Alprazolam

Generic Name

Alprazolam

Trade Name

Xanax

Indication

anxiety, panic disorder, manage symptoms of PMS, insomnia, mania, psychosis

Action

works in CNS to produce anxiolytic effect causing CNS depression.

Therapeutic Class

antianxiety agent

Pharmacologic Class

benzodiazepine

Nursing Considerations

use caution with existing CNS depression, sleep apnea, renal dysfunction, hepatic dysfunction.

may cause CNS depression, drowsiness, lethargy

may lead to physical dependence, may experience tolerance effect

assess anxiety and mental status

Flumazenil is the antidote for overdose

Grapefruit juice may increase blood levels