Alprazolam
Generic: ALPRAZOLAM
Basic Information
Manufacturer
ASCLEMED USA INC.
Product Type
HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG
Route of Administration
ORAL
FDA Set ID
8d76a554-7ed1-4c93-a5ea-30898aec0aa1
Indications & Usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Alprazolam tablets are indicated for the: acute treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults.
treatment of panic disorder (PD), with or without agoraphobia in adults.
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine indicated for the: Acute treatment of generalized anxiety disorder in adults.
( 1 ) Treatment of panic disorder with or without agoraphobia in adults.
( 1 )
treatment of panic disorder (PD), with or without agoraphobia in adults.
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine indicated for the: Acute treatment of generalized anxiety disorder in adults.
( 1 ) Treatment of panic disorder with or without agoraphobia in adults.
( 1 )
Adverse Reactions
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Risks from Concomitant Use with Opioids [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Effects on Driving and Operating Machinery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Patients with Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Neonatal Sedation and Withdrawal Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Risks in Patients with Impaired Respiratory Function [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] The most common adverse reactions reported in clinical trials for generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder (incidence > 5% and at least twice that of placebo) include: impaired coordination, hypotension, dysarthria, and increased libido.
( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc.
at 1-866-850-2876 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The data in the two tables below are estimates of adverse reaction incidence among adult patients who participated in: 4-week placebo-controlled clinical studies with alprazolam dosages up to 4 mg per day for the acute treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (Table 1) Short-term (up to 10 weeks) placebo-controlled clinical studies with alprazolam dosages up to 10 mg per day for panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia (Table 2).
Table 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥1% in Alprazolam-treated Patients and Greater than Placebo-treated Patients in Placebo-Controlled Trials for Generalized Anxiety Alprazolam n=565 Placebo n=505 Nervous system disorders Drowsiness Light-headedness Dizziness Akathisia Gastrointestinal disorders Dry mouth Increased salivation 41% 21% 2% 2% 15% 4% 22% 19% 1% 1% 13% 2% Cardiovascular disorders Hypotension Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Dermatitis/allergy 5% 4% 2% 3% In addition to the adverse reactions (i.e., greater than 1%) enumerated in the table above for patients with generalized anxiety disorder, the following adverse reactions have been reported in association with the use of benzodiazepines: dystonia, irritability, concentration difficulties, anorexia, transient amnesia or memory impairment, loss of coordination, fatigue, seizures, sedation, slurred speech, jaundice, musculoskeletal weakness, pruritus, diplopia, dysarthria, changes in libido, menstrual irregularities, incontinence and urinary retention.
Table 2: Adverse Reactions Occuring in ≥1% in Alprazolam-treated Patients and Greater than Placebo-treated Patients in Placebo-Controlled Trials (Up to 10 Weeks) for Panic Disorder Alprazolam n=1388 Placebo n=1231 Drowsiness Fatique and Tiredness Impaired Coordination Irritability Memory Impairment Cognitive Disorder Decreased Libido Dysartharia Confusional state Increased libido Change in libido (not specified) Disinhibition Talkativeness Derealization 77% 49% 40% 33% 33% 29% 14% 23% 10% 8% 7% 3% 2% 2% 43% 42% 18% 30% 22% 21% 8% 6% 8% 4% 6% 2% 1% 1% Gastrointestinal disorders Constipation Increased salivation 26% 6% 15% 4% Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Rash 11% 8% Other Increased appetite Decreased appetite Weight gain Weight loss Micturition difficulties Menstrual disorders Sexual dysfunction Incontinence 33% 28% 27% 23% 12% 11% 7% 2% 23% 24% 18% 17% 9% 9% 4% 1% In addition to the reactions (i.e., greater than 1%) enumerated in the table above for patients with panic disorder, the following adverse reactions have been reported in association with the use of alprazolam: seizures, hallucinations, depersonalization, taste alterations, diplopia, elevated bilirubin, elevated hepatic enzymes, and jaundice.
