Addiction | 4 min read

Alpram: What You Need to Know About Alprazolam & It’s Addiction Potential Before You Try It

Medically Reviewed

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Po-Chang Hsu

Dr. Po-Chang Hsu

On August 29, 2022

Written By

Amanda Stevens

Amanda Stevens, B.S.

On September 27, 2021

Addiction potential before you try
Reading Time: 4 minutes

There is a flood of dangerous drugs that our loved ones are constantly exposed to, no matter where they live. Whether in small towns or big cities, the result is almost always the same: a legitimate medication gets prescribed, and the patient eventually develops tolerance and dependence. These medications are prescribed for everything from pain to anxiety and obesity, but when they are abused, it only leads to harm.

One of the most dangerous drugs available right now is called Alpram. Alpram is the name brand of a popular formula of alprazolam, which is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are very specific depressants, which significantly slow down the user’s central nervous system. For this reason, it is frequently prescribed as an anti-anxiety medication and a substance to help mitigate panic disorders.

Physical symptoms that Alpram may help with include physical muscular tension, heart palpitations, inability to sleep and restlessness, persistent worrying thoughts, and constant feelings of fear and panic. It is the most prescribed benzodiazepine and is in the medicine cabinets of an estimated 50 million Americans, making just one more reason why this drug is abused at such high rates.

The Facts About Alpram & The Dangers of Using It

Since Alpram is a potent depressant and sedative, it produces powerful relaxation in the body and mind. While this makes it an incredibly effective medication for managing anxiety and panic disorders, it also contributes to the highly addictive nature of Alpram. It can help to manage a wide variety of symptoms. However, when it begins to be fully metabolized by the body, withdrawal symptoms often occur if another dose has not been taken. These symptoms are generally the ones that it was being taken to mitigate in the first place, except more intense, often referred to as rebound symptoms.

One of the most prevalent side effects noticed by those who take it is the marked decrease in sex drive and libido. This is frequently attributed to Alpram’s potent relaxation effect, which commonly removes most of the user’s sex drive. The relaxing mood usually attracts new users, providing them with feelings of relaxation nearly to euphoria while they quickly build a dependence on the drug.

Facts About Alpram & The Dangers of Using It

Additional physical effects that Alpram users may experience include:

  • Low salivation and dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Coordination reductions
  • Shaking and tremors
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Seizures
  • Slurring or disjointed and confused speech
  • Slowed or difficult breathing

The Addiction Potential of Using Alpram

The way that Alpram acts on the body contributes significantly to how difficult it is to detox from it when needed. It triggers huge releases of dopamine, as well as boosts GABA activity. Increased GABA activity is often seen as responsible for feelings of relaxation, light-headedness, and even loss of inhibitions.

Alpram is incredibly addictive due to the way that benzodiazepines depress the central nervous system. Even when prescribed a legitimate prescription for Alpram, the user’s body will rapidly begin to develop a tolerance to the drug’s effects, leading to the individual taking more of it or increasing their dosage without doctor approval. Users given Alpram for anxiety often feel drawn to increase their dose more often to manage the symptoms.

When stopping Alpram or even reducing the dosage per the doctor’s instructions, there is a significant chance of serious and potentially deadly side effects. If a prescription Alpram user forgets to take a dose or more, they are at an elevated risk of seizure. Those that take Alpram long-term are at an increased risk for things like failing memory functions, uncontrollable symptoms of anxiety, shaking, seizures, hyperactivity, and sedation that can last for several days.

What Does Alpram Withdrawal Look Like?

Alpram withdrawal symptoms, severity, and timeline often look different for everyone and will depend on several factors like age, sex, and medical history. However, it will also largely depend on the addiction history of the individual seeking recovery.

With the relatively short half-life of Alpram, the withdrawal symptoms will frequently begin within just a few hours after the first missed dose. The detox process will begin with the acute withdrawal stage, often lasting for up to two weeks, sometimes stretching to about a month. The first symptoms the user will often experience will be a resurgence of the symptoms being managed or the onset of “rebound symptoms.”

Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome is often described as uncomfortable, even annoying, but there are some cases where the withdrawals will be severe and require medical supervision to avoid potentially dangerous complications. The symptoms that are often experienced during this period will usually include:

  • Extreme anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Tremors or lack of general muscular control
  • Muscular stiffness, soreness, or pain
  • Headache
  • Irritability or aggression
  • Weight loss
  • Confusion or inability to think clearly
  • Problems concentrating
  • Heart palpitations
  • Hallucinations
  • Psychosis
  • Possibility of seizure

What Does Alpram Withdrawal Look Like

In most cases, the withdrawal symptoms can be managed relatively easily in a controlled environment. In some other cases, specifically, when a user goes from high doses to quitting cold turkey, there will be a significant risk of seizures and other medical complications. Therefore, detoxing from Alpram should never be attempted alone, and the assistance of recovery or medical professionals should be utilized.

Treatment Options When Addicted to Alpram

If you or someone you care about may be living with an addiction to Alpram, you should talk to premier addiction specialists about treatment. When working with experienced recovery professionals and behavioral therapy specialists, the individual will have the ability to go through the detox and withdrawal stages with the help and supervision of qualified medical professionals. This greatly reduces the chances of serious medical complications and allows for greater comfort. They can also work with counselors to ensure they have the tools to maintain recovery in the future.

Reach out today if you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and requires medication-assisted treatment in New Jersey. You deserve the opportunity to start living the life you’ve always dreamed about, free from the bondage of drugs.

Was this article helpful? Follow our blog for more information about substance use, addiction, and recovery. Recent posts include topics such as the dangers of getting high on drugs and Norco side effects.

Ascendant New York Editorial Guidelines

Here at Ascendant New York, we understand the importance of having access to accurate medical information you can trust, especially when you or a loved one is suffering from addiction. Find out more on our policy.

Amanda Stevens

MEDICAL CONTENT WRITER

Amanda Stevens, B.S.

Amanda is a prolific medical content writer specializing in eating disorders and addiction treatment. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Purdue University with a B.S. in Social Work. Read more

Find Out if You Are Covered by Insurance

VERIFY INSURANCE

Sources
  1. Cunha JP. Alprazolam: Generic, Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Interactions & Warnings. RxList. Published August 9, 2021. Accessed August 29, 2022. https://www.rxlist.com/consumer_alprazolam_xanax/drugs-condition.htm