Zolium 0.5 mg

Description

Indications
Zolium is indicated for:

• Anxiety disorder
• Short-term relief of anxiety
• Anxiety associated with depression
• Panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia).

Use as per the advice of a registered physician.

Pharmacology
Alprazolam is a triazole analog of the 1,4-benzodiazepine class of drugs. It is an anxiolytic with hypnotic and anticonvulsant properties. Alprazolam is presumed to work by interacting with the Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)-benzodiazepine receptor complex. As a benzodiazepine, it causes CNS depressant activity, which can range from mild impairment of task performance to hypnosis depending on the dosage.

Dosage & Administration

• Starting Dose: Begin with 0.25 to 0.5 mg three times daily. The dose may be increased by 1 mg/day at intervals of 3 to 4 days, based on patient response. The maximum recommended dose is 4 mg/day.
• Panic Disorder: Some patients may require up to 10 mg/day for an effective response, with careful reassessment and adjustment of dosage as necessary.
• Elderly or Patients with Liver Disease: The starting dose is 0.25 mg two or three times daily, with gradual increases as tolerated.
• Switching from Lower Doses: For patients switching from 0.25/0.5 mg regimens, 1 mg of Alprazolam can be administered once daily, preferably in the morning.
• Discontinuation: Reduce the dose gradually by 0.5 mg every three days to minimize withdrawal effects.

The tablets should be taken whole; do not chew, crush, or break them.
Use as per the advice of a registered physician.

Interactions
The CNS-depressant effects of Zolium may be enhanced by the use of:

• Other psychotropic drugs
• Anticonvulsants
• Antihistamines
• Alcohol
• Oral contraceptives

Side Effects
Side effects are more common at the beginning of therapy and typically resolve with continued use. The most common side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Light-headedness
  Other possible side effects include:
• Depression
• Headache
• Confusion
• Dry mouth
• Constipation

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Zolium is classified as Pregnancy Category D, meaning it should be avoided during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus.
• Alprazolam is presumed to be excreted in breast milk, so nursing mothers should avoid using it.

Precautions & Warnings

• Zolium may lead to psychological and physical dependence. Dosage changes or discontinuation should only be done under a physician’s supervision.
• Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease, chronic pulmonary insufficiency, or sleep apnea.
• The duration of therapy should be decided by the physician.

Use in Special Populations

• The safety and effectiveness of Zolium in individuals under 18 years of age have not been established.

Overdose Effects
Signs of overdose may include:

• Somnolence
• Confusion
• Impaired coordination
• Diminished reflexes
• Coma

In cases of overdose, supportive measures and immediate gastric lavage are recommended.

Therapeutic Class
Benzodiazepine sedatives

Storage Conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.