Over-dosage & Contraindications:
Alprazolam overdose includes such manifestations as confusion, impaired coordination, diminished reflexes, somnolence (drowsiness) and coma. Death has been reported in cases of overdoses of Xanax alone, as is the case with other benzodiazepines. As well, fatalities have been observed in individuals who overdosed with a combination of a single benzodiazepine, including Xanax, in conjunction with alcohol. Alcohol levels seen in some of these patients were lower than those usually associated with alcohol-induced death, such as severe alcohol poisoning.

Reports of overdose with Xanax tablets are limited. As with all drug overdoses, pulse rate, respiratory function and blood pressure should be closely monitored. The patient should be provided general support along with immediate gastric lavage. Intravenous fluids should be administered and the airway should remain clear. Dialysis is of limited value in these cases. The chance of multiple agents being ingested, especially in the case of intentional overdose, should be kept in mind.

Flumazenil (Mazicon) is indicated for the reversal of benzodiazepines’ sedative effects and may be employed in benzodiazepine overdosage. Prior to administering flumazenil, necessary measures should be taken to ensure proper airway, ventilation and intravenous access. The drug is intended as an adjunct measure to benzodiazepine overdose, not a substitute for proper overdose care. It should be noted there is a risk of seizure with the use of flumazenil, especially in persons with long-term history of benzodiazepine use and in cases of overdose with a cyclic antidepressant.

Alprazolam should not be used by persons with a known sensitivity to the drug or any other benzodiazepines. Alprazolam may be administered to individuals with open angle glaucoma who are receiving appropriate therapy, but is contraindicated in patients with acute narrow angle glaucoma

Dr. Ronald Dworkin tells the story of a woman who didn’t like the way her husband was handling the family finances. She wanted to start keeping the books herself but didn’t want to insult her husband.


The doctor suggested she try an antidepressant to make herself feel better.

She got the antidepressant, and she did feel better, said Dr. Dworkin, a Maryland anesthesiologist and senior fellow at Washington’s Hudson Institute, who told the story in his book “Artificial Unhappiness: The Dark Side of the New Happy Class.” But in the meantime, Dworkin says, the woman’s husband led the family into financial ruin.

“Doctors are now medicating unhappiness,” said Dworkin. “Too many people take drugs when they really need to be making changes in their lives.”

For Dworkin, the proof is in the statistics. According to a government study, antidepressants have become the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. They’re prescribed more than drugs to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, or headaches.