Reacciones adversas, mecanismo de acción y farmacocinética de alprazolam en pacientes con diagnóstico de ansiedad, síntomas de depresión y angustia

Abstract

The present research aims to determine the adverse reactions, the mechanism of action and the pharmacokinetics of alprazolam, through a review of scientific articles, for an adequate use of the drug in patients diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and distress. The methodology that was applied is of a qualitative approach, of a descriptive type, based on the investigation of high impact articles. Alprazolam is a drug that belongs to the pharmacological group of anxiolytics derived from benzodiazepines and is used to treat various depressive disorders. It acts as a depressant at the central nervous system level by activating the gamma aminobutyric acid receptor, obtaining hypnotic, muscle relaxant, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant properties. The main adverse reactions that manifest after its administration are drowsiness, dizziness, sudden falls, aggressiveness, among others. Pharmacokinetics start from when the drug is released and enters the human body, it is rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, passes through the bloodstream, and moves as a free drug to the protein albumin, is metabolized in the liver and finally excreted in the urine. To demonstrate the pharmacological treatment, an information sheet was made that contributes to the patient's state of mind.