From the Research
Sublingual alprazolam typically begins working within 5-10 minutes, with peak effects occurring around 30-60 minutes after administration, as demonstrated in a study published in 2014 1. This is faster than oral alprazolam tablets, which usually take 30-60 minutes to start working. The rapid onset occurs because the medication is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the blood vessels under the tongue, bypassing the digestive system and first-pass liver metabolism. Some key points to consider when using sublingual alprazolam include:
- For sublingual administration, the tablet should be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve completely without swallowing or drinking anything until dissolution is complete.
- Standard alprazolam dosing ranges from 0.25 mg to 1 mg, taken up to three times daily as prescribed, though sublingual doses may be lower due to increased bioavailability.
- Users should be aware that alprazolam is a benzodiazepine with potential for dependence and should only be used as prescribed, as highlighted in a review of benzodiazepines in anxiety disorders published in 2020 2.
- Side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, so activities requiring alertness should be avoided after taking it.
- The medication's effects typically last 4-6 hours, though the calming impact may be felt for longer, as observed in studies comparing sublingual and oral administration of alprazolam 3, 4.