General information
Niravam is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks which manifest symptoms such as restlessness, flushing, shortness of breath, trembling, sweating, palpitations, and insomnia. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Directions
It comes in a tablet form taken by mouth with or without food. Take with food if stomach upset occurs. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while on Niravam therapy. The recommended dose for for anxiety is 0.5 mg orally 3 times a day or 4 mg in divided doses. The recommended dose for for panic disorder is 0.5 mg orally 3 times a day or 1 to 10 mg per day in divided doses. The recommended dose for depression is 0.5 mg orally 3 times a day or 3 mg orally daily in divided doses.
Precautions
Niravam may cause drowsiness therefore do not engage in activities that require mental alertness. Also avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while on Niravam therapy as it can increase the effects of the drug. Cigarette smoking is also avoided because it decreases blood levels of the drug. Do not stop using Niravam suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
Contraindications
Do not use Niravam if you are pregnant. This medicine can cause birth defects or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. You should not use Niravam if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Do not take Alprazolam if you are allergic to alprazolam or to other benzodiazepines, such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).
Possible side effect Niravam
The most common side effects are drowsiness, feeling tired, slurred speech, lack of balance or coordination, memory problems, feeling anxious early in the morning. Call your doctor at once if you have depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself; racing thoughts, increased energy, unusual risk-taking behavior; confusion, agitation, hostility, hallucinations; uncontrolled muscle movements, tremor, seizure (convulsions) or pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest.
Niravam Drug interactions
Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially if it is cimetidine, digoxin, fluvoxamine, nefazodone, ritonavir or other medicines to treat HIV or AIDS or antifungal medicine (e.g., fluconazole, voriconazole).
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose
If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, loss of balance or coordination, feeling light-headed, and fainting.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep medication away from children and pets.
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