This is an unofficial archive of PsychonautWiki as of 2025-08-11T15:14:44Z. Content on this page may be outdated, incomplete, or inaccurate. Please refer to the original page for the most up-to-date information.
Alprazolam: Difference between revisions
>Nepenthe m →Legal status: grammar |
>Sixteenthnight Undo revision 165942 by KenanIsDeadBecauseHeSnortedSpermAndDied (talk) |
||
| (13 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown) | |||
| Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
Like other [[benzodiazepines]], alprazolam binds to specific sites on the [[gamma-amino-butyric acid|GABA<sub>A</sub>]] receptor.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Nuss, P.)) | journal=Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment | title=Anxiety disorders and GABA neurotransmission: a disturbance of modulation | volume=11 | pages=165–175 | date=17 January 2015 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4303399/ | issn=1176-6328 | doi=10.2147/NDT.S58841}}</ref> It is commonly used for the medical treatment of panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or social anxiety disorder (SAD).<ref>FDA approved labeling for Xanax revision 08/23/2011 | http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/018276s045lbl.pdf</ref> | Like other [[benzodiazepines]], alprazolam binds to specific sites on the [[gamma-amino-butyric acid|GABA<sub>A</sub>]] receptor.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Nuss, P.)) | journal=Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment | title=Anxiety disorders and GABA neurotransmission: a disturbance of modulation | volume=11 | pages=165–175 | date=17 January 2015 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4303399/ | issn=1176-6328 | doi=10.2147/NDT.S58841}}</ref> It is commonly used for the medical treatment of panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or social anxiety disorder (SAD).<ref>FDA approved labeling for Xanax revision 08/23/2011 | http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/018276s045lbl.pdf</ref> | ||
Alprazolam has a fast onset of action and symptomatic relief. | Alprazolam has a fast onset of action and symptomatic relief. 90% of peak effects are achieved within the 1st hour of using in preparation for panic disorder and full peak effects are achieved in 1.5 and 1.6 hours respectively.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Smith, R. B.)), ((Kroboth, P. D.)), ((Vanderlugt, J. T.)), ((Phillips, J. P.)), ((Juhl, R. P.)) | journal=Psychopharmacology | title=Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of alprazolam after oral and IV administration | volume=84 | issue=4 | pages=452–456 | date= 1984 | issn=0033-3158 | doi=10.1007/BF00431449}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Sheehan, D. V.)), ((Sheehan, K. H.)), ((Raj, B. A.)) | journal=Psychopharmacology Bulletin | title=The speed of onset of action of alprazolam-XR compared to alprazolam-CT in panic disorder | volume=40 | issue=2 | pages=63–81 | date= 2007 | issn=0048-5764}}</ref> Peak benefits achieved for GAD may take up to a week.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Verster, J. C.)), ((Volkerts, E. R.)) | journal=CNS Drug Reviews | title=Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Efficacy, and Behavioral Toxicity of Alprazolam: A Review of the Literature | volume=10 | issue=1 | pages=45–76 | date=7 June 2006 | url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1527-3458.2004.tb00003.x | issn=1080563X | doi=10.1111/j.1527-3458.2004.tb00003.x}}</ref> | ||
The [[Benzodiazepine#Discontinuation|sudden discontinuation of benzodiazepines]] can be potentially dangerous or life-threatening for individuals using regularly for extended periods of time, sometimes resulting in seizures or death.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Lann, M. A.)), ((Molina, D. K.)) | journal=The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology | title=A fatal case of benzodiazepine withdrawal | volume=30 | issue=2 | pages=177–179 | date= June 2009 | issn=1533-404X | doi=10.1097/PAF.0b013e3181875aa0}}</ref> It is highly recommended to [[taper]] one's dose by gradually lowering the amount taken each day for a prolonged period of time instead of stopping abruptly.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Kahan, M.)), ((Wilson, L.)), ((Mailis-Gagnon, A.)), ((Srivastava, A.)) | journal=Canadian Family Physician | title=Canadian guideline for safe and effective use of opioids for chronic noncancer pain. Appendix B-6: Benzodiazepine Tapering | volume=57 | issue=11 | pages=1269–1276 | date= November 2011 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3215603/ | issn=0008-350X}}</ref> | The [[Benzodiazepine#Discontinuation|sudden discontinuation of benzodiazepines]] can be potentially dangerous or life-threatening for individuals using regularly for extended periods of time, sometimes resulting in seizures or death.