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Alprazolam 0.5 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes

Prescription required (Schedule H1)

Common uses: Short-term relief of anxiety disorders and severe anxiety symptoms; Panic disorder, with or without fear of open places.

Listed MRPs range from ₹0.72 to ₹5.05 per tablet across 7 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.

Price comparison

BrandManufacturerPackMRP₹ / tabletAs on
Alprazolam Tablets IP 0.5 mgJan AushadhiJan Aushadhi (PMBJP)10₹7.22₹0.7219 October 2026
Anxit 0.5Micro Labs Ltd15₹52.50₹3.5019 October 2026
Zolax 0.5Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd10₹35.39₹3.5419 October 2026
Stresnil RF 0.5Aristo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd10₹40.31₹4.0319 October 2026
Alzolam 0.5Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd10₹48.75₹4.8819 October 2026
Alprax 0.5Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd15₹74.05₹4.9419 October 2026
Trika 0.5Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd15₹75.75₹5.0519 October 2026

MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.

Uses

  • Short-term relief of anxiety disorders and severe anxiety symptoms.
  • Panic disorder, with or without fear of open places.
  • Short-term help with sleep when anxiety is the cause, while a longer-term treatment like an SSRI starts working.

How to take it

Swallow the tablet whole with water, with or without food, exactly as prescribed – usually once at bedtime or two to three times a day, with the dose started low and increased only by your doctor. Alprazolam is meant for short-term use (a few weeks) because it is habit-forming and loses its effect with regular use. Do not take more than prescribed or for longer than agreed, and never stop suddenly after regular use – your doctor will taper it to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as rebound anxiety, sleeplessness, shaking and, rarely, seizures. It causes drowsiness and slows reactions, so do not drive or ride a two-wheeler after taking it. In India it is a Schedule H1 medicine: the chemist must keep a record of your prescription.

Side effects

Common

  • Drowsiness, dizziness and tiredness, which can last into the next day.
  • Poor coordination, slurred speech or memory problems.
  • Dry mouth, nausea or constipation.
  • Headache or irritability.
  • Changes in appetite, weight or sex drive.

Serious

Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.

  • Slowed or difficult breathing, especially with alcohol, opioids or other sedatives – emergency.
  • Dependence and withdrawal – seizures, severe anxiety or confusion if stopped suddenly after regular use.
  • Confusion, hallucinations, unusual aggression or thoughts of self-harm.
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes, or a severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face or throat.

Safety information

Alcohol

Do not drink alcohol – together they can cause dangerous drowsiness, slowed breathing and blackouts.

Pregnancy

Avoid in pregnancy – it can harm the baby and cause withdrawal or breathing problems in the newborn. Do not breastfeed while taking it.

Kidney problems

Tell your doctor about kidney disease; a lower dose may be needed.

Liver problems

A lower dose is used in liver disease because alprazolam is broken down by the liver.

Children

Not for use in children or teenagers.

Missed dose

Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Never take two doses together.

Interactions

  • Opioid painkillers like tramadol or codeine, and cough syrups containing codeine – dangerous breathing suppression; avoid.
  • Other sedatives – zolpidem, clonazepam, pregabalin, sleep-inducing antihistamines like cetirizine, chlorpheniramine, hydroxyzine – added drowsiness.
  • Ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin and some HIV medicines – raise alprazolam levels a lot.
  • Cimetidine, fluoxetine and oral contraceptives increase its effect; carbamazepine and rifampicin reduce it.
  • Grapefruit juice can raise levels; St John's wort lowers them.

Frequently asked questions

What is Alprax 0.5 used for?

Alprax 0.5 contains alprazolam 0.5 mg, a benzodiazepine. It is prescribed for short-term relief of anxiety and panic disorder, and sometimes for anxiety-related sleeplessness while a longer-term treatment starts working.

Is Alprax 0.5 a sleeping pill?

It is an anti-anxiety medicine that also causes drowsiness, so doctors sometimes use it briefly for sleep. It is not meant as a regular sleeping pill – tolerance and dependence develop within weeks.

Is Trika 0.5 habit-forming?

Yes. Alprazolam causes dependence with regular use, and stopping suddenly causes withdrawal symptoms including rebound anxiety and, rarely, seizures. Use it only for the short period prescribed and let your doctor taper it.

Can I take Alprax with alcohol?

No. Alcohol and alprazolam together can cause severe drowsiness, memory blackouts and dangerously slowed breathing.

Alprax 0.25 vs Alprax 0.5 – what is the difference?

They contain 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg of alprazolam. Doctors usually start at the lower strength and increase only if needed. 0.5 mg causes more drowsiness and more dependence risk, so do not move up on your own.

Can I drive after taking Alprax 0.5?

No. It slows reactions and causes drowsiness that can last into the next morning. Do not drive, ride a two-wheeler or operate machinery after taking it.

Why does the chemist keep a record when I buy Alprax?

Alprazolam is a Schedule H1 medicine in India. Chemists must sell it only against a prescription and record the sale in a register, because of its misuse and dependence potential.

Alprax vs Restyl vs Trika – are they the same?

Yes, all are brands of alprazolam from different companies and work the same way. Stick to the brand and strength your doctor prescribed.

Can elderly people take alprazolam?

It is generally avoided in people over 65 because it increases confusion, falls and fractures. If needed, a much lower dose is used for a short time.

Sources

Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated

This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms