Final answer:
Patients taking Alprazolam should avoid grapefruit juice as it can inhibit the metabolism of the drug, increasing its concentration in the bloodstream, which may lead to serious side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients should avoid grapefruit juice while taking Alprazolam. Grapefruit juice can increase the levels of Alprazolam in your blood, leading to an increased risk of serious side effects. It does so by inhibiting the enzyme CYP3A4 in the small intestine that is responsible for the metabolism of many drugs, including Alprazolam. This inhibition can cause the medication to be metabolized more slowly, thereby increasing its concentration in the bloodstream. Water, green tea, and milk do not have this effect and are generally safe to consume unless otherwise advised by your healthcare provider.