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Lann, M. A.)), ((Molina, D. K.)) | journal=The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology | title=A fatal case of benzodiazepine withdrawal | volume=30 | issue=2 | pages=177–179 | date= June 2009 | issn=1533-404X | doi=10.1097/PAF.0b013e3181875aa0}}</ref> It is highly recommended to [[taper]] one's dose by gradually lowering the amount taken each day for a prolonged period of time instead of stopping abruptly.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Kahan, M.)), ((Wilson, L.)), ((Mailis-Gagnon, A.)), ((Srivastava, A.)) | journal=Canadian Family Physician | title=Canadian guideline for safe and effective use of opioids for chronic noncancer pain. Appendix B-6: Benzodiazepine Tapering | volume=57 | issue=11 | pages=1269–1276 | date= November 2011 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3215603/ | issn=0008-350X}}</ref> | ||
| Line 30: | Line 30: | ||
{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}} | {{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}} | ||
{{effects/base | {{effects/base | ||
| Line 42: | Line 43: | ||
*'''[[Effect::Dizziness]]'''{{citation needed}} - Dizziness is sometimes present with higher doses, although generally less than the dizzying effects of alcohol (colloquially known as "the spins"). | *'''[[Effect::Dizziness]]'''{{citation needed}} - Dizziness is sometimes present with higher doses, although generally less than the dizzying effects of alcohol (colloquially known as "the spins"). | ||
*'''[[Effect::Seizure suppression]]'''{{citation needed}} - Alprazolam has seizure suppressing properties as a result of its [[GABA|GABA-mediated]] inhibitory effects on the nervous system. | *'''[[Effect::Seizure suppression]]'''{{citation needed}} - Alprazolam has seizure suppressing properties as a result of its [[GABA|GABA-mediated]] inhibitory effects on the nervous system. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Dry mouth]]''' - Although infrequent, Alprazolam is capable of causing a dry mouth in some users. This may make a user drink more water. This is not the same as dehydration, as it is not known to be dangerous.<ref>Elie R, Lamontagne Y (June 1984). "Alprazolam and diazepam in the treatment of generalized anxiety". Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 4 (3): 125–9. https://journals.lww.com/psychopharmacology/abstract/1984/06000/alprazolam_and_diazepam_in_the_treatment_of.2.aspx</ref> | |||
}} | }} | ||
{{effects/cognitive| | {{effects/cognitive| | ||
| Line 61: | Line 62: | ||
*'''[[Effect::Sleepiness]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Sleepiness]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Thought deceleration]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Thought deceleration]]''' | ||
}} | }} | ||
|{{effects/visual| | |{{effects/visual| | ||
| Line 95: | Line 95: | ||
{{toxicity}} | {{toxicity}} | ||
[[File:harmchart.png|thumb|right|300px|Radar plot showing relative physical harm, social harm, and dependence of benzodiazepines in comparison to other drugs.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Nutt, D.)), ((King, L. A.)), ((Saulsbury, W.)), ((Blakemore, C.)) | journal=The Lancet | title=Development of a rational scale to assess the harm of drugs of potential misuse | volume=369 | issue=9566 | pages=1047–1053 | date=24 March 2007 | url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673607604644 | issn=0140-6736 | doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60464-4}}</ref>]] | [[File:harmchart.png|thumb|right|300px|Radar plot showing relative physical harm, social harm, and dependence of benzodiazepines in comparison to other drugs.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Nutt, D.)), ((King, L. A.)), ((Saulsbury, W.)), ((Blakemore, C.)) | journal=The Lancet | title=Development of a rational scale to assess the harm of drugs of potential misuse | volume=369 | issue=9566 | pages=1047–1053 | date=24 March 2007 | url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673607604644 | issn=0140-6736 | doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60464-4}}</ref>]] | ||
