Prazepam tablets or capsules

What are prazepam tablets or capsules?

PRAZEPAM (Centrax®) is a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines belong to a group of medicines that slow down the central nervous system. Prazepam helps to relieve anxiety and nervousness. Federal law prohibits the transfer of pramazepam to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else.

NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the United States.

What should my health care professional know before I take prazepam?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• an alcohol or drug abuse problem

• depression or psychosis

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• lung disease or breathing difficulties

• myasthenia gravis

• Parkinson's disease

• porphyria

• shortness of breath

• snoring

• suicidal thoughts

• an unusual or allergic reaction to prazepam, other benzodiazepines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take prazepam tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets or capsules with a drink of water. If prazepam upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with prazepam?

• alcohol

• bosentan

• caffeine

• cimetidine

• disulfiram

• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills

• herbal or dietary supplements such as kava kava, melatonin, St. John's Wort or valerian

• imatinib, STI-571

• isoniazid

• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam or triazolam

• medicines for depression, mental problems or psychiatric disturbances

• medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)

• medicines for HIV infection or AIDS

• nicardipine

• prescription pain medicines

• probenecid

• rifampin, rifapentine, or rifabutin

• some antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin)

• some medicines for colds, hay fever or other allergies

• some medicines for high blood pressure or heart-rhythm problems (amiodarone, diltiazem, verapamil)

• some medicines for seizures (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone)

• theophylline

• zafirlukast

• zileuton

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking prazepam?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your body can become dependent on prazepam, ask your prescriber or health care professional if you still need to take it. However, if you have been taking prazepam regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may get severe side effects. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Even after you stop taking prazepam it can still affect your body for several days.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how prazepam affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy and fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking prazepam.

What side effects may I notice from taking prazepam?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• confusion

• depression

• lightheadedness or fainting spells

• mood changes, excitability or aggressive behavior

• movement difficulty, staggering or jerky movements

• muscle cramps

• restlessness

• tremors

• weakness or tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• difficulty sleeping, nightmares

• dizziness, drowsiness, clumsiness, or unsteadiness; a "hangover" effect

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.