MedPath

Alprazolam

Generic Name
Alprazolam
Brand Names
Niravam, Xanax
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C17H13ClN4
CAS Number
28981-97-7
Unique Ingredient Identifier
YU55MQ3IZY
Background

Alprazolam is a triazolobenzodiazepine indicated for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. It is mainly metabolized by CYP3As and so is contraindicated with CYP3A inhibitors like ketoconazole and itraconazole. Benzodiazepine treatment should be stopped gradually by tapering down a patient's dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Alprazolam's adverse effects are generally related to the sedation it can cause. Alprazolam has been mixed with alcohol as a drug of abuse to potentiate the sedative effects of the drug which may lead to coma and death. Alprazolam was given FDA approval on October 16, 1981.

Indication

Alprazolam is indicated for the acute treatment of generalized anxiety disorder in adults. Alprazolam is also indicated, either as a standard or extended-release formulation, for the treatment of panic disorder with or without agoraphobia in adults.

Alprazolam may also be prescribed off-label for insomnia, premenstrual syndrome, and depression.

Associated Conditions
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder
Clinical Trials
Related News

HHS Approves Mandatory Fentanyl Testing for Truck Drivers Starting July 2024

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has authorized testing for fentanyl in federally regulated occupations, including truck drivers, through both urine and oral fluid drug panels effective July 2024. • Data from motor carriers performing hair follicle testing revealed 137 fentanyl positives in 2023, with 56% being fentanyl-only cases, demonstrating the growing concern of fentanyl use in the transportation industry. • The synthetic opioid, approximately 100 times more potent than morphine, has become the third most frequently identified drug in U.S. testing, accounting for 13.81% of all drugs reported by forensic laboratories.

UWM-Developed Drug, GL-Damonia, Enters FDA Phase 1 Trials for Depression and Alzheimer's

• A drug developed at the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery (MIDD), called GL-Damonia, has entered FDA Phase 1 clinical trials, marking a significant milestone. • GL-Damonia, a derivative of benzodiazepines, aims to treat depression and Alzheimer's disease by promoting neuron regrowth without the side effects of existing medications. • Phase 1 trials will assess the drug's safety and determine a safe dosage range in healthy individuals, with potential progression to Phase 2 and 3 trials for efficacy testing. • The development team, led by Jim Cook and Etienne Sibille, hopes the drug will offer a novel approach to treating these debilitating conditions, addressing a critical unmet need.
© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath
HomeTerms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy