Alarm Forte 0.5 mg/50 mg Tablet: Complete Medicine Guide
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Thoughts of harming yourself or others
- Agitation, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, fever, or muscle stiffness (serotonin syndrome)
- Severe allergic reaction: rash, swelling of face/lips/throat, difficulty breathing
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Seizures
- Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain
- Confusion, weakness, or unsteadiness (hyponatremia)
- Eye pain, blurred vision, or halos around lights (angle-closure glaucoma)
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is unitrac 0.5mg/50mg tablet used for?
This medicine is a combination of alprazolam (a benzodiazepine) and sertraline (an SSRI) used to treat severe anxiety and depression. Alprazolam provides rapid relief, while sertraline offers long-term control. It requires a prescription and close medical supervision.
- Generic Name: Alprazolam (0.5mg) + Sertraline (50mg)
- Manufacturer: MDC Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 unitrac 0.5mg/50mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा अल्प्राजोलम और सर्ट्रालिन का संयोजन है, जिसका उपयोग गंभीर चिंता, पैनिक डिसऑर्डर और अवसाद के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। अल्प्राजोलम तुरंत चिंता को कम करता है, जबकि सर्ट्रालिन धीरे-धीरे मूड को बेहतर बनाता है। यह दवा केवल डॉक्टर के पर्चे पर ही मिलती है और इसे डॉक्टर की सलाह के बिना शुरू या बंद नहीं करना चाहिए।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में नींद आना, चक्कर आना, मुँह सूखना, जी मिचलाना, थकान, पसीना आना और यौन समस्याएँ शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में सेरोटोनिन सिंड्रोम, एलर्जी, रक्तस्राव, आत्महत्या के विचार और दौरे पड़ना शामिल हैं। यदि आपको कोई असामान्य लक्षण दिखे तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। शराब का सेवन बिल्कुल न करें। गाड़ी चलाने या मशीन चलाने से बचें जब तक आपको पता न चल जाए कि यह दवा आप पर कैसा असर करती है। दवा अचानक बंद न करें, इससे withdrawal symptoms हो सकते हैं। गर्भवती होने या गर्भधारण की योजना बनाने पर डॉक्टर को बताएं।
💊 unitrac 0.5mg/50mg tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Major depressive disorder with anxiety","description":"Used to treat depression accompanied by significant anxiety symptoms, where rapid anxiolysis is needed while the SSRI takes effect.","evidence":"Well-established for the individual components; combination use is common in clinical practice."},{"condition":"Panic disorder","description":"Sertraline is approved for panic disorder, and alprazolam provides immediate relief of panic attacks during the initial weeks of treatment.","evidence":"Well-established for individual agents; combination supported by clinical experience."},{"condition":"Generalized anxiety disorder","description":"Short-term use of alprazolam for acute anxiety while sertraline provides long-term control of generalized anxiety symptoms.","evidence":"Well-established for individual agents; combination use is common."},{"condition":"Social anxiety disorder","description":"Sertraline is effective for social anxiety disorder, and alprazolam may be used short-term for severe anticipatory anxiety.","evidence":"Well-established for sertraline; alprazolam use is limited to short-term."},{"condition":"Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)","description":"Sertraline is approved for PTSD; alprazolam may be added briefly for severe anxiety, though caution is advised due to risk of dependence.","evidence":"Sertraline is well-established; alprazolam use is controversial and generally short-term."}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)","description":"Sertraline is sometimes used off-label for PMDD, but the combination with alprazolam is not standard.","evidence":"Limited for combination; sertraline alone has some evidence."},{"condition":"Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)","description":"Sertraline is approved for OCD, but the addition of alprazolam is not routinely recommended.","evidence":"Sertraline is well-established; combination is not standard."}]
Primary treatment for: Major depressive disorder with anxiety
Also treats: Panic disorder, Generalized anxiety disorder, Social anxiety disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Alprazolam (0.5mg) + Sertraline (50mg) |
| Brand Name | unitrac 0.5mg/50mg tablet |
| Manufacturer | MDC Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | NEURO CNS |
| Action Class | |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Keep away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in the original container with the lid tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children and pets. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture, or as indicated on the packaging. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine combines two active ingredients with distinct mechanisms. Alprazolam binds to the benzodiazepine site on GABA-A receptors, enhancing the inhibitory effect of GABA, which increases chloride ion influx and hyperpolarizes neurons, leading to rapid anxiolytic, sedative, and muscle relaxant effects. Sertraline selectively inhibits the serotonin transporter (SERT), blocking the reuptake of serotonin into presynaptic neurons, thereby increasing serotonin availability in the synaptic cleft. This leads to adaptive changes in serotonin receptors and downstream signaling, which over weeks improve mood and reduce anxiety. The combination provides immediate symptom relief from alprazolam while sertraline addresses the underlying neurochemical imbalance.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take unitrac 0.5mg/50mg tablet
