Alprazolam is the generic name for a benzodiazapine, which is a depressant of your central nervous system. It is used in the treatment of anxiety whether it is separate from or associated with depression, and it may be prescribed for panic disorders as well. It is a prescription medication that can be highly addictive, the National Center for Biotechnology Information states.
Mental Shortfalls
Alprazolam slows your central nervous system in order to control your anxiety or panic disorders. It also can produce some serious mental side effects while doing so. For example, it can interfere with your memory and cause you to be forgetful. It can make you feel as if you are discouraged in your current pursuits or it can make you feel empty or sad. Other related side effects include irritability, concentration difficulties and a decrease in the pleasure you take in things that interest you or a lack of that interest. These all are serious common side effects of the medication. Check with a physician or psychiatrist immediately if you experience these problems.
Lack of Coordination
The use of alprazolam also can cause you difficulties in how you comport your body. Common serious side effects of the drug can include unsteadiness, clumsiness, coordination difficulties, shakiness, walking unsteadily and trembling throughout your body. These can be coupled with abnormal weakness and tiredness as well. Contact your doctor if you experence these effects.
Altered Speech
The medicine also can affect how you speak. Serious common side effects of this nature include speech rhythm changes or pattern changes, difficulty when trying to speak and speech slurring. These are relatively common, the Mayo Clinic reports, but they are serious, so it is important to consult your doctor.
Other Side Effects
There are other common side effects from taking alprazolam that are not serious. They may not affect everyone and, for those people who do experience them, these side effects generally go away on their own. They include a loss of weight, appetite decreases, lowered or raised libido, changes in your menstrual cycle that may include an absence of flow, missed periods or irregular periods. Others include constipation, an appetite increase, impotence and weight gain.
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