Alprazolam (Xanax) is a widely used benzodiazepine that treats anxiety and panic disorders. Alprazolam has many risks that dentists should know before seeing a patient taking this medication and before prescribing it:
Generic Name: Alprazolam
Brand Name(s): Xanax, Xanax XR
Pronunciation: al PRAY zoe lam
About this drug:
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression.
It can also be used to treat fear of open spaces (agoraphobia) and premenstrual syndrome.
Dentistry-related tidbits:
Depending on the patient, Alprazolam can cause sialorrhea (excess saliva) or xerostomia (dry mouth).
This medication may cause dysarthria (slurred speech).
The Beers criteria recommends avoiding benzodiazepines for all elderly patients.
Common antibiotics (e.g. Ciprofloxacin, Clarithromycin), narcotics, muscle relaxants, antifungals, and Propofol can cause CNS and respiratory depression and diminished psychomotor function when combined with Alprazolam. Make sure to check for potential interactions before prescribing using a tool like Rx Check.
Always prescribe the lowest dose possible for the shortest duration necessary since Alprazolam may increase the risk of misuse, abuse, and addiction that may lead to overdose or death when combined with illegal drugs, alcohol, or other medications.
This medication combined with opioids, cough syrups containing opioids, muscle relaxants, sleep aids, alcohol, antihistamines such as Benadryl, or any other sedating medication may result in deep sedation (respiratory depression), coma, and death.
Fun facts:
Xanax is commonly misused as a recreational drug and has a high risk of abuse and addiction.
Smoking cigarettes can decrease levels and efficacy of Alprazolam by up to 50%.
Grapefruit products and Alcohol can seriously increase risk of CNS and respiratory depression and diminished psychomotor function.
Alprazolam is not only the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepine, but it is the most commonly prescribed psychotropic medication in the United States, accounting for more than 48 million prescriptions dispensed in 2013.
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