Can Alprazolam cause pain?

ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Risks from Concomitant Use with Opioids [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Effects on Driving and Operating Machinery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Neonatal Sedation and Withdrawal Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Patients with Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Risks in Patients with Impaired Respiratory Function [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] The most common adverse reactions in panic disorder patients treated with alprazolam extended-release tablets (incidence of > 5% and at least twice that of placebo) include: somnolence, memory impairment, dysarthria, coordination abnormal, ataxia, libido decreased, constipation, and nausea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. at 1-866-850-2876 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The information included in the section on Adverse Reactions Observed in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Trials with alprazolam extended-release tablets are based on pooled data of five 6- and 8-week placebo-controlled clinical studies in panic disorder. Adverse Reactions Observed in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Trials of Alprazolam Extended-Release Tablets Adverse Reactions Reported as Reasons for Discontinuation of Treatment in Placebo-Controlled Trials Approximately 17% of the 531 patients who received alprazolam extended-release tablets in placebo-controlled clinical trials for panic disorder had at least 1 adverse event that led to discontinuation compared to 8% of 349 placebo-treated patients. The most common events leading to discontinuation and considered to be drug-related (i.e., leading to discontinuation in at least 1% of the patients treated with alprazolam extended-release tablets at a rate at least twice that of placebo) are shown in Table 1. Table 1: Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation in ≥1% of alprazolam extended-release tablets-treated Patients and at least twice the Rate of Placebo-treated Patients in Placebo-Controlled Trials n=number of patients Percentage of Patients Discontinuing Due to Adverse Reactions Alprazolam extended-release tablets (n=531) Placebo (n=349) Nervous system disorders Sedation Somnolence Dysarthria Coordination abnormal Memory impairment 7.5 3.2 2.1 1.9 1.5 0.6 0.3 0 0.3 0.3 General disorders/administration site conditions Fatigue 1.7 0.6 Psychiatric disorders Depression 2.5 1.2 Adverse Reactions Occurring at an Incidence of 1% or More Among Patients Treated with Alprazolam Extended-Release Tablets Table 2 shows the incidence of adverse reactions that occurred during 6- and 8-week placebo-controlled trials in 1% or more of patients treated with alprazolam extended-release tablets where the incidence in patients treated with alprazolam extended-release tablets was greater than the incidence in placebo-treated patients. The most commonly observed adverse reactions in panic disorder patients treated with alprazolam extended-release tablets (incidence of 5% or greater and at least twice the incidence in placebo patients) were: sedation, somnolence, memory impairment, dysarthria, coordination abnormal, ataxia, libido decreased. Table 2: Adverse Reactions Occuring in ≥1% in alprazolam-treated Patients and Greater than Placebo-treated Patients in 6 and 8 week Placebo-Controlled Trials Panic Disorder Alprazolam extended-release tablets (n=531) Placebo (n=349) Nervous system disorders Sedation Somnolence Memory Impairment Dysartharia Coordination abnormal Mental impairment Ataxia Disturbance in attention Balance impaired Dyskinesia Hypoesthesia Hypersomnia 45% 23% 15% 11% 9% 7% 7% 3% 3% 2% 1% 1% 23% 6% 7% 3% 1% 6% 3% 1% 1% 1% <1% 0% General disorders/administration site conditions Fatigue Lethargy 14% 2% 9% 1% Psychiatric disorders Depression Libido decreased Disorientation Confusion Depressed mood 12% 6% 2% 2% 1% 9% 2% 0% 1% <1% Metabolism and nutrition disorders Appetite increased Anorexia 7% 2% 6% 0% Gastrointestinal disorders Constipation Nausea 8% 6% 4% 3% Investigations Weight increased 5 4 Injury, poisoning, and procedural complications Road traffic accident 2% 0% Reproductive system and breast disorders Dysmenorrhea Sexual dysfunction 4% 2% 3% 1% Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorder Arthralgia Myalgia Pain in limb 2% 2% 1% 1% 1% 0% Respiratory, thoracic, and mediatinal disorders Dyspnea 2% 0% Other Adverse Reactions Observed During the Premarketing Evaluation of Alprazolam Extended-Release Tablets Following is a list of other adverse reaction reported by 531 patients with panic disorder treated with alprazolam extended-release tablets. Adverse reactions are further categorized by body system and listed in order of decreasing frequency according to the following definitions: those occurring in at least l/l00 patients (frequent); those occurring in less than l/100 patients but at least l/1000 patients (infrequent); those occurring in fewer than l/1000 patients (rare). Cardiac disorders: Frequent: palpitation; Infrequent: sinus tachycardia Ear and Labyrinth disorders: Frequent: Vertigo; Infrequent : tinnitus, ear pain Eye disorders: Frequent: blurred vision; Infrequent: mydriasis, photophobia Gastrointestinal disorders : Frequent: diarrhea, vomiting, dyspepsia, abdominal pain; Infrequent : dysphagia, salivary hypersecretion General disorders and administration site conditions : Frequent : malaise, weakness, chest pains; Infrequent: fall, pyrexia, thirst, feeling hot and cold, edema, feeling jittery, sluggishness, asthenia, feeling drunk, chest tightness, increased energy, feeling of relaxation, hangover, loss of control of legs, rigors Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders : Frequent : back pain, muscle cramps, muscle twitching Nervous system disorders : Frequent: headache, dizziness, tremor; Infrequen t: amnesia, clumsiness, syncope, hypotonia, seizures, depressed level of consciousness, sleep apnea syndrome, sleep talking, stupor Psychiatric system disorders : Frequent : irritability, insomnia, nervousness, derealization, libido increased, restlessness, agitation, depersonalization, nightmare; Infrequent: abnormal dreams, apathy, aggression, anger, bradyphrenia, euphoric mood, logorrhea, mood swings, dysphonia, hallucination, homicidal ideation, mania, hypomania, impulse control, psychomotor retardation, suicidal ideation Renal and urinary disorders : Frequent : difficulty in micturition; Infrequent : urinary frequency, urinary incontinence Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders : Frequent : nasal congestion, hyperventilation; Infrequent: choking sensation, epistaxis, rhinorrhea Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders : Frequent: sweating increased; Infrequent: clamminess, rash, urticaria Vascular disorders : Infrequent: hypotension Discontinuation-Emergent Adverse Reactions Occurring at an Incidence of 5% or More Among Patients Treated with Alprazolam Extended-Release Tablets Table 3 shows the incidence of discontinuation-emergent adverse reactions that occurred during short-term, placebo-controlled trials in 5% or more of patients treated with alprazolam extended-release tablets where the incidence in patients treated with alprazolam extended-release tablets was 2 times greater than the incidence in placebo-treated patients. Table 3: Discontinuation-Emergent Symptom Incidence Reported in ≥5% of alprazolam extended-release tablets-treated Patients and at least twice the Rate of Placebo-treated Patients in Shor

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Effects on Driving and Operating Machinery: Patients receiving alprazolam should be cautioned against operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle, as well as avoiding concomitant use of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressant drugs. ( 5.4 ) Patients with Depression: Exercise caution in patients with signs or symptoms of depression. Prescribe the least number of tablets feasible to avoid intentional overdosage. ( 5.6 ) Neonatal Sedation and Withdrawal Syndrome: Alprazolam use during pregnancy can result in neonatal sedation and/or neonatal withdrawal. ( 5.8 , 8.1 ) 5.1 Risks from Concomitant Use with Opioids Concomitant use of benzodiazepines, including alprazolam, and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Because of these risks, reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioids alone. If a decision is made to prescribe alprazolam concomitantly with opioids, prescribe the lowest effective dosages and minimum durations of concomitant use, and follow patients closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. In patients already receiving an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of alprazolam than indicated in the absence of an opioid and titrate based on clinical response. If an opioid is initiated in a patient already taking alprazolam, prescribe a lower initial dose of the opioid and titrate based upon clinical response. Advise both patients and caregivers about the risks of respiratory depression and sedation when alprazolam is used with opioids. Advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until the effects of concomitant use with the opioid have been determined [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . 5.2 Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction The use of benzodiazepines, including alprazolam, exposes users to the risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death. Abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines often (but not always) involve the use of doses greater than the maximum recommended dosage and commonly involve concomitant use of other medications, alcohol, and/or illicit substances, which is associated with an increased frequency of serious adverse outcomes, including respiratory depression, overdose, or death [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2) ] . Before prescribing alprazolam and throughout treatment, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction (e.g., using a standardized screening tool). Use of alprazolam, particularly in patients at elevated risk, necessitates counseling about the risks and proper use of alprazolam along with monitoring for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction. Prescribe the lowest effective dosage; avoid or minimize concomitant use of CNS depressants and other substances associated with abuse, misuse, and addiction (e.g., opioid analgesics, stimulants); and advise patients on the proper disposal of unused drug. If a substance use disorder is suspected, evaluate the patient and institute (or refer them for) early treatment, as appropriate. 