Can you take alprazolam with milk? (+3 tips)

In this article, we will explore whether you can take alprazolam with milk or not, if there are any potential interactions between alprazolam and milk, what other benzodiazepines are not to be taken with alprazolam, how to take alprazolam safely and avoid the increasing potential side effects caused by it. 

Can you take alprazolam with milk?

Yes, you can take alprazolam with milk. It is safe because the researchers have found minimal effects of milk on the absorption and metabolism of alprazolam. However, alprazolam does have some gastrointestinal side effects and the effect of milk on the stomach can, in some cases, worsen the gastrointestinal side effects of alprazolam (1). 

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It is an anxiolytic drug that works by modulating the neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS) (2). 

It is essential to not take alprazolam with alcohol as this can create some complexities and increase unwanted side effects. If you are concerned about taking alprazolam with milk, then taking alprazolam with water or other non-alcoholic beverages or non-dairy products can be the best option for you (3). 

It is important to follow the treatment regimen prescribed by your doctor. You need to take alprazolam as advised by your healthcare provider for a complete recovery and management of symptoms of your medical health condition. 

Are there any interactions between alprazolam and milk?

Benzodiazepines like alprazolam, may sometimes show an interaction with milk. However, it is usually safe to take alprazolam with milk. There is a minor chance of this interaction. Limited data is available for the study of the interaction of milk with alprazolam in the human body. 

Milk is a protein-rich beverage and alprazolam, like other benzodiazepines, is passively diffused from the stomach and intestines into the bloodstream. Sometimes, the proteins in milk may bind with the alprazolam molecule and hinder its absorption into the bloodstream but the overall impact on efficacy due to this process is minimal (4). 

The metabolism and elimination of benzodiazepines can also be affected by the milk, particularly whole milk. Lauric acid present in milk can affect CYP3A4, an enzyme that metabolises drugs like alprazolam and helps to eliminate them from the body through urine. The increased metabolism may break down alprazolam faster than needed leading to reduced circulation in blood (5). 

In general, alprazolam can safely be taken with milk. However, if you are taking alprazolam and experience any side effects or decreased effectiveness, then you should consult your healthcare provider. 

Which benzodiazepines should not be taken with milk?

Although alprazolam does not usually interact with milk, there are some other drugs from the same class that should not be taken with milk. Such drugs include:

Diazepam

Diazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine available with the brand name Valium (4). It is an anti-anxiety medication that should not be taken with milk as milk was found to prolong the absorption of diazepam which can delay the onset of action of this drug. 

Clonazepam

Clonazepam or Klonopin has similar actions as that of diazepam. It is also a long-acting benzodiazepine that works to treat anxiety (5). Clonazepam is not to be taken with milk as milk can delay the absorption of the drug and affect the efficacy of the drug.

Lorazepam

It belongs to the class of short-acting benzodiazepines. Lorazepam is used to treat anxiety and seizures (6). Taking milk with lorazepam does not affect the absorption of this drug, but it may cause some gastrointestinal side effects including diarrhoea.

Estazolam

Estazolam and triazolam are the short acting benzodiazepines. This benzodiazepine is used to treat insomnia (7). Taking these drugs with milk affects the absorption and delays their ability to induce sleep.

How to take alprazolam safely?

Here are some tips to take alprazolam safely without increasing the risk of potential side effects (8).

• Take alprazolam as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Follow the exact dosage regimen and all the guidelines of your healthcare provider.

• Taking alprazolam with milk or food can help lower the direct gastrointestinal side effects of alprazolam on the stomach of the patient taking it.

• Avoid taking alcoholic beverages with alprazolam. Alcohol can cause drowsiness, impaired cognition and respiratory distress if taken with alprazolam.  

• Open communication with your doctor is essential. You need to inform them about your current medical conditions, your past medical record or any other concurrent medications you are taking already. 

• You need regular follow-ups and monitoring while taking alprazolam as long-term use of alprazolam can lead to dependence and the development of tolerance to the medication. 

• Abruptly discontinuing alprazolam can cause withdrawal symptoms to appear. So, the patient is advised to not stop taking the medication if they encounter any side effects. Instead, inform your doctor immediately and seek medical guidance.  

• Keep alprazolam out of the reach of children. Store it in a cool and dry place away from the reach of the children.

If you are taking alprazolam and have any concerns with regard to its side effects or dosing frequency then consult your doctor for your queries.  

In my opinion, alprazolam does not react with milk. However, taking alcohol with alprazolam should be avoided as it can worsen the side effects caused by the drug. Milk can sometimes react with some benzodiazepines and delay their onset of action but that is not the case with alprazolam. 

Consult your doctor if you need to ask about your treatment plan or if you experience any unwanted effects after taking your medication. They can help you manage the condition and can tailor your treatment plan according to your needs. 

References