Xanax

Running Head : XANAX

Pharmacology of Addiction : Xanax Pharmacology of Addiction : Xanax

There are a large number of drugs being utilized in the market today for its therapeutic effect . Unfortunately , some drugs , when used incorrectly or excessively may cause addiction and may bring serious dilemma to its user . Xanax or Alprazolam is used to prevent anxiety without causing related sedation (PDR , 2007 .A serious consideration of studying drugs in the society is essential in preventing misuse and incorrect consumption . By way of understanding these drugs , addiction and other undesired effects such

as poisoning or even fatalities may be prevented .Drug Origin

Dr . Johnson of Alprazolam .cc (2007 ) provided the following information about the drug

Alprazolam has the chemical nomenclature of 8-Chloro-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-1 ,2 ,4- -triazolo (4 ,3-a (1 ,4 )benzodiazepine with the actual formula of its molecules of C17H13ClN4 ' and molecular weight of 308 .8 (IPCS 2007 . The Natural Alprazolam is a white crystalline powder , soluble in alcohol , chloroform , slightly soluble in acetone and in ethyl acetate and not soluble in water at normal pH levels . Xanax is a trade name of Alprazolam with active components of alprazolam chemical classification Each tablet have an appropriate quantity of alprazolam and inactive components such as cellulose , lactose , pharmaceutical grade corn or maize starch , magnesium stearate ,decussate sodium , silicon dioxide sodium benzoate and little of food coloring (Drugs .com , 2007

Drug Indication

Xanax is an anti-anxiety drug which gives a short-term relief of symptoms or as a cure for anxiety diss . Anxiety dis is manifested by unreasonable apprehension or unwarranted terror or fear Alprazolam is also prescribed to cure depression , agoraphobia or fear of open places , and premenstrual syndrome (MedlinePlus , 2007

Forms of the Drug

Available forms are : oral solution which comes in 0 .5 mg /5 ml , 1 mg /ml (concentrate ) dosages and tablets in 0 .25 mg , 0 .5 mg , 1 mg and 2 mg dosages (Nursing Drug Handbook , 2007

Alternate Names

Alprazolam is the generic name of the chosen drug . Some other brand names are Apo-Alpraz , Kalma , Novo-Alprazol , Nu-Alpraz and Razolam (Medical Drug Handbook , 2007

Action of the Drug

The drugs action is unknown . This benzodiazepine probably potentiates the effects of inhibitory neurotransmitter , gamma-aminobutyric acid and depresses the CNS at the limbic and sub-cortical levels of the brain (Medical Drug Handbook , 2003

Prescribed Dosages

According to Thompson Healthcare (2007 , Xanax is indicated for anxiety and panic diss

For anxiety , the usual initial dose for adult individuals is 0 .25 to 0 .5 mg taken orally , three or four times a day with a maximum of 4 mg daily in divided doses . While for elderly patients , usual initial dose of 0 .25 mg taken orally twice or thrice a day with a maximum of 4 mg daily in divided doses . For panic diss on the other hand , adults may take 0 .5 mg dose , orally . Intervals are increased three to four days in increments of no more than 1 mg with a maximum of 10 mg daily in divided doses . Dosages are adjusted...