Xanax

Xanax (alprazolam) is a central nervous system depressant similar to Valium. Like Valium, Xanax is a member of the benzodiazepine family. It is prescribed in the treatment of panic attacks, nervousness, and tension. Xanax poses no serious side effects when used for a short period of time, but it can lead to tolerance, addiction, and withdrawal when used longer than intended.

Common Uses for Xanax

Xanax is considered to be a Level IV controlled substance in terms of potential for abuse and dependency. Level I drugs have the greatest risk of dependency and Level V has the lowest. The drug was commonly used as a tranquilizer in the 1960s, but is now regulated because of its potential for addiction. It is commonly prescribed as a short-term treatment for mild anxiety and nervous tension. It may also be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, symptoms of premenstrual disorder (PMS), agoraphobia, tremors, fibromyalgia, and some pains associated with cancer. Xanax works by affecting chemicals in the brain and relaxing the nerves. It is often taken in pill form and should not be taken with alcohol or while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Xanax pills are commonly—and illegally—sold for recreational use. Users of stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine may take Xanax to ease the negative side effects of those drugs, especially when coming down from a high. Some people abuse the drug to cope with daily stresses and to numb themselves from life’s realities.

Short-Term Side Effects

Common side effects to Xanax are constipation, changes in sexual desire, weight gain or loss, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, or tiredness. Severe side effects may include difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, muscles twitches, yellow eyes, hallucinations, menstrual changes, skin disorders, confusion, seizures, depression, facial swelling, and memory loss.

Long-Term Side Effects: Addiction and Withdrawal

Xanax usually induces physiological and physical dependence when taken on a regular basis. People who take Xanax quickly become tolerant to its effects and must up their dosage just to get the medicine to work. Xanax should not be quit cold turkey. Instead, users must gradually reduce their dosage of the drug or they risk experiencing a number of negative withdrawal symptoms such as panic attacks, anxiety, dizziness, erratic behavior, headaches, hallucinations, seizures, or emotional instability. Many patients will feel like they’re having a nervous breakdown or like they’re going crazy. The best way to get off Xanax is to ease off it with the help of an addiction recovery center or a physician. Users may be addicted to Xanax if they need it to cope with daily life situations or if they feel they need it to feel normal.

Overdose Symptoms and Other Warnings

Overdose of Xanax can be fatal. Symptoms of an overdose include a slow heart rate, confusion, dizziness, sleepiness, seeming intoxicated, and unconsciousness. Drinking alcohol while taking this drug can result in a decreased breathing rate. This can also lead to unconsciousness.

People who take Xanax must not take more than prescribed and should not take the medicine while driving or operating heavy machinery, as the drug decreases mental alertness.

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