Alprazolam
side effects, nutrient depletions, herbal interactions and health notes:
Data provided by Applied Health
• Alcohol can increase both the sedative and the intoxifying effects of Alprazolam. Use of alcohol should be avoided.1
• Melatonin levels may be diminished with long term use of benzodiazepines like alprazolam. Consult a pharmacist or physician regarding the need for melatonin supplementation and the benefits of using melatonin to withdraw the use of benzodiazepines.2
• Tobacco may increase the rate of elimination of Alprazolam and thereby decrease its effects. Avoid using both together.3
• The following herbs have sedative qualities and could intensify the effects of Alprazolam: calamus, calendula, chamomile, California poppy, catnip, couch grass, elecampane, ginseng Siberian, goldenseal, gotu kola, hops, Jamaican dogwood, kava, lemon balm, sage, St. John's wort, sassafras, scullcap, shepherd's purse, stinging nettle, valerian, withania root, and yerba mansa.4
References1 Pronsky, ZM: Food-Medication Interactions, 11th edition, 1999
1 Facts and Comparisons, Clinisphere 2.0, Wolters Kluwer Company, 2000
2 Kabuto M, Namura I, Saitoh Y. Nocturnal enhancement of plasma melatonin could be suppressed by benzodiazepines in humans. Endocrinol Jpn. 1986 Jun;33(3):405-14.
2 McIntyre IM, Norman TR, Burrows GD, Armstrong SM. Alterations to plasma melatonin and cortisol after evening alprazolam administration in humans. Chronobiol Int. 1993 Jun;10(3):205-13.
2 Garfinkel D, Zisapel N, Wainstein J, et al. Facilitation of benzodiazepine discontinuation by melatonin: a new clinical approach. Arch Intern Med 159: 2456-2460, 1999.
3 Brinker, F Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998
4 Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
4 Almeida JC. Coma from the health food store: Interaction between kava and alprazolam. Ann Intern Med 1996;125:940-41.
4 Brinker F. Herb contraindications and drug interactions, 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998
4 Speroni E, et al. Sedative effects of crude extract of Passiflora incarnata after oral administration. Phytother Res 10: S92-94, 1996.
4 PDR for Herbal Medicine, 2nd edition, Medical Economics Company, 2000
4 The Review of Natural Products, Clinisphere 2.0, Wolters Kluwer Company, 2000
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Disclaimers
The information in Drug Watch is provided as a courtesy to NewsTarget readers by Applied Health Solutions in cooperation with Healthway Solutions. Although the information is presented with scientific references, we do not wish to imply that this represents a comprehensive list of considerations about any specific drug, herb or nutrient. Nor should this information be considered a substitute for the advice of your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare practitioner. Please read the disclaimer about the intentions and limitations of the information provided on these pages. It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other drugs and nutritional supplements that you are taking if they are recommending a new medication. Copyright © 2007 by Applied Health Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.
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