your doctor.

Alprazolam IR oral tablets can be used for something other than their intended purpose. Misuse occurs when a drug is used in a different way than it is prescribed. Drug use to get high is an example of misuse.

Alprazolam IR oral tablets can also lead to dependence (when your body needs a drug in order for you to feel normal). This can happen even when you use the medication as recommended. It’s important to note that dependence is different from addiction.

Because of this risk, alprazolam is a controlled substance in the United States. This means that the drug’s use is controlled by the U.S. government to prevent possible misuse.

Misusing medications such as alprazolam can cause severe central nervous system (CNS) Depression., which means your CNS slows down. (Your CNS consists of your brain and spinal cord. It controls activity throughout your body.) This may lead to serious side effects, including Seizures., trouble breathing, and A A A coma…. In rare cases, CNS Depression. can even be fatal.

If you’re taking alprazolam, using other medications that depress your CNS increases your risk of severe CNS Depression..

If you have concerns about misuse of alprazolam, talk to your doctor.

Many factors can affect the cost of prescription drugs. What your insurance plan covers is one of the factors. The cost of this drug can be found with insurance coverage.

Financial assistance to help you pay for alprazolam IR oral tablets may be available. Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds are two websites that provide resources to help reduce the cost of alprazolam IR oral tablets.

Tools are offered on these websites to help you find healthcare and educational resources. Visit the websites to learn more.

For more information about alprazolam’s cost, you can also see this detailed article.

Do not take more than your doctor prescribes. Side effects can be serious if you use more than this.

Symptoms of overdose

There are symptoms caused by an overdose.

What to do in case you take too much alprazolam IR oral tablet

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much alprazolam IR oral tablet. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. However, if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you have questions about using alprazolam IR, you should talk to your doctor. Alprazolam is used to treat conditions in adults.

You may want to ask your doctor about other treatments. There are a few articles that you can find helpful.

Here are a few questions you may ask your doctor.

  • How will I know if alprazolam is helping me?
  • Should I use other treatments while I take alprazolam?
  • Is it possible to take alprazolam with Ibuprofen?
  • Is alprazolam safe to take if I have a heart disease?

To get tips for managing anxiety and read personal stories about how others live with this condition, sign up for Healthline’s online newsletter.

Q:

I am thinking about ending the treatment. Is there a way to stop taking this drug?

Anonymous

A:

“You should talk with your doctor before you stop taking alprazolam. You should not stop treatment without your doctor’s permission. Doing so could increase your risk of withdrawal.”

Your doctor will recommend a slower lowering of your dose. They will reduce your daily dose by a small amount every 3 days. Some people may have their daily dose reduced even more slowly.

While your dose decreases, you may begin to experience withdrawal symptoms, such as depressed mood, trouble sleeping, or Seizures.. If so, your doctor will have you take the previous dose that didn’t cause symptoms. After you’re no longer having withdrawal symptoms, your doctor will decrease your dose of alprazolam more gradually.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.