Xanax (Alprazolam) Flashcards

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Download our mobile app to listen on the go

Get App

Questions and Answers

What is the drug classification of Xanax?

Antidepressant
Antipsychotic
Stimulant
Anxiolytic - benzodiazepine (correct)

What is the safe dose range for Xanax?

PO 0.25 mg - 0.5 mg, not to exceed 4 mg/day

The pharmacological action of Xanax may be mediated by ______.

GABA

Which of the following is a therapeutic use of Xanax? (Select all that apply)

Relief of panic attacks (C), Relief of anxiety (D)

Signup and view all the answers

Match the following side effects/adverse effects with their descriptions:

Dizziness = Feeling lightheaded or faint Drowsiness = Sleepiness or lethargy Confusion = Difficulties with understanding or focus Blurred vision = Unclear or distorted vision

Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can interact with Xanax? (Select all that apply)

Alcohol (A), Grapefruit juice (C), Antihistamines (D)

Signup and view all the answers

What are some nursing interventions for Xanax?

Take as directed, do not double dose, avoid driving, assess for falls risk.

Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored during Xanax administration?

Patient drowsiness, CBC, and renal function

Signup and view all the answers

What indicates the effectiveness of Xanax treatment?

Decreased severity and frequency of panic attacks (A)

Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Xanax Classification

An anxiolytic drug that belongs to the benzodiazepine family, primarily used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.

Xanax Safe Oral Dosage

Between 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg. Maximum daily dose should not exceed 4 mg.

Pharmacological Action of Xanax

It works by depressing the central nervous system (CNS), possibly by modulating GABA pathways.

Xanax Therapeutic Uses

Relief from anxiety disorders, treatment of panic attacks and panic disorder, and alleviating anxiety associated with depression.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Common Side Effects of Xanax

Dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy, and confusion.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Xanax Interactions

Grapefruit juice, alcohol, other benzodiazepines/CNS depressants, hormonal contraceptives, and cigarette smoking may interact.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Xanax Withdrawal

Abrupt cessation can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including sweating, vomiting, muscle cramps, tremors, and seizures.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Xanax - Client Education

Take medication as directed, avoid doubling doses, rise slowly to prevent lightheadedness, and take with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Evaluating Xanax Effectiveness

Reduced sense of anxiety without adverse CNS effects, decrease in the severity and frequency of panic attacks, and improved premenstrual symptoms.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Drug Classification

Xanax (alprazolam) is classified as an anxiolytic and belongs to the benzodiazepine family.

Safe Dose Range

Recommended oral dosage is between 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg.
Maximum dosage should not exceed 4 mg per day.

Pharmacological Action

Acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant.
Its effects may be mediated through GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) pathways.

Therapeutic Uses

Provides relief from anxiety disorders.
Effective for treating panic attacks and panic disorder.
Alleviates anxiety associated with depression.

Side Effects/Adverse Effects

Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy, and confusion.
Other effects can manifest as hangover symptoms, headaches, mental depression, blurred vision, and gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
May also cause sexual dysfunction.

Medication/Food Interactions

Grapefruit juice can increase alprazolam levels and effects.
Alcohol and other benzodiazepines or CNS depressants enhance effects and risks.
Hormonal contraceptives and cigarette smoking may alter drug efficacy.
Antihistamines and certain herbal remedies may also interact.

Nursing Interventions/Client Education

Patients should take the medication as directed without doubling doses.
Abrupt cessation can lead to withdrawal symptoms like sweating, vomiting, muscle cramps, tremors, and seizures.
Patients should be cautioned about potential drowsiness and dizziness; driving should be avoided.
Implement fall prevention strategies, especially in elderly patients.
Advise taking the medication with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
Encourage rising slowly to prevent lightheadedness and recommend sugar-free options for dry mouth.

Nursing Administration

Continuously assess patients for signs of drowsiness, lightheadedness, or dizziness.
In geriatric patients, monitor CNS effects and fall risks.
Caution regarding prolonged high-dose therapy due to dependency concerns.
Regularly monitor complete blood count (CBC) and renal function.
Watch for potential decreases in hematocrit and neutropenia.
Be vigilant for signs of toxicity and overdose.

Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness

Effective treatment is indicated by a reduced sense of anxiety without adverse CNS effects.
A decrease in the severity and frequency of panic attacks is a positive outcome.
Improved symptoms related to premenstrual syndrome can also signal effectiveness.