Alprazolam has a [[Toxicity::low toxicity]] relative to dose.<ref name="Mandroili2008" /> However, it is [[Toxicity::potentially [[respiratory depression|lethal]] when mixed with [[depressants]] like [[alcohol]] or [[ | Alprazolam has a [[Toxicity::low toxicity]] relative to dose.<ref name="Mandroili2008" /> However, it is [[Toxicity::potentially [[respiratory depression|lethal]] when mixed with [[depressants]] like [[alcohol]], [[opioids]], or [[barbiturates]]]]. Resulting in increased [[Respiratory depression|respiratory depression]] via a synergistic effect.<ref>Weaver MF. Prescription Sedative Misuse and Abuse. Yale J Biol Med. 2015 Sep;88(3):247-56. [[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4553644/ PMC free article]] [[https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26339207 PubMed]] </ref> | ||
It is strongly recommended that one use [[harm reduction practices]] when using this substance. | It is strongly recommended that one use [[harm reduction practices]] when using this substance. | ||
| Line 124: | Line 124: | ||
*'''Austria''': Alprazolam is legal for medical use under the AMG (Arzneimittelgesetz Österreich) and illegal when sold or possessed without a prescription under the SMG (Suchtmittelgesetz Österreich).{{citation needed}} | *'''Austria''': Alprazolam is legal for medical use under the AMG (Arzneimittelgesetz Österreich) and illegal when sold or possessed without a prescription under the SMG (Suchtmittelgesetz Österreich).{{citation needed}} | ||
*'''Czechia''': Alprazolam is a Schedule IV <ref>https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:6b5e9beb-1d9b-11ea-95ab-01aa75ed71a1.0001.02/DOC_1&format=PDF</ref> (List 7) substance. Sold exclusively with a prescription "without a blue stripe" (§ 1, g), 1. of ''Nařízení vlády č. 463/2013 Sb.'') <ref>https://www.zakonyprolidi.cz/cs/2013-463</ref> | *'''Czechia''': Alprazolam is a Schedule IV <ref>https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:6b5e9beb-1d9b-11ea-95ab-01aa75ed71a1.0001.02/DOC_1&format=PDF</ref> (List 7) substance. Sold exclusively with a prescription "without a blue stripe" (§ 1, g), 1. of ''Nařízení vlády č. 463/2013 Sb.'') <ref>https://www.zakonyprolidi.cz/cs/2013-463</ref> | ||
*'''Germany''': Alprazolam is controlled under Anlage III BtMG (''Narcotics Act, Schedule III'') as of August 1, 1986.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bgbl.de/xaver/bgbl/start.xav?startbk=Bundesanzeiger_BGBl&jumpTo=bgbl186s1099.pdf|title=Zweite Verordnung zur Änderung betäubungsmittelrechtlicher Vorschriften|publisher=Bundesanzeiger Verlag|access-date=December 26, 2019|language=de}}</ref> It can only be prescribed on a narcotic prescription form, except preparations which contain up to 1 mg | *'''France''': Alprazolam is a List I substance and is available for prescription.<ref>https://www.vidal.fr/medicaments/gammes/alprazolam-biogaran-11672.html</ref> It is illegal to buy without a prescription. | ||
*'''Germany''': Alprazolam is controlled under Anlage III BtMG (''Narcotics Act, Schedule III'') as of August 1, 1986.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bgbl.de/xaver/bgbl/start.xav?startbk=Bundesanzeiger_BGBl&jumpTo=bgbl186s1099.pdf|title=Zweite Verordnung zur Änderung betäubungsmittelrechtlicher Vorschriften|publisher=Bundesanzeiger Verlag|access-date=December 26, 2019|language=de}}</ref> It can only be prescribed on a narcotic prescription form, except preparations which contain up to 1 mg alprazolam in each dosage form.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/anlage_iii.html|title=Anlage III BtMG|publisher=Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz|access-date=December 26, 2019|language=de}}</ref> | |||
*'''Ireland''': Alprazolam is a Schedule 4 medicine.<ref>{{Citation | vauthors=((eISB)) | title=Misuse Of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations | url=https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1993/si/342/made/en/print}}</ref> | *'''Ireland''': Alprazolam is a Schedule 4 medicine.<ref>{{Citation | vauthors=((eISB)) | title=Misuse Of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations | url=https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1993/si/342/made/en/print}}</ref> | ||
*'''Italy''': Alprazolam is a schedule IV drug (Tabella 4) of the "Testo unico sulla droga (D.P.R. 309/90)". When prescribed for medical use it falls under Pharmaceuticals section B and E (Tabella medicinali sezione B ed E).<ref>Tabella IV Sostanze stupefacenti http://www.salute.gov.it/imgs/C_17_pagineAree_3729_listaFile_itemName_3_file.pdf</ref><ref>Tabella Medicinali D.P.R. 309/90 http://www.salute.gov.it/imgs/C_17_pagineAree_3729_listaFile_itemName_4_file.xls</ref> | *'''Italy''': Alprazolam is a schedule IV drug (Tabella 4) of the "Testo unico sulla droga (D.P.R. 309/90)". When prescribed for medical use it falls under Pharmaceuticals section B and E (Tabella medicinali sezione B ed E).<ref>Tabella IV Sostanze stupefacenti http://www.salute.gov.it/imgs/C_17_pagineAree_3729_listaFile_itemName_3_file.pdf</ref><ref>Tabella Medicinali D.P.R. 309/90 http://www.salute.gov.it/imgs/C_17_pagineAree_3729_listaFile_itemName_4_file.xls</ref> | ||
