Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety and panic disorder, and is in a family of drugs known as benzodiazepines.
Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.
 Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results. | Alcohol Kava* |
| Depletion or interference | None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Vinpocetine
In a preliminary trial, an extract of periwinkle called vinpocetine was shown to produce minor improvements in short-term memory among people taking flunitrazepam, a benzodiazepine.1 Further study is needed to determine if vinpocetine would be a helpful adjunct to use of benzodiazepines, or alprazolam specifically.
Interaction with Herbs
Kava (Piper methysticum)
Kava is an herb used to treat anxiety disorder. One individual who took alprazolam and kava together, along with two other medications (cimetidine and terazosin) was hospitalized in a lethargic and disoriented condition.2 Further research is needed to determine whether the combination of kava and alprazolam produces an adverse interaction. However, individuals should not take alprazolam and kava together unless supervised by a doctor.
Interaction with Foods and other Compounds
Alcohol
Drinking alcoholic beverages while taking alprazolam may increase side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, and dizziness.3 Consequently, people taking alprazolam should avoid drinking alcohol, especially when they must stay alert.
References
1. Bhatti JZ, Hindmarch I. Vinpocetine effects on cognitive impairments produced by flunitrazepam. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 1987;2:325–31.
2. Almeida JC. Coma from the health food store: Interaction between kava and alprazolam. Ann Intern Med 1996;125:940–1.
3. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2492–6.
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2006-09-07
