Brand Names: Niravam, Xanax, Xanax XR

Generic Name: alprazolam (Pronunciation: al PRAY zoe lam)

• What is alprazolam (Niravam)?
• What are the possible side effects of alprazolam (Niravam)?
• What is the most important information I should know about alprazolam (Niravam)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking alprazolam (Niravam)?
• How should I take alprazolam (Niravam)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Niravam)?
• What happens if I overdose (Niravam)?
• What should I avoid while taking alprazolam (Niravam)?
• What other drugs will affect alprazolam (Niravam)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is alprazolam (Niravam)?

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). Alprazolam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.

Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression.

Alprazolam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Alprazolam 0.25 mg-ACT

round, white, imprinted with 027, R

Alprazolam 0.25 mg-GG

elliptical, white, imprinted with GG 256

Alprazolam 0.25 mg-GRE

oval, white, imprinted with G 3719

Alprazolam 0.25 mg-MAJ

round, white, imprinted with MYLAN A

Alprazolam 0.25 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with MYLAN A

Alprazolam 0.5 mg-GG

elliptical, orange, imprinted with GG 257

Alprazolam 0.5 mg-GS

oval, peach, imprinted with G3720

Alprazolam 0.5 mg-MAJ

round, peach, imprinted with MYLAN A3

Alprazolam 0.5 mg-MYL

round, peach, imprinted with MYLAN A3

Alprazolam 0.5 mg-PP

round, peach, imprinted with 029, LOGO, R

Alprazolam 1 mg-ACT

round, blue, imprinted with 031, R

Alprazolam 1 mg-GG

elliptical, blue, imprinted with GG 258

Alprazolam 1 mg-GRE

oval, blue, imprinted with G3721

Alprazolam 1 mg-MYL

round, blue, imprinted with MYLAN A1

Alprazolam 2 mg-GG

rectangular, white, imprinted with GG 249

Alprazolam 2 mg-GS

rectangular, white, imprinted with G 3722

Alprazolam 2 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with MYLAN A4

Alprazolam 2 mg-PP

rectangular, yellow, imprinted with R 0 3 9

Alprazolam ER 1 mg-MYL

round, orange, imprinted with M, A22

Alprazolam ER 2 mg-MYL

round, purple, imprinted with M, A23

Alprazolam ER 3 mg-MYL

round, pink, imprinted with M, A24

Alprazolam XR 0.5 mg-EON

round, white, imprinted with E 195

Alprazolam XR 0.5 mg-GRE

pentagonal, peach, imprinted with G, 0.5

Alprazolam XR 0.5 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with A21, M

Alprazolam XR 1 mg-BAR

round, yellow, imprinted with b 492, 1

Alprazolam XR 1 mg-EON

oblong, yellow, imprinted with E196

Alprazolam XR 1 mg-GRE

square, yellow, imprinted with G, 1

Alprazolam XR 2 mg-BAR

round, blue, imprinted with b 493, 2

Alprazolam XR 2 mg-EON

oblong, white, imprinted with E197

Alprazolam XR 2 mg-GRE

round, white, imprinted with G, 2

Alprazolam XR 3 mg-EON

round, yellow, imprinted with E 198

Alprazolam XR 3 mg-GRE

triangular, green, imprinted with G, 3

Niravam 0.25 mg

round, yellow, orange, imprinted with SP 321

Niravam 0.5 mg

round, yellow, orange, imprinted with SP 322, 0.5

Niravam 1 mg

round, white, orange, imprinted with SP 323, 1

Niravam 2 mg

round, white, orange, imprinted with SP 324, 2

Xanax 0.25 mg

oval, white, imprinted with XANAX 0.25

Xanax 0.5 mg

oval, orange, imprinted with XANAX 0.5

Xanax 1 mg

oval, blue, imprinted with XANAX 1.0

Xanax 2 mg

rectangular, white, imprinted with X A N A X, 2

Xanax XR 0.5 mg

pentagonal, white, imprinted with X, 0.5

Xanax XR 1 mg

square, yellow, imprinted with X, 1

Xanax XR 2 mg

round, blue, imprinted with X, 2

Xanax XR 3 mg

triangular, green, imprinted with X, 3

What are the possible side effects of alprazolam (Niravam)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using alprazolam and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself, unusual risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger;
• confusion, hyperactivity, agitation, hostility, hallucinations;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• chest pain, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• uncontrolled muscle movements, tremor, seizure (convulsions); or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness, feeling tired or irritable;
• blurred vision, headache, memory problems, trouble concentrating;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination, slurred speech;
• upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea;
• increased sweating, dry mouth, stuffy nose; or
• appetite or weight changes, loss of interest in sex.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Niravam (alprazolam) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about alprazolam (Niravam)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to alprazolam or to other benzodiazepines, such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).

Before taking alprazolam, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Do not drink alcohol while taking alprazolam. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol.

Alprazolam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.