Anxiety
250 micrograms (0.25mg) to 500 micrograms (0.5 mg) three times daily, increasing if
required to a total of 3 mg daily.
The elderly or in the presence of debilitating disease 250 micrograms (0.25 mg) two to three times daily to be gradually increased if needed and tolerated.
If side-effects occur, the dose should be lowered. It is advisable to review treatment regularly and to discontinue use as soon as possible.
Should longer-term treatment be necessary, then intermittent treatment may be considered to minimize the risk of dependence. Pediatric population The safety and efficacy of alprazolam in children and adolescents below the age of 18 years have not been established
Treatment should be as short as possible. It is recommended that the patient be reassessed at the end of no longer than 4 weeks of treatment and the need for continued treatment established, especially in case the patient is symptom free. The overall duration of treatment should not be more than 8-12 weeks, including a tapering off process.
In certain cases extension beyond the maximum treatment period may be necessary; if so, it should not take place without re-evaluation of the patient’s status with special expertise. As with all benzodiazepines, physicians should be aware that long-term use might lead to dependence in certain patients.