Alprazolam Dosage

Often regarded as the best medication for anxiety, Alprazolam has long been used to treat general anxiety, panic attacks, and other mental disorders. The average Alprazolam dosage for adults is 0.5 mg daily. For more severe cases, the Alprazolam dosage is increased to 0.5 mg two or three times daily. For older adults, the initial Alprazolam dosage is 0.5 mg a day and is usually restricted so that no more than 1 mg is taken daily on a regular basis. Alprazolam is generally used for short-term periods of therapy lasting only 8 weeks or less. Physicians normally refrain from prescribing the drug to children under the age of 18.

Alprazolam Overdose Symptoms

When the recommended Alprazolam dosage is exceeded, the side effects of the overdose can be quite pronounced. They are significantly worse when alcohol is consumed with Alprazolam. The following are some common symptoms of an Alprazolam overdose:

  • loss of consciousness
  • extreme drowsiness
  • slowed breathing
  • confusion
  • tremors
  • slurred speech
  • staggering walk
  • slow reflexes
  • poor coordination

If you have exceeded your prescribed Alprazolam dosage and you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then you should contact your physician immediately. You should contact your doctor even if you are taking your prescribed Alprazolam dosage if these symptoms arise while taking this medication.

Alprazolam Overdose Effects

The effects of exceeding your recommended Alprazolam dosage can be extremely harmful, even lethal. Overdosing on Alprazolam or any other benzodiazepine can significantly affect the brain's heart and breathing control centers. Because this drug has a profound sedative effect, exceeding your prescribed Alprazolam dosage can retard breathing to the point of cessation or cause hypotension (low blood pressure). Either of these effects can be lethal.

It's best to stick with the Alprazolam dosage prescribed by your health care provider. If you experience any of the Alprazolam side effects listed above, then stop taking the medication immediately and contact your physician. Otherwise, stay with the recommended dosage and only increase your Alprazolam dosage under the strict supervision of your medical doctor.

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