Alprazolam

Death may occur when benzodiazepines are combined with depressants such as opiates, thienodiazepines, alcohol or other GABAergic substances.

It is strongly discouraged to consume moderate to heavy dosages of these substances together.

Alprazolam
The skeletal formula of Alprazolam.
Chemical Nomenclature
Common names	Alprazolam, Xanax
Systematic name	8-Chloro-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazepine
Class Membership
Psychoactive class	Depressant
Chemical class	Benzodiazepine
Routes of Administration
Oral Dosage WARNING: Always start with lower doses due to differences between individual body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and personal sensitivity. See responsible use section. DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation. This dosage and duration information has been sourced from TripSit Threshold 0.10 - 0.25 mg Light 0.25 - 0.5 mg Common 0.5 - 1.5 mg Strong 1.5 - 2 mg Heavy 2 - 3 mg + Duration Total 5 - 8 hours Onset 20 - 40 minutes Peak 1 - 2 hours Offset 2 - 6 hours After effects 6 - 24 hours

Xanax (alprazolam) 2 mg tri-score tablets

Summary sheet: Alprazolam

Alprazolam (trade name Xanax) is a short-acting psychoactive drug of the benzodiazepine class which produces anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, and amnesic effects. Alprazolam, like other benzodiazepines, binds to specific sites on the GABAA gamma-amino-butyric acid receptor. Alprazolam is commonly used and FDA approved for the medical treatment of panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or social anxiety disorder (SAD).

Alprazolam has a fast onset of action and symptomatic relief. Ninety percent of peak effects are achieved within the first hour of using in preparation for panic disorder and full peak effects are achieved in 1.5 and 1.6 hours respectively. Peak benefits achieved for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) may take up to a week.

It's worth noting that the sudden discontinuation of benzodiazepines can be potentially dangerous or life-threatening for individuals using regularly for extended periods of time, sometimes resulting in seizures or death. It is highly recommended to taper one's dose by gradually lowering the amount taken each day for a prolonged period of time instead of stopping abruptly.

Chemistry

Alprazolam is a drug of the benzodiazepine class. Benzodiazepine drugs contain a benzene ring fused to a diazepine ring, which is a seven membered ring with the two nitrogen constituents located at R₁ and R₄. The benzyl ring of alprazolam is substituted at R₈ with a chlorine group. Further, the diazepine ring is bonded at R₅ to a phenyl ring. Alprazolam also contains a 1-methylated triazole ring fused to and incorporating R₁ and R₂ of its diazepine ring. Alprazolam belongs to a class of benzodiazepines containing this fused triazole ring, called triazolobenzodiazepines, distinguished by the suffix "-zolam".

Pharmacology

Benzodiazepines produce a variety of effects by binding to the benzodiazepine receptor site and magnifying the efficiency and effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) by acting on its receptors. As this site is the most prolific inhibitory receptor set within the brain, its modulation results in the sedating (or calming effects) of alprazolam on the nervous system.

The anticonvulsant properties of benzodiazepines may be, in part or entirely, due to binding to voltage-dependent sodium channels rather than benzodiazepine receptors.

Alprazolam causes a marked suppression of the hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal axis. Administration of alprazolam has been demonstrated to elicit an increase in striatal dopamine concentrations.

Subjective effects

The effects listed below are based upon the subjective effects index and personal experiences of PsychonautWiki contributors. The listed effects will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier dosages will increase the chances and are more likely to induce a full range of effects.

Physical effects

• • Sedation - In terms of energy level alterations, this drug has the potential to be extremely sedating and often results in an overwhelmingly lethargic state. At higher levels, this causes users to suddenly feel as if they are extremely sleep deprived and have not slept for days, forcing them to sit down and generally feel as if they are constantly on the verge of passing out instead of engaging in physical activities. This sense of sleep deprivation increases proportional to dosage and eventually becomes powerful enough to force a person into complete unconsciousness.
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle relaxation
  • Motor control loss
  • Respiratory depression
  • Seizure suppression

Paradoxical effects

• Paradoxical reactions to benzodiazepines such as increased seizures (in epileptics), aggression, increased anxiety, violent behavior, loss of impulse control, irritability and suicidal behavior sometimes occur (although they are rare in the general population, with an incidence rate below 1%).

  These paradoxical effects occur with greater frequency in recreational abusers, individuals with mental disorders, children, and patients on high-dosage regimes.

Cognitive effects

• • Anxiety suppression - This is alprazolam's primary effect.
  • Disinhibition
  • Emotion suppression
  • Amnesia
  • Dizziness
  • Delusions of sobriety
  • Information processing suppression
  • Thought deceleration
  • Sedation - In terms of energy level alterations, this drug has the potential to be extremely sedating and often results in an overwhelmingly lethargic state. At higher levels, this causes users to suddenly feel as if they are extremely sleep deprived and have not slept for days, forcing them to sit down and generally feel as if they are constantly on the verge of passing out instead of engaging in physical activities. This sense of sleep deprivation increases proportional to dosage and eventually becomes powerful enough to force a person into complete unconsciousness.