S 90 3 green bar: Uses, Mode of action, Side effects, 11 Drug Interactions

What is S 90 3 Green Bar?

S 90 3 green bar is a pill which contains Alprazolam. Alprazolam belongs to benzodiazepines class of drugs and is found useful for the treatment of anxiety, depression, panic disorders, tinnitus, and dysautonomia.

These drugs have tremendous addiction potential and usually, a doctor prescribes these drugs only when the doctor feels that the benefits of these drugs outweigh the side effects of the drug or they are utmost necessary for the person.

S 90 3 green bar is a rectangle in shape and has S, 90 and 3 printed on the pill. It contains 2 mg of the active ingredient Alprazolam and is available only on prescription.

This is manufactured by Dava Pharmaceuticals. Inc. S 90 3 green bar is put under scheduled 4 drugs which are the chemicals or substances which have low abuse potential and have a weak dependence.

Mode of action:

S 90 3 green bar is a benzodiazepine class of drug and acts on the central nervous system including the brain and the nerves to produce a calming effect.

It works by binding to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain and then it mimics the GABA mediated inhibition. This blocks the receptors and inhibits the outflow of certain natural chemicals.

How to use S 90 3 green bar?

This should be taken as per the directions provided by the medical practitioner. The dosage of S90 3 green bar varies condition for which the medicine is intended. Also, the dosage of the drug changes as per the age, response to the treatment and the body weight of the person. The S90 3 green bar is administered through the mouth.

The dosage needs to be carefully regulated under the guidance of a medical practitioner. The dosage of this titrated accurately based on the disease or symptom it is used.

Usually, the initial dose is very less and is increased slowly till the desired effects are achieved. While titrating the dose and increasing the dose to an optimum level, the patient is monitored for any harmful effects.

S 90 3 green bar has severe withdrawal symptoms and stopping this medicine suddenly might lead to serious side effects like seizures.

To prevent the withdrawal symptoms, you should stop taking medicine as directed by the physician and lower the dose gradually to minimise any signs. S 90 3 green bar has an addictive nature, so it should be taken in the same manner as prescribed.

If a patient is using this medicine for a longer time, the medication may not work as well as it is doing currently, the patient should immediately discuss this with the doctor.

Side effects of S 90 3 green bar:

Some of the usual side effects associated with this include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Increased saliva in the mouth
• Changes in sex drive of the person
• Difficulty in concentration
• Irritability
• Tiredness
• Trouble in speaking
• Lightheadedness
• Lack of interest
• Weakness

If these are persistent or becomes worse with time, then you should immediately consult the doctor. You should get up slowly from the bed or from a lying position to avoid these side effects.

Some of the uncommon and severe side effects include:

• Hallucination
• Loss of memory
• Slurred speech
• suicidal thoughts
• Body ache
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Chills
• Confusion in identity
• Nasal congestion
• A decrease in urine/dark urine or difficulty in urination
• Dry mouth
• Ear congestion
• Seizures
• Shivering
• Swollen joints
• Yellow coloured skin
• Vomiting etc

Some rare side effects include:

• Numbness in the feet or hands
• Severe Sleepiness
• Chest pain
• Nightmares
• Loss of control over the legs
• Lack of emotion or changes in behaviour
• Hearing loss
• Decreased responsiveness or awareness
• Talking while in sleep

Allergic reaction:

• There could also be allergic reactions like itching, redness of the skin, inflammation etc.  In some cases, although the cases reported are very less

The person should immediately report to the medical practitioner if he observes any of the uncommon or rare side effects/changes occurring in a person.

Dosage of S 90 3 green bar:

Dosage of this varies a lot depending on the condition it is used against and the person’s age and weight:

Adult Dose for anxiety:

The initial dose of this medicine is 0.25 – 5mg orally 3 times a day, the dose can be increased every 3-4 days, a maximum of 4mg daily in divided doses.

Adult Dose for Panic disorders:

It is available as immediate release tablet and extended-release tablet. The dosing is different for both of these.

Immediate release tablet:

Initial dose of S 90 3 green pill is 0.5 mg orally 3 times a day which can be increased every 3-4 days to a maximum of 1-10 mg in divided doses

Extended-release tablet:

The initial dose of this is 0.5 -1mg once a day, their dosage can be accentuated every 3-4 days but by no more than 1 mg to a maximum dose of 1-10 mg once a day.