| Line 131: | Line 132: | ||
*'''Switzerland''': Alprazolam is a controlled substance specifically named under Verzeichnis B. Medicinal use is permitted.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/20101220/index.html|title=Verordnung des EDI über die Verzeichnisse der Betäubungsmittel, psychotropen Stoffe, Vorläuferstoffe und Hilfschemikalien|publisher=Bundeskanzlei [Federal Chancellery of Switzerland]|access-date=January 1, 2020|language=de}}</ref> | *'''Switzerland''': Alprazolam is a controlled substance specifically named under Verzeichnis B. Medicinal use is permitted.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/20101220/index.html|title=Verordnung des EDI über die Verzeichnisse der Betäubungsmittel, psychotropen Stoffe, Vorläuferstoffe und Hilfschemikalien|publisher=Bundeskanzlei [Federal Chancellery of Switzerland]|access-date=January 1, 2020|language=de}}</ref> | ||
*'''Turkey''': Alprazolam is a 'green prescription' only substance<ref>YEŞİL REÇETEYE TABİ İLAÇLAR | https://www.titck.gov.tr/storage/Archive/2019/contentFile/01.04.2019%20SKRS%20Ye%C5%9Fil%20Re%C3%A7eteli%20%C4%B0la%C3%A7lar%20Aktif%20SON%20-%20G%C3%9CNCEL_58b1ff4a-2e1c-4867-bad7-eec855d6162a.pdf</ref> and illegal when sold or possessed without a prescription.{{citation needed}} | *'''Turkey''': Alprazolam is a 'green prescription' only substance<ref>YEŞİL REÇETEYE TABİ İLAÇLAR | https://www.titck.gov.tr/storage/Archive/2019/contentFile/01.04.2019%20SKRS%20Ye%C5%9Fil%20Re%C3%A7eteli%20%C4%B0la%C3%A7lar%20Aktif%20SON%20-%20G%C3%9CNCEL_58b1ff4a-2e1c-4867-bad7-eec855d6162a.pdf</ref> and illegal when sold or possessed without a prescription.{{citation needed}} | ||
*'''The Netherlands''': Alprazolam is a List 2 substance of the Opium Law and is available for prescription.{{citation needed}} | *'''The Netherlands''': Alprazolam is a List 2 substance of the Opium Law<ref>{{Citation|title=Opiumwet, Lijst II (Dutch) | year=2023|url=https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0001941/2023-09-12#BijlageII}}</ref> and is available for prescription.{{citation needed}} | ||
*'''United Kingdom''': Alprazolam is classified as a controlled drug and listed under Schedule IV, Part I (CD Benz POM) of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, allowing possession with a valid prescription. The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 makes it illegal to possess the drug without a prescription and, for such purposes, it is classified as a Class C drug.<ref>{{Citation | title=Drugs licensing | url=https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/drugs-licensing}}</ref> | *'''United Kingdom''': Alprazolam is classified as a controlled drug and listed under Schedule IV, Part I (CD Benz POM) of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, allowing possession with a valid prescription. The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 makes it illegal to possess the drug without a prescription and, for such purposes, it is classified as a Class C drug.<ref>{{Citation | title=Drugs licensing | url=https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/drugs-licensing}}</ref> | ||
*'''United States''': Alprazolam is a prescription medication assigned to Schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act by the DEA.<ref>DEA, Drug Scheduling | http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/index.html</ref> | *'''United States''': Alprazolam is a prescription medication assigned to Schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act by the DEA.<ref>DEA, Drug Scheduling | http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/index.html</ref> | ||
| Line 149: | Line 150: | ||
*[https://erowid.org/pharms/alprazolam/alprazolam.shtml Alprazolam (Erowid Vault)] | *[https://erowid.org/pharms/alprazolam/alprazolam.shtml Alprazolam (Erowid Vault)] | ||
*[https://isomerdesign.com/PiHKAL/explore.php?id=3001 Alprazolam (Isomer Design)] | *[https://isomerdesign.com/PiHKAL/explore.php?id=3001 Alprazolam (Isomer Design)] | ||
*[https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00404 Alprazolam (DrugBank)] | |||
*[https://www.drugs.com/alprazolam.html Alprazolam (Drugs.com)] | |||
*[https://drugs-forum.com/wiki/Alprazolam Alprazolam (Drugs-Forum)] | |||
==Further reading== | ==Further reading== | ||