Alprazolam

Also indexed as: Xanax

Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety and panic disorder, and is in a family of drugs known as benzodiazepines.

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.

Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results.	Alcohol Kava*
Depletion or interference	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Vinpocetine
In a preliminary trial, an extract of periwinkle called vinpocetine was shown to produce minor improvements in short-term memory among people taking flunitrazepam, a benzodiazepine.¹ Further study is needed to determine if vinpocetine would be a helpful adjunct to use of benzodiazepines, or alprazolam specifically.

Interaction with Herbs

Kava (Piper methysticum)
Kava is a herb used to treat anxiety disorder. One individual who took alprazolam and kava together, along with two other medications (cimetidine and terazosin) was hospitalised in a lethargic and disoriented condition.² Further research is needed to determine whether the combination of kava and alprazolam produces an adverse interaction. However, individuals should not take alprazolam and kava together unless supervised by a doctor.

Interaction with Foods and other Compounds

Alcohol
Drinking alcoholic drinks while taking alprazolam may increase side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, and dizziness.³ Consequently, people taking alprazolam should avoid drinking alcohol, especially when they must stay alert.

References

1. Bhatti JZ, Hindmarch I. Vinpocetine effects on cognitive impairments produced by flunitrazepam. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 1987;2:325–31.

2. Almeida JC. Coma from the health food store: Interaction between kava and alprazolam. Ann Intern Med 1996;125:940–1.

3. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2492–6.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires August 2007.