Xanax belongs to a class of drugs know as benzodiazepines which includes other well known prescription drugs suchas Valium, Klonopin, and Ativan. These drugs are central nervous system depressants and are prescribed in the treatment of anxiety disorders. As one of the fastest acting benzodiazepines, Xanax very quickly produces feelings of relaxation in the user which is one of the reasons it is so addictive. Like all bezodiazapines, using Xanax with alcohol can lead to a fatal overdose.
Prolonged use of Xanax results in increased tolerance (the need for greater or more frequent doses to achieve the same effect) and the potential for withdrawal (the experience of painful and sometimes very dangerous symptoms when the drug is stopped abruptly). Some Xanax addicts end up taking enormous amounts of the drug in an attempt to recreate the feeling they experience from it and to avoid experiencing withdrawal. Because of the potential for dangerous and even lethal withdrawal symptoms - including seizures, insomnia, anxiety, and depression – the safest way for an addict to stop abusing Xanax is to undergo Xanax detox under medical supervision. After detox, the recovering addict will be involved in a rehab program that helps them restructure their lifestyle. None of these steps are possible, however, without the addict first accepting help. If you are abusing or addicted to Xanax and are ready to begin the path to recovery, please contact your health care provider. If have a loved one who you believe is addicted to Xanax but who has been unwilling to accept help please contact your health care provider to discuss scheduling a Xanax intervention.
Pregnancy & Breast-feeding: Xanax must not be used during pregnancy due to the potential for serious harm to an unborn baby. This drug also passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding while using this drug must be avoided.
Medical Uses: Primarily used in the treatment of panic attacks and other disorders in the anxiety spectrum. May also be used for agoraphobia, depression, and PMS.
Possible Side Effects: Appetite changes and weight loss or gain; sweating; trouble with urination (e.g., decreased frequency); feeling faint, drowsy, irritable, tired, nauseated, or light-headed; slurred speech; lowered inhibitions; amnesia or forgetfulness; difficulty sleeping; problems with concentration; headaches; blurred visions; muscle cramps; agitation; increased salivation; poor coordination; hallucinations; tremor or twitching; jaundice (i.e., yellow eyes or skin); agitation; constipation; joint pain; suicidality; aggression; dry mouth; garrulousness; seizures. Visit the manufacturer's website for a more comprehensive list.
Withdrawal Symptoms: depression, insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, seizures, discomfort, nausea, headache, chills, moodiness, vivid dreams.
Warning Signs of Abuse: changing method of administration (for example, crushing and snorting instead of taking orally); increasing dose without physician approval; increasing frequency of dose without physician approval; unusual behavior; signs of overdose (see below).
Signs of Overdose: extreme weakness, confusion, coma, inability to balance, fainting, difficulty with respiration.
Xanax (alprazolam) is a prescription medicine licensed for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorder. As per medical researches, anxiety and related medical conditions are manifested due to increased activity of the brain. Thus, antianxiety medications are formulated with an objective to inhibit or slow down brain activity (to some extent) and manage symptoms. Since neurotransmitters are indirectly responsible for initiating brain activity, antianxiety medication targets in reducing effects of these chemicals. Xanax has many benefits. Some of the drug's effects in the body include:
Reducing anxiety
Causing sleepiness
Relaxing muscles
Stopping seizures
Impairing short-term memory.
All benzodiazepines can have these effects to some degree, depending on the specific benzodiazepine that is being taken. They work in the brain by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical that is naturally calming. GABA can slow down or stop certain nerve signals in the brain. This is why Xanax and other benzodiazepines are known as mild tranquilizers, sedatives, or central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants).
After ingesting Xanax and alike pills of the alprazolam family, they alter the chemical balance of the brain by elevating Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA) effects. Regarding GABA, it is an inhibitory neurotransmitter released by the body under stress conditions. Since Xanax increases GABA production, it provides calming effect and the consequences of nervousness, worries and anxiety caused by depression are reduced considerably.
A major concern with Xanax pills is that they are habit forming drugs. Regular intake of these medications for some time causes addictive effects to the drug recipients. Hence, treatment for anxiety disorder with Xanax pills should be done only if the doctor prescribes them. Very often, teenagers and adults take these antianxiety medication as a recreation drug. In such a case, one should take immediate medical attention. The doctor may suggest gradual reduction in the dosage to help quit Xanax without manifesting withdrawal symptoms.
Xanax should never be prescribed if you're sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to this anti anxiety drug or to other tranquilizers. You should also avoid Xanax while taking the antifungal drug Sporanox or Nizoral, and you should obviously make sure your doctor is aware if you have any drug reactions while on this medication.
You should not take this anti anxiety medication if you have been diagnosed with narrow-angle glaucoma, which is an eye condition. You should also be aware that the anxiety and tension related to every day stress usually does not require treatment with drugs such as Xanax. You should always discuss your symptoms thoroughly with your physician.
