Mount St.

Joseph University
NUR 512 MEDICATION SHEET
**Complete one sheet per drug

Generic and trade (product) name of drug __Alprazolam (Xanax)__________

Classification and sub-classification of the drug _Anxiolytic; Sedative-Hypnotic; Benzodiazepine_
Normal dose range __Anxiety: PO 0.25-0.5 mg tid (max: 4mg/day) ___________________
Are there any dosing considerations related to the patients age or co-morbid conditions?
__N/A ___________________________________________
1. What are the indications and
uses of this medication?
2. How does this medication work
in the body? How would you
evaluate the effectiveness?
3. What are the major side
effects/ adverse reactions of
this medication?
4. Are there any significant
food/drug interactions?

5. What are the important nursing

considerations related to
administering this medication?

Management of anxiety disorders or for short-term relief of

anxiety symptoms. Also used as adjunct in management of
anxiety associated with depression and agitation, and for
panic disorders, such as agoraphobia.
A CNS depressant that appears to act at the limbic,
thalamic, and hypothalamic levels of the CNS. Has
antianxiety and sedative effects with addictive potential.
CNS: drowsiness, sedation, light-headedness, dizziness,
syncope, depression, headache, confusion, insomnia,
nervousness, fatigue, clumsiness, unsteadiness, rigidity,
tremor, restlessness, paradoxical excitement,
hallucinations; CV: tachycardia, hypotension, ECG changes
Drug: alcohol, other CNS depressants, anticonvulsants,
antihistamines, barbiturates, narcotic analgesics,
benzodiazepines, cimetidine, disulfiram, fluoxetine
Herbal: Kava, valerian may potentiate sedation; St. Johns
wort
Monitor for S&S of drowsiness and sedation especially in
older adults; Monitor lab tests; Pts should make position
changes slowly and in stages to prevent dizziness; Do NOT
use alcohol; Taper dosage following continuous use

Why is this patient receiving this medication?

Anxiety

Misc. Comments

072614