Patient/Family Teaching

• Instruct patient to take medication exactly as directed; do not skip or double up on missed doses. If a dose is missed, take within 1 hr; otherwise, skip the dose and return to regular schedule. If medication is less effective after a few weeks, check with health care professional; do not increase dose. Abrupt withdrawal may cause sweating, vomiting, muscle cramps, tremors, and seizures

• May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Caution patient to avoid driving and other activities requiring alertness until response to the medication is known. Geri: Instruct patient and family how to reduce falls risk at home.

• Advise patient to avoid drinking grapefruit juice during therapy

• Advise patient to avoid the use of alcohol or other CNS depressants concurrently with alprazolam. Instruct patient to consult health care professional before taking Rx, OTC, or herbal products concurrently with this medication

• Inform patient that benzodiazepines are usually prescribed for short-term use and do not cure underlying problems

• Teach other methods to decrease anxiety (exercise, support group, relaxation techniques)

• Advise patient to not share medication with anyone

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