What is alprazolam?

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). It affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with anxiety.

Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression.

Alprazolam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

You should not use alprazolam if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, if you also take itraconazole or ketoconazole, or if you are allergic to alprazolam or similar medicines (Valium, Ativan, Tranxene, and others).

Do not use alprazolam if you are pregnant. This medicine can cause birth defects or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn.

Alprazolam may be habit-forming. Misuse of habit-forming medicine can cause addiction, overdose, or death.

Do not drink alcohol while taking alprazolam. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol. This medicine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person for whom it was prescribed. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Alprazolam dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Anxiety:

Immediate-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, oral concentrate: Initial dose: 0.25 to 0.5 mg orally 3 times a day This dose may be gradually increased every 3 to 4 days if needed and tolerated. Maintenance dose: May increase up to maximum daily dose of 4 mg in divided doses

Usual Adult Dose for Panic Disorder:

Immediate-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets: Initial dose: 0.5 mg orally 3 times a day

This dose may be gradually increased every 3 to 4 days if needed and tolerated. Maintenance dose: 1 to 10 mg per day in divided doses

Mean dose employed: 5 to 6 mg per day in divided doses

Extended-release tablets:

Initial dose: 0.5 to 1 mg once a day

The daily dose may be gradually increased by no more than 1 mg every 3 to 4 days if needed and tolerated.
Maintenance dose: 1 to 10 mg once a day
Mean dose employed: 3 to 6 mg once a day

Usual Adult Dose for Depression:

Immediate-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, oral concentrate: Initial dose: 0.5 mg orally 3 times a day

The daily dose may be gradually increased by no more than 1 mg every 3 to 4 days.

Average Dose: Studies in the treatment of depression have reported an average effective dose of 3 mg orally daily in divided doses

Maximum Dose: Studies in the treatment of depression have reported to have used 4.5 mg orally daily in divided doses as a maximum.