Adverse Reactions Reported as Reasons for Discontinuation in Treatment of Panic Disorder in Placebo-Controlled Trials In a larger database comprised of both controlled and uncontrolled studies in which 641 patients received alprazolam, discontinuation-emergent symptoms which occurred at a rate of over 5% in patients treated with alprazolam and at a greater rate than the placebo-treated group are shown in Table 3.
Table 3: Discontinuation-Emergent Symptom Incidence Reported in ≥5% of Alprazolam-treated Patients and > Placebo-treated Patients n=number of patients.
Alprazolam-treated Patients n=641 Nervous system disorders Insomnia Light-headedness Abnormal involuntary movement Headache Muscular twitching Impaired coordination Muscle tone disorders Weakness 29.5% 19.3% 17.3% 17.0% 6.9% 6.6% 5.9% 5.8% Psychiatric disorders Anxiety Fatigue and Tiredness Irritability Cognitive disorder Memory impairment Depression Confusional state 19.2% 18.4% 10.5% 10.3% 5.5% 5.1% 5.0% Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea/Vomiting Diarrhea Decreased salivation 16.5% 13.6% 10.6% Metabolism and nutrition disorders Weight loss Decreased appetite 13.3% 12.8% Dermatological disorders Sweating 14.4% Cardiovascular disorders Tachycardia 12.2% Special Senses Blurred vision 10.0% There have also been reports of withdrawal seizures upon rapid decrease or abrupt discontinuation of alprazolam [see Warning and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3) ].
Paradoxical reactions such as stimulation, increased muscle spasticity, sleep disturbances, hallucinations, and other adverse behavioral effects such as agitation, rage, irritability, and aggressive or hostile behavior have been reported rarely.
In many of the spontaneous case reports of adverse behavioral effects, patients were receiving other CNS drugs concomitantly and/or were described as having underlying psychiatric conditions.
Should any of the above events occur, alprazolam should be discontinued.
Isolated published reports involving small numbers of patients have suggested that patients who have borderline personality disorder, a prior history of violent or aggressive behavior, or alcohol or substance abuse may be at risk for such events.
Instances of irritability, hostility, and intrusive thoughts have been reported during discontinuation of alprazolam in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder.
6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of alprazolam.
Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Endocrine disorders: Hyperprolactinemia General disorders and administration site conditions: Edema peripheral Hepatobiliary disorders: Hepatitis, hepatic failure Investigations: Liver enzyme elevations Psychiatric disorders: Hypomania, mania Reproductive system and breast disorders: Gynecomastia, galactorrhea Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Photosensitivity reaction, angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc.
at 1-866-850-2876 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The data in the two tables below are estimates of adverse reaction incidence among adult patients who participated in: 4-week placebo-controlled clinical studies with alprazolam dosages up to 4 mg per day for the acute treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (Table 1) Short-term (up to 10 weeks) placebo-controlled clinical studies with alprazolam dosages up to 10 mg per day for panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia (Table 2).
Table 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥1% in Alprazolam-treated Patients and Greater than Placebo-treated Patients in Placebo-Controlled Trials for Generalized Anxiety Alprazolam n=565 Placebo n=505 Nervous system disorders Drowsiness Light-headedness Dizziness Akathisia Gastrointestinal disorders Dry mouth Increased salivation 41% 21% 2% 2% 15% 4% 22% 19% 1% 1% 13% 2% Cardiovascular disorders Hypotension Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Dermatitis/allergy 5% 4% 2% 3% In addition to the adverse reactions (i.e., greater than 1%) enumerated in the table above for patients with generalized anxiety disorder, the following adverse reactions have been reported in association with the use of benzodiazepines: dystonia, irritability, concentration difficulties, anorexia, transient amnesia or memory impairment, loss of coordination, fatigue, seizures, sedation, slurred speech, jaundice, musculoskeletal weakness, pruritus, diplopia, dysarthria, changes in libido, menstrual irregularities, incontinence and urinary retention.
