Alprazolam and withdrawal seizures
Article Abstract:
Alprazolam is a drug that is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Some reports have also indicated that alprazolam is effective as an antidepressant, but has not yet received FDA approval for this use. It is also known that withdrawal from alprazolam may result in side effects such as anxiety, panic, tachycardia, insomnia, muscle spasms, and sometimes psychosis. A review of 52 cases of alprazolam withdrawal that were reported to the FDA over a five-year period was made. The patients were taking no other medications, the average treatment time was 35 days, and the average dosage was 4 mg per day. It was surmised, based on these reports, as well as the results of previous studies, that withdrawal seizures can occur after discontinuation for a wide range of dosages of alprazolam. The patients ranged from 13 to 90 years old and all age groups appeared to be vulnerable. Most reports did not document the amount of time that elapsed between discontinuation of the drug and the first seizure. It was noted that although the Physicians' Desk Reference specifies that the maximum recommended dosage of alprazolam is 4 mg per day, some patients received up to 16 mg per day. Alprazolam is known to be a very effective treatment for panic disorder and has a low toxicity profile. However, physicians are cautioned to take special care in withdrawing their patients from this drug. Precise guidelines for withdrawal do not yet exist, but a gradual reduction of dosage is recommended to prevent withdrawal seizures and other symptoms. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0022-3018
Year: 1990
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Neural substrates of opiate withdrawal
Article Abstract:
The administration of opiate antagonists were found to elicit classic opiate withdrawal symptoms in rats. The locus coeruleus mediates behavioral and physiological responses which are represented in various areas of the brain. Other signs were mediated by peripheral opiate receptors. The motivational aspects of opiate withdrawal were localized to the nucleus accumbens. Further research revealed that adaptation changes occur on the molecular and cellular level in response to opiate withdrawal.
Publication Name: Trends in Neurosciences
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0166-2236
Year: 1992
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Neural plasticity and the development of sex differences
Article Abstract:
The multifaceted nature sex differences in neurological development prevent generalizing about them. Cellular sex differences are complex, and the brain interacts with sex in various levels of plasticity.
Publication Name: Annual Review of Sex Research
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 1053-2528
Year: 1998
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