Niravam Side Effects

Drowsiness, fatigue, and coordination problems are a few common side effects of Niravam. For most people, however, reactions to this medication tend to be minor and require little or no treatment. However, potentially serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts, difficulty breathing, or hallucinations, may occur. If you experience these or other serious problems, let your healthcare provider know right away.

An Introduction to Niravam Side Effects

Just like any medicine, Niravam® (orally disintegrating alprazolam) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the medication will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Niravam. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
 

Common Side Effects of Niravam

Niravam has been studied extensively in clinical trials.
 In these studies, one group of people received the real medication, while another group was given a placebo (a "sugar pill" that does not contain any active ingredients). As a result, it was possible to see what side effects occurred, how often they appeared, and how they compared to the placebo.
 
In anxiety disorder studies, the most common side effects of Niravam included:
 
  • Drowsiness -- in up to 41.0 percent of people
  • Fatigue and tiredness -- up to 48.6 percent
  • Coordination problems -- up to 40.1 percent
  • Irritability -- up to 33.1 percent
  • Memory problems -- up to 33.1 percent
  • Dry mouth -- up to 32.8 percent
  • Appetite or weight changes -- up to 32.7 percent
  • Lightheadedness and dizziness -- up to 29.8 percent
  • Insomnia -- up to 29.4 percent
  • Headaches -- up to 29.2 percent
  • Problems thinking -- up to 28.8 percent
  • Constipation -- up to 26.2 percent
  • Distorted, slurred, or slow speech -- up to 23.3 percent
  • Nausea and vomiting -- up to 22.0 percent
  • Blurred vision -- up to 21.0 percent
  • Diarrhea -- up to 20.6 percent.
 
Other common reactions, occurring in 1 to 20 percent of people, included:
 
  • Depression
  • Confusion
  • A rapidly or forcefully beating heart
  • Nasal congestion
  • Low blood pressure
  • Increased saliva production
  • Nervousness
  • Tremors
  • Skin redness or rash
  • Fainting
  • An unpleasant feeling of inner restlessness
  • Indigestion or heartburn
  • Anxiety
  • Increased heart rate
  • Sweating
  • Abnormal unintentional movements, such as tremors, twitching, or jerking
  • Sexual problems, such as changes in sex drive (libido) or impotence (erectile dysfunction or ED)
  • Problems urinating
  • Chest pain
  • Menstrual problems
  • Rapid, deep breathing
  • Weakness
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Swelling in the arms, hands, legs, ankles, or feet
  • Upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold
  • Loss of inhibition
  • Feeling of tingling, pricking, or numbness
  • Muscle stiffness or cramps
  • Talkativeness
  • Feelings of unreality (feeling like surroundings are not real)
  • Abnormal dreams
  • Involuntary urine leakage (incontinence)
  • Feelings of fear
  • Feeling warm
  • Infection.
 
Niravam Side Effects Article Continues on Next Page >
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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