Strength: Tablet containing alprazolam 0.5 mg and sertraline 50 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The dosage of this medicine must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the indication, severity of symptoms, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and response to treatment. Typically, treatment is initiated with a low dose and gradually titrated upward. The usual starting dose for adults is one tablet taken orally once daily, preferably in the evening to minimize daytime sedation. The dose may be increased gradually based on clinical response and tolerability. The maximum daily dose should not exceed the prescribed amount. Do not adjust the dose without consulting your doctor. Abrupt discontinuation should be avoided; taper gradually under medical supervision. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients (above 65 years) are more sensitive to the effects of benzodiazepines and SSRIs. Start with a lower dose and titrate slowly. Monitor for excessive sedation, falls, cognitive impairment, and hyponatremia. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Renal Impairment | No specific dose adjustment is provided in the available information. However, caution is advised in patients with severe renal impairment. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on renal function. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. Alprazolam and sertraline are metabolized in the liver, and dose reduction may be necessary. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on hepatic function. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose should not exceed the prescribed amount. For alprazolam, the maximum recommended dose is typically 4 mg per day in divided doses; for sertraline, the maximum is 200 mg per day. However, the combination product should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of unitrac 0.5mg/50mg tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| MAO inhibitors | Major | |
| CYP3A4 inhibitors | Major | |
| CNS depressants | Major | |
| Warfarin | Major | |
| NSAIDs | Major | |
| CYP2D6 inhibitors | Moderate | |
| Tricyclic antidepressants | Moderate | |
| Diuretics | Moderate | |
| Antihistamines | Moderate | |
| Antacids | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine)
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir)
- CNS depressants (e.g., opioids, alcohol, barbiturates)
- Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin)
- NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine, bupropion)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline)
- Diuretics
- Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be completely avoided while taking this medicine. Both alprazolam and sertraline can cause central nervous system depression, and alcohol amplifies these effects, leading to excessive sedation, impaired coordination, respiratory depression, and increased risk of accidents. Alcohol can also worsen the underlying depression and anxiety. If you have consumed alcohol, do not take this medicine until you have fully sobered up, and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Hypersensitivity to alprazolam, sertraline, or any component of the formulation","Concurrent use of MAO inhibitors or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI","Narrow-angle glaucoma","Severe hepatic impairment","Acute alcohol intoxication","Myasthenia gravis","Severe respiratory insufficiency","Sleep apnea syndrome","Pregnancy (especially first trimester) unless clearly needed","Breastfeeding without medical advice"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine can cause physical and psychological dependence. Use with caution in patients with a history of substance abuse.","Do not stop this medicine abruptly; withdrawal symptoms may occur. Taper gradually under medical supervision.","May impair mental and physical abilities required for driving or operating machinery.","Concurrent use with alcohol or other CNS depressants can cause severe sedation and respiratory depression.","Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. Monitor closely.","Sertraline may increase the risk of bleeding, especially when combined with NSAIDs, aspirin, or anticoagulants.","Elderly patients are at increased risk of falls, cognitive impairment, and hyponatremia.","Use with caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment; dose adjustment may be needed.","May cause angle-closure glaucoma; monitor for eye pain or vision changes.","Do not use during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the risk; consult your doctor."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Both alprazolam and sertraline are excreted in breast milk. Alprazolam may cause sedation and withdrawal symptoms in the nursing infant. Sertraline has been detected in breast milk and may cause adverse effects in the infant. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medicine unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Consult your doctor for guidance.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine can cause severe drowsiness, confusion, coma, respiratory depression, and cardiac arrest. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Treatment includes supportive care, monitoring of vital signs, and administration of flumazenil (a benzodiazepine antagonist) for alprazolam toxicity, though flumazenil should be used with caution as it can precipitate seizures. There is no specific antidote for sertraline; management is supportive. Gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion occurred within 1-2 hours. Contact a poison control center for guidance.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose. If you miss multiple doses, contact your doctor for advice. Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly without consulting your doctor.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet unless instructed. Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medicine, as it can increase sedation and impair motor skills. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms; your doctor will gradually reduce the dose. Inform your doctor about all other medications, especially MAOIs, other antidepressants, antipsychotics, opioids, and blood thinners. Keep this medicine in a secure place away from children and pets, as it has a potential for misuse. If you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. Regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor your response and adjust the dose. Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are more sensitive to the sedative and cognitive effects of alprazolam and may be at increased risk of falls, confusion, and hyponatremia from sertraline. Start with a lower dose and titrate slowly. Regular monitoring of renal function, electrolytes, and mental status is advised. Avoid concurrent use of other CNS depressants.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. Both alprazolam and sertraline may pose risks to the fetus. Your doctor may recommend alternative treatments or gradually taper the medicine. Use effective contraception while taking this medicine unless otherwise advised.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking this medicine before any surgery. It may interact with anesthetic agents and increase sedation. Your doctor may advise you to temporarily stop the medicine or adjust the dose. Do not stop without medical advice.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. It may interact with local anesthetics or sedatives used during dental work. Your dentist may need to adjust the type or dose of anesthesia. Continue taking your medicine as prescribed unless instructed otherwise.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
This medicine can cause drowsiness and dizziness, which may impair your ability to exercise safely. Avoid activities that require balance or coordination, such as cycling or weightlifting, until you know how the medicine affects you. Light to moderate exercise like walking is generally safe, but consult your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine can cause sedation, dizziness, and impaired concentration, which may affect your ability to work, drive, or operate machinery. It is advisable to avoid driving or hazardous tasks until you know how the medicine affects you. Inform your employer if your job requires alertness. Flexible work arrangements or temporary adjustments may be needed during dose adjustments.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop this medicine without consulting your doctor. Your doctor will determine when and how to stop based on your response and the risk of withdrawal. Generally, the alprazolam component is tapered gradually over weeks to months, while sertraline may be continued or tapered slowly. If you experience withdrawal symptoms or worsening of your condition, contact your doctor immediately.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine can lead to physical dependence on alprazolam, requiring gradual tapering to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Sertraline may cause sexual dysfunction, weight changes, and emotional blunting with prolonged use. Regular monitoring of liver function, sodium levels, and mood is recommended. Some patients may experience recurrence of symptoms after discontinuation, necessitating ongoing therapy or alternative treatments. Long-term use should be periodically reassessed by a doctor.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
A type of talk therapy that helps change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to anxiety and depression.
Evidence: Well-establishedPractices that promote relaxation and reduce stress, complementing medication.
Evidence: ModeratePhysical activity can improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms.
Evidence: Well-establishedConnecting with others who have similar experiences can provide emotional support.
Evidence: Moderate💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. However, if you are scheduled for vaccination, inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking. Live vaccines should be avoided if you are immunocompromised, but this medicine does not typically cause immunosuppression.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✅ DO
Keep out of reach of children and pets
❌ DON'T
Do not share with others
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Keep it in your carry-on luggage to avoid loss. Check the laws of your destination country regarding controlled substances, as alprazolam is a Schedule IV controlled substance and may require special documentation. Store at room temperature and avoid extreme temperatures. If crossing time zones, consult your doctor about adjusting the dosing schedule. Do not share this medicine with anyone.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: Alprazolam works within 30-60 minutes to reduce anxiety, while sertraline takes 1-2 weeks for initial effects and 4-6 weeks for full antidepressant effects.
A: No, stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Always taper gradually under medical supervision.
A: Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction. These often diminish over time.
A: This medicine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the risk. Consult your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
A: No, alcohol should be completely avoided as it can increase sedation, respiratory depression, and other dangerous effects.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for unitrac 0.5mg/50mg tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
alzy plus 0.5mg/50mg tabletZee Laboratories ₹35.63 47.5% CHEAPER
-
mares plus 0.5mg/50mg tabletUbit Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd ₹35.63 47.5% CHEAPER
-
altawin s 0.5mg/50mg tabletWinsmed Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd ₹37.03 45.5% CHEAPER
-
denzy a 0.5mg/50mg tabletBRD MediLabs ₹37.50 44.8% CHEAPER
-
alzex forte 0.5 mg/50 mg tabletPsychotropics India Ltd ₹37.94 44.1% CHEAPER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine is a cure for anxiety and depression.
Fact: This medicine manages symptoms but is not a cure. It works best when combined with therapy and lifestyle changes. - Myth: I can stop taking this medicine whenever I feel better.
Fact: Stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms and relapse. Always taper under medical supervision. - Myth: This medicine is safe to take with alcohol.
Fact: Alcohol increases the sedative effects and can be dangerous. Avoid alcohol completely. - Myth: This medicine works immediately for depression.
Fact: Sertraline takes several weeks to show full antidepressant effects, while alprazolam works quickly for anxiety.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Alprazolam 0.5 mg + Sertraline 50 mg tablet
Brand Alternatives
- Alarm Forte 0.5 mg/50 mg Tablet