A physician may prescribe alprazolam for patients who suffer from anxiety, panic disorders and depression anxiety symptoms. The generically named medication classifies as a benzodiazepine drug, which functions as a depressant for the person's central nervous system, the Mayo Clinic reports. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam may cause dependence and addiction in people who use them for a long time, the American Academy of Family Physicians states.
Memory Problems
Using alprazolam may impair a patient's memory. The American Academy of Family Physicians states this may be because benzodiazepines cause a condition called anterograde amnesia. This condition impairs particularly short-term memory, the organization states. This classifies as serious, the Mayo Clinic reports, and the person using alprazolam should report any memory lapses to his physician immediately.
Coordination Difficulties
Because alprazolam reduces the speed of the nervous system, it can impair normal coordination. This may mean the person finds it difficult to maintain her balance. She may feel unsteady and clumsy. She may have problems coordinating her muscle control and she may tremble because of the drug. She may walk unsteadily and shake while doing so. These problems may increase because of another serious common side effect of alprazolam, abnormal bodily weakness and tiredness. The Mayo Clinic reports these side effects may need medical attention and recommends consulting a doctor immediately if these problems occur.
Psychological Problems
Alprazolam may induce some difficulties that affect the person's mental state. For example, he may feel discouraged when taking the medicine, or he may feel emptiness and sadness. He may feel irritable and he may not feel the same levels of pleasure or interest in things he normally does. He may find he has difficulties when trying to concentrate or when he tries to do simple, everyday tasks. These serious and common side effects of alprazolam should be treated immediately, the Mayo Clinic reports.
Speech Problems
With the central nervous system slowed down, the person using alprazolam may discover she has sudden difficulties with her speech that classify as serious common side effects of the drug. She may change the way she speaks, particularly with speech rhythms and patterns. She also may find it difficult to speak and she may slur her words.
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