Alprazolam

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine drug most commonly used in the treatment of panic disorder and short term treatment of anxiety; you may know it as Kalma® or Ralozam®.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia’s regulator of therapeutic agents determined that alprazolam does not appear to have any additional therapeutic benefits compared to other similar medicines, and that there is evidence relating to the harms associated with the misuse. For example, alprazolam can be habit forming and can interact with other drugs which may increase their sedative effects and place people at risk of overdose.

Alprazolam was rescheduled by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in February 2014. This was a national change. Alprazolam now has similar controls as other drugs of dependence, such as morphine and dexamphetamine.These controls require doctors, nurses and pharmacists to follow certain legal requirements.

If you have questions or want to know more, please consider

  1. Speaking to your doctor or health care professional about current requirements.
  2. Talking with your doctor about treatment options for anxiety and panic disorders.
  3. Contacting your local area Mental Health Services to find a health care professional. After hours Mental Health Triage Services (13 14 65 staffed 24 hours). This service may assist you in finding specialist services such as the:
  1. Contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on 1300 13 1340 for general information and advice on alprazolam and other benzodiazepines.
  2. To access general information about anxiety and panic disorders you could consider making contact with: