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Treatment Option Approved by FDA Now Available to Treat Anxiety Disorders
First Orally Dissolving Alprazolam Tablet Offers Convenient Dosing For Millions With Anxiety Disorders
NEW YORK, NY -- October 27, 2005 -- For the 19 million Americans with anxiety disorders, activities many of us take for granted can inspire crippling fear or constant worries. A new nationwide survey shows just how disruptive the symptoms of anxiety disorders can be for those who suffer with them.
The survey of more than 700 U.S. adults with generalized anxiety disorder, or panic attacks, finds 76% of these adults avoid situations, 63% feel less confident, 62% can't sleep, and 60% are unable to concentrate. Traditional treatment options are oral pills, but recently, in an effort to improve accessibility to anxiety medications, an orally-disintegrating formula was developed.
The FDA recently approved Niravam(TM) (Alprazolam orally disintegrating tablets), which works like Xanax(R). But unlike conventional Alprazolam, Niravam uses Rapitab(TM) technology to quickly dissolve on the tongue without the need for water.
Available in the same strengths and dosage schedule as conventional Alprazolam, Niravam(TM) is now available by prescription.
Niravan is contraindicated in patients with acute narrow-angle glaucoma and in those taking potent CYP3A inhibitors, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole. At doses greater than 4 mg per day, the risk of dependence may be higher than in those taking smaller doses.
Patients should be cautioned about mental alertness, impaired performance and taking alcohol or other CNS depressant drugs during treatment. The patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus if used during pregnancy.
Adverse events in clinical trials include drowsiness, impaired coordination, memory impairment, dysarthria, increased or decreased libido, and constipation. Certain adverse clinical events are a direct consequence of physical dependence to alprazolam. These include a spectrum of withdrawal symptoms, the most important being seizure.
Xanax(R) is a registered trademark of Pharmacia & Upjohn Company.
RapiTab(TM) is a trademark of SRZ Properties, Inc.
RapiTab(TM) is DuraSolv(R) technology, manufactured by CIMA LABS INC. (R)
SOURCE Schwarz Pharma
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