Kalma (Alprazolam)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Kalma Used For?
Kalma contains alprazolam, which belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. These medicines work by acting on brain chemicals to help reduce symptoms.
Primary Uses
Kalma is used to treat anxiety and panic attacks. It is generally prescribed for short periods only (typically 2 to 4 weeks) unless your doctor advises otherwise.
How It Works
Benzodiazepines like alprazolam are thought to work by their action on brain chemicals, helping to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety symptoms.
Important: Kalma is not recommended as the first choice treatment for depression and psychosis as it can increase the risk of suicide. Long-term use may lead to dependence.
How to Take Kalma
Take Kalma exactly as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will decide the right dose for you based on your individual needs.
Dosage Instructions
Take your tablet at about the same time each day for best results. Kalma can be taken with or without food, though taking it after food may reduce drowsiness. Swallow tablets with a full glass of water. The 0.25mg, 0.5mg and 1mg tablets can be divided in half along the scoreline if prescribed. The 2mg tablets can be quartered. Elderly patients and those with liver or kidney problems may need smaller doses.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If you’re unsure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not take Kalma for longer than prescribed or stop suddenly without consulting your doctor.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Drowsiness and tiredness
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Confusion and unsteadiness
- Slurred speech
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Stomach upsets
- Changes in sex drive
- Urinary problems
- Menstrual irregularities
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Loss of alertness or concentration
- Memory loss
- Abnormal thinking
- Nervousness or feeling anxious
- Shakiness, tremor, or muscle weakness
- Involuntary movements
- Swelling of hands, ankles, or feet
- Yellowing of skin and whites of eyes
- Aggressive behavior, hostility, agitation, violent anger
- Hallucinations
- Allergic reactions (swelling of face, lips, tongue causing difficulty swallowing or breathing)
- Skin rash, hives, or itching
Important Warnings
There are several important safety considerations before taking Kalma. Always discuss your medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Kalma
Do not take Kalma if you are allergic to alprazolam, benzodiazepines, or any ingredients listed. Also avoid if you have severe and chronic lung disease, myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness condition), or if the medication is expired or damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have depression, psychosis, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, PTSD, epilepsy, liver/kidney/lung problems, glaucoma, low blood pressure, history of alcohol or drug abuse, or difficulty stopping medications. Also inform them if you’re planning surgery.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Kalma if you are pregnant as it may affect your unborn baby. Do not take while breastfeeding as Kalma passes into breast milk and may cause drowsiness, weight loss, and feeding difficulties in infants.
Suicide Risk: Call your doctor or mental health professional immediately if you have any suicidal thoughts or mental/mood changes. This is especially important when starting treatment.
Drug Interactions
Many medications can interact with Kalma and affect how it works. Your tolerance for alcohol and other central nervous system depressants will be reduced.
Dangerous Combinations: Kalma combined with alcohol, sedatives, antidepressants, or other depressants can significantly increase effects and may lead to addiction or death from overdose.
- Other sleeping tablets, sedatives, or tranquillizers
- Muscle relaxants
- Medicines for depression
- Lithium (for mood swings)
- Epilepsy medicines like barbiturates
- Some high blood pressure medicines
- Antihistamines and strong pain relievers (codeine, morphine, propoxyphene)
- Disulfiram (alcohol dependence treatment)
- Cimetidine (reflux and ulcer treatment)
- Antibiotics like erythromycin or clarithromycin
- Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
- HIV protease inhibitors
- Antifungals like ketoconazole or itraconazole
Alcohol & Driving
Kalma can significantly impair your ability to drive and increases the effects of alcohol. Take special precautions with both.
Alcohol
Be very careful when drinking alcohol while taking Kalma. Your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol or reducing the amount you drink. Combining Kalma and alcohol can make you more sleepy, dizzy, or lightheaded, and your tolerance to alcohol may be lower than usual.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Kalma affects you. This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. Even if you take Kalma at night, you may still be drowsy or dizzy the next day. If you’re elderly or taking other medicines, you have an increased risk of falls due to drowsiness and unsteadiness.
Storage
Store Kalma tablets below 25°C in a cool, dry place protected from light. Keep tablets in their original pack until it’s time to take them. Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight – not in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground, away from children.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has taken too much Kalma, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no symptoms. Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, tiredness, confusion, dizziness, fast heartbeat, difficulty breathing, weakness, or unconsciousness. Tell medical staff about any alcohol or other medicines taken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kalma is generally prescribed for short periods only, typically 2 to 4 weeks. Continuous long-term use is not recommended unless specifically advised by your doctor, as benzodiazepines may lead to dependence.
Yes, Kalma can be taken with or without food. However, taking the tablets immediately after food may reduce the sleepiness or drowsiness you may experience.
Yes, Kalma can become habit-forming if taken for too long. Benzodiazepines may lead to physical or psychological dependence. This is why it’s typically prescribed for short periods and should only be taken as directed by your doctor.
Do not stop taking Kalma suddenly, especially if you’ve been taking it for a long time or if you have epilepsy. Sudden stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms including extreme anxiety, shaking, insomnia, depression, confusion, fits, and other serious symptoms. Your dose should be reduced gradually under medical supervision.
You should be very careful with alcohol while taking Kalma. Your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol completely or reducing the amount you drink. Combining Kalma and alcohol can make you more sleepy, dizzy, or lightheaded, and your alcohol tolerance may be lower than usual.
Elderly patients may need smaller doses and have an increased chance of side effects. They should be especially careful as side effects like drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, and unsteadiness may increase the risk of falls.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.