How long does Alprazolam take to start working?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
How long does Alprazolam take to start working?
Alprazolam is a fast-acting Benzodiazepine and it starts to work within 10-15 minutes and can take up to an hour to reach its full effects. As Alprazolam causes sedation, it’s best to take it an hour or so before bedtime (1).
Alprazolam has a fast onset of action and a half-life of about 10-12 hours. It takes approximately 30 – 135 hours for a single dose of Alprazolam to get eliminated from your body completely (2).
Alprazolam can induce sleep pretty quickly, but it might take a few doses to manage your anxiety. However, the long-term use of Alprazolam or any other benzodiazepine is not recommended because of the addictive properties of the drug (3).
Make sure you use Alprazolam for as long as your doctor has recommended. If you don’t see a positive change in your anxiety, talk to your healthcare provider.
What factors can affect the time taken by Alprazolam to work?
Several factors can influence the time it takes for Alprazolam, a medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, to work in the body (1):
- Individual differences: Each person’s body processes medications differently, so the time it takes for Alprazolam to take effect can vary from one person to another.
- Dosage: The dosage of Alprazolam can impact how quickly it starts working. Higher doses may have a faster onset of action compared to lower doses.
- Administration: The way Alprazolam is taken can affect its onset of action. Taking it on an empty stomach may lead to quicker absorption compared to taking it with food.
- Metabolism: The body’s metabolism plays a significant role in drug processing. Individuals with faster metabolisms may experience quicker effects of Alprazolam.
- Interaction with other substances: Alcohol and certain medications can interact with Alprazolam and either delay or enhance its effects.
- Body weight and composition: Factors like body weight and fat distribution can influence how a medication is distributed and metabolized in the body, affecting its onset of action.
- Tolerance: In individuals who have been taking Alprazolam for an extended period, the body may develop tolerance, which can alter the time it takes for the drug to work.
- Pre-existing health condition: The presence of certain medical conditions or liver and kidney function can affect how the body processes Alprazolam.
- Genetics: Genetic factors can also influence how the body responds to medications, including Alprazolam.
It’s essential to follow the prescribed dosage and instructions provided by your healthcare provider and avoid self-adjusting the dose or altering the timing of administration.
If you have any concerns about the time it takes for Alprazolam to work or experience any unusual side effects, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider.
How to ensure the proper use of Alprazolam?
Ensuring the proper use of Alprazolam is essential for its safe and effective use. To begin with, always take Alprazolam with a valid prescription from your healthcare provider and follow the prescribed dosage carefully.
Make sure you take it in the right way to make the most out of the medication. You can take Alprazolam with or without food, depending on what works for you and your health condition.
Altering the dosage without consulting your doctor can lead to adverse effects or reduced effectiveness of the medication (1,2). It’s crucial to take Alprazolam at the recommended schedule and avoid skipping or doubling doses unless specifically advised by your doctor.
Additionally, it’s essential to refrain from consuming alcohol while taking Alprazolam, as it can interact with the medication and cause harmful effects. Inform your doctor about any other medications, supplements, or herbal products you are using to prevent potential drug interactions.
It’s essential to monitor for side effects while using Alprazolam, which may include drowsiness, dizziness, and changes in coordination. If you experience any new or severe side effects, inform your doctor immediately.
What to do if Alprazolam does not help your health condition adequately?
If you find that Alprazolam is not adequately helping with your health condition, it’s essential to communicate openly with your healthcare provider.
Your doctor may need to reevaluate your diagnosis, adjust the dosage, or explore alternative treatment options that may better suit your needs. Remember that every individual responds differently to medications, and finding the right one for you may require some adjustments.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend combining Alprazolam with other therapeutic approaches, such as counselling, behavioural therapy, or lifestyle changes (4,5). These complementary strategies can enhance the overall effectiveness of your treatment.
If Alprazolam is not providing the desired relief or is causing significant side effects, your doctor may consider switching to a different medication that better addresses your specific health condition. Be patient and open to trying different options until you find the most suitable treatment for your needs.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
George TT, Tripp J. Alprazolam. 2023 Apr 24. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30844192. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538165
2.-
PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 2118, Alprazolam; [cited 2023 July 28]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Alprazolam
3.-
Ait-Daoud N, Hamby AS, Sharma S, Blevins D. A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal. J Addict Med. 2018 Jan/Feb;12(1):4-10. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000350. PMID: 28777203; PMCID: PMC5846112. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5846112/
4.-
Ali BS, Rahbar MH, Naeem S, Gul A, Mubeen S, Iqbal A. The effectiveness of counseling on anxiety and depression by minimally trained counselors: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Psychother. 2003;57(3):324-36. doi: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2003.57.3.324. PMID: 12961817. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12961817/
5.-
Carpenter JK, Andrews LA, Witcraft SM, Powers MB, Smits JAJ, Hofmann SG. Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and related disorders: A meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Depress Anxiety. 2018 Jun;35(6):502-514. doi: 10.1002/da.22728. Epub 2018 Feb 16. PMID: 29451967; PMCID: PMC5992015. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5992015/