Adult dose for depression:

Immediate release tablet, the initial dose of this is 0.5 mg 3 times a day. The dosage of this can be increased by 1 mg every 3-4 days. The average dose for this is 3mg daily in divided doses.

Geriatric Dosage:

For the older population S 90 3 green Bar is prescribed for 3 indications with following dosage:

Anxiety:

The initial dosage for green S 90 3 in older people is 0.25 mg in 2-3 divided dosage. The dosage can be increased as per the desired effect and keep a check on the tolerability of the medicine. The maximum dosage is 2 mg for this indication.

Depression:

The dosage of S 90 3 pill is same as anxiety, the initial dosage is 0.25 mg in 2-3 divided dosage and can be increased as per the desired effect and keeping a check on the tolerability of the medicine. The maximum dosage is 2 mg for this indication.

Panic disorder:

Immediate release: Initial dosage of S 90 3 green pill is 0.25 mg, 2-3 times a day and can be increased if required based on the tolerability

Extended-release tablet: The dosage for this is 0.5 mg usually in the morning once and can be increased depending on tolerance.

Dosage adjustments are required in special cases such as:

Renal diseases – In case of renal/ kidney disease this should be used with caution and discussed with the doctor.

Liver diseases – in case of mild and moderate liver issues, the drug should be used with caution and in case of severe liver disease, the dosage should be kept to a maximum of 0.25mg 2-3 times a day.

Patients with a severe pulmonary disease, dosage should be kept to a maximum of 0.25 mg 2-3 times a day

While switching between immediate and extended release, the dose should be reduced slowly while switching. The reduction of the dosage should not be more than 0.5 mg every 3 days.

Overdose:

If a person has taken a higher quantity than the prescribed limit, the person might be facing serious consequences like breathing problem, extreme drowsiness, confusion, feeling light-headed, muscle weakness, fainting, loss of balance etc.

These are the symptoms of the overdose of the S 90 3 green bar and should be immediately taken to a doctor.

Missed dose:

In case the person has missed taking a dose of the S 90 3 pills, then he should take it as soon as he remembers or in case it is the time for next dose the previous dose should be missed.

The time interval between two doses should be maintained to prevent any symptoms of overdosing.

Interactions:

Before taking S 90 3 Green Bar, you should discuss in detail with your doctor the other medications you are taking because there could be some harmful side effects due to drug interactions. Some of the drug interactions include:

Drug interactions can affect the removal of the drug from the body. These include –

• Azole antifungals such as ketoconazole, itraconazole cimetidine etc.
• Anti-depressants such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone etc.
• HIV treating drugs like indinavir, delavirdine etc.
• Macrolide antibiotics erythromycin, rifamycin etc.
• Anti-seizure drugs such as phenytoin

Drug interactions also increase with the use of certain other medications like:

• Opioids for pain relief for a cough such as codeine, hydrocodone
• Alcohol intake
• Sedatives or anti-anxiety drugs like diazepam, lorazepam, zolpidem etc.
• Muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine
• Anti-allergic medicines like antihistamines such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine

Cigarette smoking also decreases blood levels of the medication and should be discussed with the doctor.

Before starting S 90 3 Green bar, you should discuss the medical history with your doctor. Allergies or disorders related to lung/ breathing, liver or kidney disorders, glaucoma or any family history of allergy towards any particular drug should be discussed.

Alcohol or marijuana etc. should be avoided during the use of this. As the use of alcohol or marijuana makes you feel more dizzy and drowsy, one should also avoid working on machines or driving till the effect of this green people subsides.

This medicine called s 90 3 green bar should be avoided during pregnancy as it results in harmful effects during the early phase of pregnancy. This should also be avoided by nursing mothers as the drug passes to the breast milk and the infant. Thus it should be discussed with the Doctor.

References:

1. http://www.pilladdictions.com/drugs/alprazolam/s-90-3-green-rectangle-pill-626/
2. https://www.quora.com/What-is-S-90-3-Alprazolam-2-mg-What-is-it-used-for-as-a-treatment
3. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-8171-7244/alprazolam-oral/alprazolam-oral/details
4. https://www.drugs.com/sfx/alprazolam-side-effects.html
5. https://www.drugs.com/imprints/s-90-3-11997.html
6. https://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml