Xanax

Alprazolam tablets are tightly controlled in Pakistani psychiatric clinics, from Fountain House in Lahore to AKUH in Karachi, where psychiatrists prescribe them short-term for severe anxiety or panic attacks that disrupt daily life. As a benzodiazepine, it’s PMDC-scheduled under controlled substances to curb misuse in our high-stress urban scenes, often with therapy over pills. Brands like Xanax or generics in 0.25-2mg tabs cost PKR 200-500 per strip—strict script only via Dawaai.pk or hospital pharmacy—pulled from psych protocols, taper mandatory to dodge withdrawal.

Basic Product Details

• Form and Strength: Immediate-release tablets 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg; extended-release up to 3mg; oral solution 1mg/ml.
• Packaging: Strips of 10-30 tabs, controlled dispensing.
• Pricing: PKR 200-500 per strip, varies—generics cheaper but regulated.
• Brands in Pakistan: Xanax (imported), or PMDC-approved generics like Alprax from local labs.

Ingredients

• Active Ingredient: Alprazolam.
• Excipients: Lactose, cellulose, magnesium stearate—label for allergies.

Drug Class

Benzodiazepine (Anxiolytic).

How It Functions

Alprazolam boosts GABA at brain receptors for calming, reducing anxiety signals without crossing BBB much for sedation. In Pakistan’s fast-paced anxiety spikes, it’s quick relief, but docs limit to 2-4 weeks max to avoid dependence.

Common Applications

Local psych guidelines cover:

• Generalized anxiety disorder.
• Panic disorder with/without agoraphobia.
• Short-term off-label for severe insomnia or pre-procedure nerves.

Dosage Form

Tablets swallowed whole; start low 0.25-0.5mg 2-3x daily, taper slow.

Potential Side Effects

Common: Drowsiness, coordination issues, low BP, slurred speech, memory fog, constipation, nausea, sex drive changes.

Serious from reports: Allergic reactions (swelling, hives), dependence/withdrawal (seizures, hallucinations), misuse leading to coma. ER for breathing trouble or suicidal thoughts.

Key Warnings and Precautions

PMDC mandates:

• Dependence: High risk—shortest course, no abrupt stop.
• Elderly: Start lowest, higher fall/sedation risk.
• Pregnancy: Late-term withdrawal in newborns—avoid.
• Breastfeeding: Passes milk, baby sedation.
• Drive: No until effects known.

Alcohol deadly combo; monitor depression.

When It’s Not Suitable (Contraindications)

Avoid if:

• Allergic to benzodiazepines.
• Acute narrow-angle glaucoma.
• Severe respiratory depression.

Drug Interactions

Flag doc:

• Opioids, alcohol—respiratory arrest.
• Antifungals (ketoconazole), macrolides—levels spike.
• Phenytoin, digoxin—toxicity.
• HIV meds (ritonavir)—prolonged effects.

In Case of Overdose

Drowsiness, coma—911 or poison control, supportive care.

Missed Dose

Take soon unless near next; skip, no double—steady levels key.

Storage and Disposal

Room temp (15-30°C), dry, light-protected for some, kid-proof lock. Pharmacy controlled disposal.

Quick Tips

• Lowest effective dose.
• Taper under guidance.
• No alcohol or drive.

Doctor Review

Psychiatrists at FMH Rawalpindi or Jinnah use alprazolam for acute panic where SSRIs lag, dosing 0.5mg PRN max 4 weeks with CBT push, but switch to buspirone long-term amid abuse reports in student crowds—elderly get half doses.

Laboratory Screening

If long:

• Liver/kidney function.
• Mood/depression screens.

This sketches alprazolam’s anxiety curb in Pakistan—controlled facts, psych oversight.

Disclaimer: This is product information only, not a prescription or diagnosis. Consult a qualified Pakistani doctor before using alprazolam to ensure it’s safe.