HomeAnswersInternal Medicinefatty liverI have a fatty liver with high ALT and AST despite Alprazolam.

What can cause high ALT and AST in a person with fatty liver taking Alprazolam?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At January 24, 2024
Reviewed AtJanuary 24, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I was diagnosed with fatty liver 11 years ago. The doctor advised me to eat well and exercise. My ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) levels have consistently been higher than normal, with ALT always higher than AST. I have been tested for all STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), and all results came back negative. I was retested for hepatitis B and hepatitis C nine years ago and six years ago, and both tests came back negative each time. I even took a home HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) test two months after potential exposure, and it came back negative. Recently, my doctor informed me that I have high cholesterol, and my elevated ALT and AST levels are consistent with fatty liver disease. However, I strongly believe there might be something more concerning happening to me. I experience frequent nausea and dizziness. Despite consulting various doctors, they all attribute my symptoms to fatty liver and advise me to lose weight. I have been taking Alprazolam for the past two years, at a dosage of 2.5 to 3.0 mg per day and Ranitidine. I am currently attempting to taper off it, and my doctor prescribed an antidepressant, although I have not taken it yet. Additionally, my wife has been feeling unwell too. She underwent STD testing, and all results were negative. We requested the doctor to test her for hepatitis B and hepatitis C, and those results also came back negative. We are both scared and feeling extremely worried. I am questioning whether all these tests have been accurately conducted.

Kindly provide your insight.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern. I have reviewed the reports you attached (attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity), all the tests have been conducted correctly. However, Alprazolam has a negative effect on liver function and might be the cause of elevated liver enzymes. I suggest that you stop taking it, talk to the specialist, and get it replace it with another medication. I hope this has helped you. Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Salah Saad Hassan Shoman
Dr. Salah Saad Hassan Shoman

Internal Medicine

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