5.3 Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue alprazolam or reduce the dosage (a patient-specific plan should be used to taper the dose) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . Patients at an increased risk of withdrawal adverse reactions after benzodiazepine discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction include those who take higher dosages, and those who have had longer durations of use. Acute Withdrawal Reactions The continued use of benzodiazepines, including alprazolam, may lead to clinically significant physical dependence. Abrupt discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction of alprazolam after continued use, or administration of flumazenil (a benzodiazepine antagonist) may precipitate acute withdrawal reactions, which can be life-threatening (e.g., seizures) [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3) ] . Protracted Withdrawal Syndrome In some cases, benzodiazepine users have developed a protracted withdrawal syndrome with withdrawal symptoms lasting weeks to more than 12 months [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3) ] . Certain adverse clinical events, some life-threatening, are a direct consequence of physical dependence to alprazolam. These include a spectrum of withdrawal symptoms; the most important is seizure [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3) ] . Even after relatively short-term use at doses of < 4 mg/day, there is some risk of dependence. Spontaneous reporting system data suggest that the risk of dependence and its severity appear to be greater in patients treated with doses greater than 4 mg/day and for long periods (more than 12 weeks). However, in a controlled postmarketing discontinuation study of panic disorder patients who received alprazolam, the duration of treatment (3 months compared to 6 months) had no effect on the ability of patients to taper to zero dose. In contrast, patients treated with doses of alprazolam greater than 4 mg/day had more difficulty tapering to zero dose than those treated with less than 4 mg/day. In a controlled clinical trial in which 63 patients were randomized to alprazolam and where withdrawal symptoms were specifically sought, the following were identified as symptoms of withdrawal: heightened sensory perception, impaired concentration, dysosmia, clouded sensorium, paresthesias, muscle cramps, muscle twitch, diarrhea, blurred vision, appetite decrease, and weight loss. Other symptoms, such as anxiety and insomnia, were frequently seen during discontinuation, but it could not be determined if they were due to return of illness, rebound, or withdrawal. Interdose Symptoms Early morning anxiety and emergence of anxiety symptoms between doses of alprazolam have been reported in patients with panic disorder taking prescribed maintenance doses. These symptoms may reflect the development of tolerance or a time interval between doses which is longer than the duration of clinical action of the administered dose. In either case, it is presumed that the prescribed dose is not sufficient to maintain plasma levels above those needed to prevent relapse, rebound, or withdrawal symptoms over the entire course of the interdosing interval. 5.4 Effects on Driving and Operating Machinery Because of its CNS depressant effects, patients receiving alprazolam should be cautioned against engaging in hazardous occupations or activities requiring complete mental alertness such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. For the same reason, patients should be cautioned about the concomitant use of alcohol and other CNS depressant drugs during treatment with alprazolam [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . 5.5 Interaction with Drugs that Inhibit Metabolism via Cytochrome P450 3A The initial step in alprazolam metabolism is hydroxylation catalyzed by cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A). Drugs that inhibit this metabolic pathway may have a profound effect on the clearance of alprazolam. Strong CYP3A Inhibitors Alprazolam is contraindicated in patients receiving strong inhibitors of CYP3A (such as azole antifungal agents), except ritonavir [see Contraindications (4) ]. Ketoconazole and itraconazole have been shown in vivo to increase plasma alprazolam concentrations 3.98 fold and 2.70 fold, respectively. Dosage adjustment is necessary when alprazolam and ritonavir are initiated concomitantly or when ritonavir is added to a stable dosage of alprazolam [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) , Drug Interactions (7.1) ]. Drugs demonstrated to be CYP3A inhibitors on the basis of clinical studies involving alprazolam: nefazodone, fluvoxamine, and cimetidine [see Drug Interaction (7.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Use caut