Alpraf 0.5mg Tablet
Product Info
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Marketer | Syncom Formulations I Limited |
| Active Ingredient | Alprazolam (0.5mg) |
| Storage | Store below 30°C |
| Chemical Class | Benzodiazepines Derivative |
| Habit Forming | Yes |
| Therapeutic Class | NEURO CNS |
| Action Class | Benzodiazepines |
| User Rating | 4.5 |
| User Reviews | 445 |
FAQ
What is Alpraf 0.5mg used for?
Alpraf 0.5mg is used to relieve excess (moderate to severe) anxiety and to treat anxiety associated with depression. It is not to be used for mild anxiety associated with the stress of day to day life situations.
Can I take Alpraf 0.5mg for a hangover?
No, Alpraf 0.5mg is not indicated for managing a hangover. Rather, Alpraf 0.5mg should not be taken with alcohol as both the substances can cause excessive sleep (sedation) and depress your brain.
Does Alpraf 0.5mg cause weight gain?
Change in weight (both weight gain and weight loss) has been reported as a common side effect with Alpraf 0.5mg. Please consult your doctor if you experience a disproportionate change in weight when you are taking Alpraf 0.5mg.
Is Alpraf 0.5mg addictive (habit-forming)?
Yes, the use of Alpraf 0.5mg has addictive potential. Its use is associated with the risk of addiction for physical or psychological effects. The abrupt discontinuation of Alpraf 0.5mg is therefore not advised to avoid serious withdrawal symptoms.
Can I take Alpraf 0.5mg with paracetamol?
No, interactions have been reported between Alpraf 0.5mg and paracetamol. However, this does not mean that no interactions exist. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.
Does Alpraf 0.5mg make you sleepy?
Yes, Alpraf 0.5mg makes you sleepy. Sedation (sleepiness) is a very common side effect of Alpraf 0.5mg. Please consult your doctor if you are prescribed Alpraf 0.5mg and your work requires you to remain alerted or you drive yourself as it may affect your driving.
Does Alpraf 0.5mg reduce blood pressure?
Lowering of blood pressure is seen if you take more than the prescribed dose of Alpraf 0.5mg. Please consult your doctor if you experience excessive fall in blood pressure while you are taking Alpraf 0.5mg.
Can I take Alpraf 0.5mg for anxiety?
Yes, Alpraf 0.5mg is used to relieve excess (moderate to severe) anxiety and to treat anxiety associated with depression. It is not recommended for mild anxiety associated with the stress of day to day life situations.
Is Alpraf 0.5mg an opioid?
No, Alpraf 0.5mg is not an opioid, it belongs to a class of substances called benzodiazepines.
Can I take Alpraf 0.5mg for the rest of my life?
No, Alpraf 0.5mg should be taken only for a prescribed duration at prescribed doses as advised by your doctor.
Is Alpraf 0.5mg an anti-depressant?
No, Alpraf 0.5mg is not an anti-depressant. It is used to relieve excess anxiety and to treat anxiety associated with depression.
Is Alpraf 0.5mg a narcotic substance?
No, Alpraf 0.5mg is not a narcotic substance. It belongs to the class of medicines known as benzodiazepines and is used for the treatment of anxiety.
Is Alpraf 0.5mg safe?
Alpraf 0.5mg is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor.
Can I take Alpraf 0.5mg with hydrocodone?
Alpraf 0.5mg should not be taken with hydrocodone. Alpraf 0.5mg belong to a class of medicines called benzodiazepines and hydrocodone belongs to the class of medicines called opioids. Both the classes cause sedation (increased tendency to sleep) and respiratory depression (slow and difficult breathing). Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.
What if you forget to take Alpraf Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Alpraf 0.5mg, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.\n
Alpraf 0.5mg Tablet Reviews
Alpraf 0.5mg belongs to a class of medicines known as benzodiazepines. It is used to treat anxiety. It alters brain activity, calms it, and provides relief from panic attacks by relaxing the nerves.
Alpraf 0.5mg may be taken with or without food. However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor as it has a high potential of habit-forming. If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. This medication mustn't be stopped suddenly without talking to the doctor as it may cause nausea and anxiety.
The most common side effect of this medicine is lightheadedness. It may cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
It may also cause weight gain or weight loss as it can vary from person to person. To prevent weight gain you can eat a healthy balanced diet, avoid snacking with high-calorie foods, and exercise regularly. Weight loss can be managed by increasing food portions and consulting a dietitian. If you have been taking this medicine for a long time then regular monitoring of blood and liver functions may be required.
Alpraf 0.5mg may be taken with or without food. However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor as it has a high potential of habit-forming. If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. This medication mustn't be stopped suddenly without talking to the doctor as it may cause nausea and anxiety.
The most common side effect of this medicine is lightheadedness. It may cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
It may also cause weight gain or weight loss as it can vary from person to person. To prevent weight gain you can eat a healthy balanced diet, avoid snacking with high-calorie foods, and exercise regularly. Weight loss can be managed by increasing food portions and consulting a dietitian. If you have been taking this medicine for a long time then regular monitoring of blood and liver functions may be required.
How Alpraf 0.5mg Tablet Works
Alpraf 0.5mg is a benzodiazepine. It works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger (GABA) which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
How to Use Alpraf 0.5mg Tablet
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Alpraf 0.5mg may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Benefits of Alpraf 0.5mg Tablet
- In Treatment of Panic disorder: Alpraf 0.5mg can help relieve symptoms of many panic disorders including panic attacks. It can help you feel calmer and improve your ability to deal with problems. Do not stop taking it, even when you feel better unless your doctor advises you to.
- In Treatment of Anxiety: Alpraf 0.5mg reduces the symptoms of excessive anxiety and worry. It can also reduce feelings of restlessness, tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and feeling irritable. It will therefore help you go about your daily activities more easily and be more productive. Keep taking this medicine even if you feel well. Stopping it suddenly can cause serious problems. So, do not stop taking it without discussing it with your doctor.
Uses of Alpraf 0.5mg Tablet
- Treatment of Anxiety
- Treatment of Panic disorder
Alpraf 0.5mg Tablet Side Effects
Safety Tips
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Alpraf 0.5mg is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Alpraf 0.5mg.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Alpraf 0.5mg is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Liver
CAUTION
Alpraf 0.5mg should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Alpraf 0.5mg may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Driving
UNSAFE
Alpraf 0.5mg may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Alpraf 0.5mg is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Alpraf 0.5mg may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Quick Tips
- It may cause dizziness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
- The addiction / habit-forming potential of this medicine is very high. Take it only as per the dose and duration advised by your doctor
- Do not stop taking medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as that may lead to nausea, anxiety, agitation, flu-like symptoms, sweating, tremor, and confusion.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
- Avoid consuming alcohol as it may increase dizziness and drowsiness.
References
- Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 44-45.
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
- Alprazolam. Kalamazoo, Michigan: Pharmacia & Upjohn Company.
- Chaves RG, Lamounier JA. Breastfeeding and maternal medications. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2004;80(5 Suppl):S189-S198.
- Alprazolam. Sandwich, Kent: Pfizer Limited; 1982 [revised Jan. 2019].
- Stahl SM, editor. Alprazolam. In: Stahl's Essential Pschopharmacology: Prescriber's Guide. 5th ed. New York, New York: Cambridge University Press; 2014. pp. 11-15.