Xanax has been known to cause you to become drowsy or to have limited alertness; therefore, you should have cautious concern when driving or operating dangerous machinery, or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness.
If you're currently being treated for such anxiety disorders as panic disorder, you may need to take higher doses of Xanax than for a more generalized form of anxiety. High doses-more than 4 mg a day-of this anti anxiety medication have been known to cause emotional and physical dependence if taken for long durations of time. It is important that your doctor supervise you carefully when taking this drug. Also, it is important to remember that withdrawal symptoms can and do occur when Xanax is stop suddenly.
You should always be careful when drinking alcohol while taking Xanax. This medication is known to intensify the effect of alcohol. Also, you should never combine Xanax with Sporanox or Nizoral. These medications are known to cause a build up of Xanax in the body.
When taken with certain other medications, Xanax is known to increase, decrease or alter the effects of some medications. You should always check with your doctor when combining Xanax with the following medications:
Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Antihistamines such as Benadryl and Tavist
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Certain antibiotics such as Biaxin and Erythromycin
Certain antidepressant drugs, such as Elavil, Norpramin, and Tofranil
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Ergotamine
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Grapefruit Juice
Isoniazide (Rifamate)
Major tranquilizers such as Mellaril and Thorazine
Nefazadone (Serzone)
Nicardapine (Cardene)
Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia)
Other central nervous system depressants such as Valium and Demerol
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Propoxyphene (Darvon)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Note that this list is not all inclusive.
Anecdotal Xanax information and clinical research continue to confirm that Xanax has quickly become one of the marvels of the pharmaceutical industry. Research literature and Xanax information available from clinical experience, have concluded that it is very powerful as well as a very safe medication. As with all medications from within the benzodiazepine drug classification, the major concerns about its use are usually related to the side effects upon discontinuation. It has been found to have significant efficacy in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, panic and depression.
There usually are not any tests required prior to beginning or continuing treatment with Xanax. Dosages usually start at approximately 0.5 mg two or three times daily, and may be increased to a total of 4.0 mg per day. Like other benzodiazepines, Xanax offers some relief within an hour of taking the first pill. Usually after about a week of regular use, patients with generalized anxiety disorder frequently feel much better. Panic disorder patients also may start feeling better after the first week or so, but frequently may take two to four weeks to block future panic episodes. While it is a very powerful medication, it is also very short-acting, and most patients find that they have to take the drug several times a day. Usually after 8 to 12 hours patients may experience increased anxiety and withdrawal symptoms and may require another dose.
If Xanax does not work for patients with generalized anxiety disorder, the physician may need to reconsider the original diagnosis to determine its accuracy. For patients with panic disorder, approximately 20 % fail to respond to Xanax. Most are then switched to other medications for panic symptoms such as imipramine or Nardil. When Xanax is prescribed for patients with depression, other antidepressants are usually considered.
Because of its powerful effectiveness, Xanax has rapidly become the best-selling antianxiety drug. It is both powerful and safe, and in general, patients enjoy taking it and doctors rarely worry about its potential for harm. However, very powerful and short-acting medications like Xanax are usually the hardest to stop taking, having significant withdrawal effects upon discontinuation. Some people with generalized anxiety disorder may need to take Xanax for extended periods of time such as many months and even years. Patients with panic disorder usually stay on it for least six panic-free months. You need understand that this drug is medically safe, but is not always easy to stop taking. You then need to decide if you want to worry about future withdrawal problems which are uncomfortable, but not usually dangerous.
The usual starting Xanax dosage is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg taken three times a day. This Xanax dosage may then be increased every three to four days to a maximum daily dose of 4 mg, divided into smaller doses.
The usual starting Xanax dosage for panic disorder is 0.5 mg taken three times a day. This amount can then be increased by 1 mg a day, every three to four days. You may be given a dose from 1 mg up to total of 10 mg per day, depending upon your needs. The typical Xanax dosage is 5mg to 6 mg a day. Your doctor will need to reassess your medication needs periodically to determine whether they are still appropriate.
The safety and effectiveness has not been established for children under the age of 18.
The usual starting Xanax dosage for older adults is 0.25 mg two to three times daily. This dosage may then be increased if tolerated well and if it is necessary.
Any medication taken in excess of the recommended dosage can have serious consequences. If you suspect that yourself or another have been overdosed seek medical attention immediately.
Confusion, coma, impaired coordination, sleepiness, slowed reaction time.
Xanax overdosage alone or in combination with alcohol can be fatal.
Main article: Xanax Side Effects
Xanax side effects cannot be anticipated. However, if any Xanax side effects develop or change in intensity you need to contact your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can decide if it is still safe to continue taking this anti anxiety medicine. Your doctor also needs to continually reassess whether you need to continue taking this medicine.
Most of the Xanax side effects are seen at the beginning of treatment with this anti anxiety medicine and usually disappear as you continue the drug. However, if the dosage is increased, anxiety side effects are more likely to occur.