Table 2: Adverse Reactions Occuring in ≥1% in Alprazolam-treated Patients and Greater than Placebo-treated Patients in Placebo-Controlled Trials (Up to 10 Weeks) for Panic Disorder Alprazolam n=1388 Placebo n=1231 Drowsiness Fatique and Tiredness Impaired Coordination Irritability Memory Impairment Cognitive Disorder Decreased Libido Dysartharia Confusional state Increased libido Change in libido (not specified) Disinhibition Talkativeness Derealization 77% 49% 40% 33% 33% 29% 14% 23% 10% 8% 7% 3% 2% 2% 43% 42% 18% 30% 22% 21% 8% 6% 8% 4% 6% 2% 1% 1% Gastrointestinal disorders Constipation Increased salivation 26% 6% 15% 4% Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Rash 11% 8% Other Increased appetite Decreased appetite Weight gain Weight loss Micturition difficulties Menstrual disorders Sexual dysfunction Incontinence 33% 28% 27% 23% 12% 11% 7% 2% 23% 24% 18% 17% 9% 9% 4% 1% In addition to the reactions (i.e., greater than 1%) enumerated in the table above for patients with panic disorder, the following adverse reactions have been reported in association with the use of alprazolam: seizures, hallucinations, depersonalization, taste alterations, diplopia, elevated bilirubin, elevated hepatic enzymes, and jaundice.
Adverse Reactions Reported as Reasons for Discontinuation in Treatment of Panic Disorder in Placebo-Controlled Trials In a larger database comprised of both controlled and uncontrolled studies in which 641 patients received alprazolam, discontinuation-emergent symptoms which occurred at a rate of over 5% in patients treated with alprazolam and at a greater rate than the placebo-treated group are shown in Table 3.
Table 3: Discontinuation-Emergent Symptom Incidence Reported in ≥5% of Alprazolam-treated Patients and > Placebo-treated Patients n=number of patients.
Alprazolam-treated Patients n=641 Nervous system disorders Insomnia Light-headedness Abnormal involuntary movement Headache Muscular twitching Impaired coordination Muscle tone disorders Weakness 29.5% 19.3% 17.3% 17.0% 6.9% 6.6% 5.9% 5.8% Psychiatric disorders Anxiety Fatigue and Tiredness Irritability Cognitive disorder Memory impairment Depression Confusional state 19.2% 18.4% 10.5% 10.3% 5.5% 5.1% 5.0% Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea/Vomiting Diarrhea Decreased salivation 16.5% 13.6% 10.6% Metabolism and nutrition disorders Weight loss Decreased appetite 13.3% 12.8% Dermatological disorders Sweating 14.4% Cardiovascular disorders Tachycardia 12.2% Special Senses Blurred vision 10.0% There have also been reports of withdrawal seizures upon rapid decrease or abrupt discontinuation of alprazolam [see Warning and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3) ].
Paradoxical reactions such as stimulation, increased muscle spasticity, sleep disturbances, hallucinations, and other adverse behavioral effects such as agitation, rage, irritability, and aggressive or hostile behavior have been reported rarely.
In many of the spontaneous case reports of adverse behavioral effects, patients were receiving other CNS drugs concomitantly and/or were described as having underlying psychiatric conditions.
Should any of the above events occur, alprazolam should be discontinued.
Isolated published reports involving small numbers of patients have suggested that patients who have borderline personality disorder, a prior history of violent or aggressive behavior, or alcohol or substance abuse may be at risk for such events.
Instances of irritability, hostility, and intrusive thoughts have been reported during discontinuation of alprazolam in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder.
6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of alprazolam.
Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Endocrine disorders: Hyperprolactinemia General disorders and administration site conditions: Edema peripheral Hepatobiliary disorders: Hepatitis, hepatic failure Investigations: Liver enzyme elevations Psychiatric disorders: Hypomania, mania Reproductive system and breast disorders: Gynecomastia, galactorrhea Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Photosensitivity reaction, angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome