Alprazolam: FDA label

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Indications

Alprazolam is 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)

Contraindications

Alprazolam is contraindicated in patients: with known hypersensitivity to alprazolam or other benzodiazepines. Angioedema has been reported [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. taking strong cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), except ritonavir [see Dosage and Administration (2.6), Warnings and Precautions (5.5), Drug Interactions (7.1)] Known hypersensitivity to alprazolam or other benzodiazepines.

(4) Concomitant use with strong cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) inhibitors, except ritonavir. (4, 5.5, 7.1)

Warnings and precautions

Effects on Driving and Operating Machinery: Patients receiving alprazolam should be cautioned against operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle, as well as avoiding concomitant use of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressant drugs. (5.4) Patients with Depression: Exercise caution in patients with signs or symptoms of depression. Prescribe the least number of tablets feasible to avoid intentional overdosage.

(5.6) Neonatal Sedation and Withdrawal Syndrome: Alprazolam use during pregnancy can result in neonatal sedation and/or neonatal withdrawal. (5.8, 8.1)

5.1Risks from Concomitant Use with Opioids

Concomitant use of benzodiazepines, including alprazolam, and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Because of these risks, reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioids alone.

Interactions

Use with Opioids: Increase the risk of respiratory depression. (7.1) Use with Other CNS Depressants: Produces additive CNS depressant effects. (7.1) Use with Digoxin: Increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. (7.1) Use with CYP3A Inhibitors (except ritonavir): Increase the risk of adverse reactions of alprazolam. (4, 5.5, 7.1) Use with CYP3A Inducers: Increase the risk of reduced efficacy of alprazolam. (7.1)

7.1Drugs Having Clinically Important Interactions with Alprazolam Table

4 includes clinically significant drug interactions with alprazolam [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . Table 4: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with alprazolam Opioids Clinical implication The concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids increases the risk of respiratory depression because of actions at different receptor sites in the CNS that control respiration. Benzodiazepines interact at gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA A ) sites and opioids interact primarily at mu receptors.

When benzodiazepines and opioids are combined, the potential for benzodiazepines to significantly worsen opioid-related respiratory depression exists. Prevention or management Limit dosage and duration of concomitant use of alprazolam and opioids, and monitor patients closely for respiratory depression and sedation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Examples Morphine, buprenorphine, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone, alfentanil, butorphanol, codeine, dihydrocodeine, meperidine, pentazocine, remifentanil, sufentanil, tapentadol, tramadol.

CNS Depressants Clinical implication The benzodiazepines, including alprazolam, produce additive CNS depressant effects when coadministered with other CNS depressants. Prevention or management Limit dosage and duration of alprazolam during concomitant use with CNS depressants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] . Examples Psychotropic medications, anticonvulsants, antihistaminics, ethanol, and other drugs which themselves produce CNS depression.

Strong Inhibitors of CYP3A (except ritonavir) Clinical implication Concomitant use of alprazolam with strong CYP3A inhibitors has a profound effect on the clearance of alprazolam, resulting in increased concentrations of alprazolam and increased risk of adverse reactions [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Prevention or management Concomitant use of alprazolam with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor (except ritonavir) is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Examples Ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin Moderate or Weak Inhibitors of CYP3A Clinical implication Concomitant use of alprazolam with CYP3A inhibitors may increase the concentrations of alprazolam, resulting in increased risk of adverse reactions of alprazolam [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Prevention or management Avoid use and consider appropriate dose reduction when alprazolam is coadministered with a moderate or weak CYP3A inhibitor [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Examples Nefazodone, fluvoxamine, cimetidine, erythromycin CYP3A Inducers Clinical implication Concomitant use of CYP3A inducers can increase alprazolam metabolism and therefore can decease plasma levels of alprazolam [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . Prevention or management Caution is recommended during coadministration with alprazolam. Examples Carbamazepine, phenytoin Ritonavir Clinical implication Interactions involving ritonavir and alprazolam are complex and time dependent.

Short term administration of ritonavir increased alprazolam exposure due to CYP3A4 inhibition. Following long term treatment of ritonavir (>10 to 14 days), CYP3A4 induction offsets this inhibition. Alprazolam exposure was not meaningfully affected in the presence of ritonavir. Prevention or management Reduce alprazolam dosage when ritonavir and alprazolam are initiated concomitantly, or when ritonavir is added to a regimen where alprazolam is stabilized.

Increase alprazolam dosage to the target dosage after 10 to 14 days of dosing ritonavir and alprazolam concomitantly. No dosage adjustment of alprazolam is necessary in patients receiving ritonavir for more than 10 to14 days [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)] . Concomitant use of alprazolam with a strong CYP3A inhibitor, except ritonavir, is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Digoxin Clinical implication Increased digoxin concentrations have been reported when alprazolam was given, especially in geriatric patients (>65 years of age). Prevention or management In patients on digoxin therapy, measure serum digoxin concentrations before initiating alprazolam. Continue monitoring digoxin serum concentration and toxicity frequently . Reduce the digoxin dose if necessary.

7.2Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions

Although interactions between benzodiazepines and commonly employed clinical laboratory tests have occasionally been reported, there is no consistent pattern for a specific drug or specific test.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

8.1Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry

There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to psychiatric medications, including alprazolam, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications at 1-866-961-2388 or visiting online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/. Risk Summary Neonates born to mothers using benzodiazepines late in pregnancy have been reported to experience symptoms of sedation and/or neonatal withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) and Clinical Considerations)].

Available data from published observational studies of pregnant women exposed to benzodiazepines do not report a clear association with benzodiazepines and major birth defects (see Data). The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated risk of major birth defects and of miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal adverse reactions Benzodiazepines cross the placenta and may produce respiratory depression, hypotonia, and sedation in neonates. Monitor neonates exposed to alprazolam during pregnancy or labor for signs of sedation, respiratory depression, hypotonia, and feeding problems. Monitor neonates exposed to alprazolam during pregnancy for signs of withdrawal. Manage these neonates accordingly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

Data Human Data Published data from observational studies on the use of benzodiazepines during pregnancy do not report a clear association with benzodiazepines and major birth defects. Although early studies reported an increased risk of congenital malformations with diazepam and chlordiazepoxide, there was no consistent pattern noted. In addition, the majority of recent case-control and cohort studies of benzodiazepine use during pregnancy, which were adjusted for confounding exposures to alcohol, tobacco, and other medications, have not confirmed these findings.

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 Novitium Pharma LLC at 1-855-204-1431 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1Clinical 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 41% 22% Light-headedness 21% 19% Dizziness 2% 1% Akathisia 2% 1% Gastrointestinal disorders Dry mouth 15% 13% Increased salivation 4% 2% Cardiovascular disorders Hypotension 5% 2% Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Dermatitis/allergy 4% 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 Occurring 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 77% 43% Fatigue and Tiredness 49% 42% Impaired Coordination 40% 18% Irritability 33% 30% Memory Impairment 33% 22% Cognitive Disorder 29% 21% Decreased Libido 14% 8% Dysarthria 23% 6% Confusional State 10% 8% Increased Libido 8% 4% Change in Libido (Not Specified) 7% 6% Disinhibition 3% 2% Talkativeness 2% 1% Derealization 2% 1% Gastrointestinal disorders Constipation 26% 15% Increased Salivation 6% 4% Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Rash 11% 8% Other Increased Appetite 33% 23% Decreased Appetite 28% 24% Weight Gain 27% 18% Weight Loss 23% 17% Micturition Difficulties 12% 9% Menstrual Disorders 11% 9% Sexual Dysfunction 7% 4% Incontinence 2% 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 Alprazolam-treated Patients n=641 Nervous system disorders Insomnia 29.5% Light-headedness 19.3% Abnormal involuntary movement 17.3% Headache 17.0% Muscular twitching 6.9% Impaired coordination 6.6% Muscle tone disorders 5.9% Weakness 5.8% Psychiatric disorders Anxiety 19.2% Fatigue and Tiredness 18.4% Irritability 10.5% Cognitive disorder 10.3% Memory impairment 5.5% Depression 5.1% Confusional state 5.0% Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea/Vomiting 16.5% Diarrhea 13.6% Decreased salivation 10.6% Metabolism and nutrition disorders Weight loss 13.3% Decreased appetite 12.8% Dermatological disorders Sweating 14.4% Cardiovascular disorders Tachycardia 12.2% Special Senses Blurred vision 10.0% n=number of patients.

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.

6.2Postmarketing 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

Alprazolam

Indications

Contraindications

Warnings and precautions

5.1Risks from Concomitant Use with Opioids

Two medicines in one question?

5.2Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction

5.3Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions

5.4Effects on Driving and Operating Machinery Because

Interactions

7.1Drugs Having Clinically Important Interactions with Alprazolam Table

7.2Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

8.1Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry

Adverse reactions

6.1Clinical Trials Experience

6.2Postmarketing Experience

Composition

Strengths and forms

Official product information

At a glance

Guidelines