Co-administration of alprazolam and alcohol increases the risk of which adverse effect?

• A. Profound CNS depression
• B. Increased energy
• C. Improved coordination
• D. Weight gain

Answer: (A)

When a CNS depressant like alprazolam is taken with alcohol, their effects on the brain amplify each other. Alprazolam enhances GABA activity at the GABA-A receptor, calming nerves and slowing brain activity. Alcohol also boosts GABA’s calming effect and depresses other brain activity. Together, these actions can produce a level of central nervous system depression that is greater than either substance alone, leading to extreme drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, slowed breathing, and even coma or life-threatening respiratory depression. That’s why profound CNS depression is the most likely adverse effect of this combination.

Other options don’t fit: energy would not increase with this interaction, coordination is typically worsened rather than improved, and weight gain is not a direct, immediate consequence of combining these two CNS depressants.