Alprazolam (Xanax).
d.
(1) Uses. Alprazolam is primarily used in the treatment of anxiety and has
been useful in the management of panic attacks.
(2) Adverse effects. Alprazoam produces such adverse effects as
drowsiness, fatigue, and ataxia (lack of coordination). Physical dependence can
develop over a period with resultant withdrawal symptoms to include seizures.
(3) Cautions and warnings. An individual taking alprazolam should be
cautioned against taking central nervous system depressants (that is, alcohol) and
operating machinery.
e. Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride (Atarax) or Hydroxyzine Pamoate
(Vistaril).
(1)
Uses. Hydroxyzine has the following three primary uses:
(a)
Antianxiety agent. The drug is used to treat anxiety, tension, and
(b) Antiemetic agent. Because hydroxyzine does have some
antiemetic (antinausea and vomiting) properties, it is used in its injectable form
(hydroxyzine pamoate) to manage postoperative nausea and vomiting.
(c) Antipruritic agent. Hydroxyzine has been used because of its
antipruritic (anti-itch) properties.
NOTE: Atarax is sometimes used as a sedative.
(2) Adverse effects. There is an extremely low incidence of adverse
reactions with this drug. Some drowsiness may occur during the initial days of therapy;
however, this drowsiness is short-lived.
(3) Cautions and warnings. An individual taking hydroxyzine should be
cautioned against drinking alcohol and taking other central nervous system depressants
because of the additive effect that may be produced. Furthermore, persons taking this
drug should be cautioned against operating machinery (for example, driving an
automobile).
Buspirone (Buspar).
f.
(1) Uses. Buspirone is used in the management of anxiety or the short term
relief of symptoms of anxiety. It is unrelated to the benzodiazepines and therefore lacks
the sedative and addictive properties of these agents.
MD0804
9-8