Abdominal discomfort, abnormal involuntary movement, agitation, allergies, anxiety, blurred vision, chest pain, confusion, constipation, depression, diarrhea, difficult urination, dream abnormalities, drowsiness, dry mouth, fainting, fatigue, fluid retention, headache, hyperventilation (too frequent or to deep breathing), inability to fall asleep, increase or decrease in appetite, increased or decreased salivation, impaired memory, irritability, lack of coordination, light-headedness, low blood pressure, menstrual problems, muscular twitching, nausea and vomiting, nervousness, palpitations, rapid heart beat, rash, restlessness, ringing in the ears, marital dysfunction, skin inflammation, speech difficulties, stiffness, stuffy nose, sweating, tiredness/sleepiness, tremors, upper respiratory infections, weakness, weight gain or loss.
Abnormal muscle tone, concentration difficulties, decreased coordination, dizziness, double vision, fear, hallucinations, inability to control urination or bowel movements, infection, itching, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, muscle spasticity, rage, sedation, seizures, sleep disturbances, slurred speech, stimulation, talkativeness, taste alterations, temporary memory loss, tingling or pins and needles, uninhibited behavior, urine retention, warm feeling, weakness in muscle and bone, weight gain or loss, yellow eyes and skin.
Blurred vision, decreased concentration, decreased mental clarity, diarrhea, heightened awareness of noise or bright lights, sense of smell, loss of appetite, loss of weight, muscle cramps, seizures, tingling sensation, twitching.
The following reviews have been selected:
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Review by hardstylegenius:
User Rating: 10
Xanax (alprazolam) for Anxiety: This drug has changed my life. I have always had an anxiety problem since I was a child. Didn't have a good childhood, got picked on because I was fat, etc. My parents always faught and everything would just worry me. Some nights I couldn't sleep. I've been suffering from anxiety and panic attacks for so long. I feel like people are talking bad about me. I used to get paranoid and get really anxious in public and had social pobia. I can cope with everything now.
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Review by Anonymous:
User Rating: 10
Xanax (alprazolam) for Anxiety: Xanax is [extremely good] for me. I can't live without it. It is not addicting. I never experienced withdrawl symptoms either. I am usually tense, high strung and anxious. Xanax makes me happy, easy going, talkative, calm. It helps me sleep, I can't sleep without it. I take zoloft and seroquel but without xanax nothing seems to work or help me. I love xanax and I take it daily or else I really just can't get through the day. I have anger and a short fuse and bad temper and xanax calms my storms. Xanax is the only thing that works for me and makes me sane and able to face life head on.
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Review by Izabela Glajcar:
Xanax (alprazolam) for Anxiety: Xanax have helped me to calm down. I was really under stress (full time job, college every day, a small baby) but did not realize that at the time. I had some visual disturbances, especially when, finally, I could relax. I have experienced chest pains as well. My GP told me it is caused by stress and prescribed Xanax. I had to take the smallest dose at night (I was driving). I could see the difference after a month and I continued for one more month. I did not suffer any side effects.
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Review by Prettykitty loves the calmness:
User Rating: 10
Xanax (alprazolam) for Anxiety: I used to get very aggravated over what normal people handle. I would go off. Have panic attacks and not know how to deal. Plus, I have tremors in my hands, mostly my right. Once I started taking Xanax the tremors stopped, I could deal calmly with my children when they got out of control. It helps me concentrate easier during the day & sleep well @ nite. It can have side affects though if you don't take it properly! Take it as prescribed and don't make yourself go through the withdrawals.
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Review by Hulio:
User Rating: 10
Xanax (alprazolam) for Anxiety: I don't have panic or depression problems. I have sleeping problems. I fall asleep fine, but wake up around 2 AM and cannot go back to sleep because my mind is too active thinking about stupid stuff like movies, lawn mowers, hunting, visiting my grandkids, working on my car, music, planned projects... YOU NAME IT. I take Xanax when I wake up earky and can't sleep. Xanax makes me go back to sleep almost immediately and I wake up around 6 AM feeling great. I have not noted any side effects, but I take it only when needed.
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Review by Anonymous:
User Rating: 10
Xanax (alprazolam) for Depression: I have extreme depression and Anexity- sometimes panic attacks. I have this horrible habit of pulling out my hair- on my head,eyelashes, and other areas excessively. Xanax and Lexapro have made me feel normal- for the first time in years I actually have eyelashes growing in. I don't care what people say about the negative effects of xanax- I persoanlly know I needed it. I feel like the nightmare of my mind has been treated.
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Review by Xanax...:
User Rating: 10
Xanax (alprazolam) for Anxiety: Xanax has helped me tremendously, I was having severe anxiety attacks real bad! My doctor at the time worked next door with in the same buliding/office, and he had witnessed my attacks and finally prescribed me just 1 mg Xanax, and he told me to take 1 half in the morning and 1 half at evening. It took a while but finally I was attack free. I feel like I can live my life now!
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