It is also used in the treatment of insomnia, but this is relatively rare because of its sedative effects 1. Xanax is also useful in the management of other symptoms that are characteristic of anxiety disorders such as excessive worrying, fear of having a panic attack, chest pain, and difficulty in breathing. Nevertheless, it is addictive and, therefore, doctors recommend its usage for a short time or xanax addiction in small quantities.
Can Xanax Damage Your Brain?
Xanax is most commonly prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD),3 a condition marked by more than just occasional stress or nervousness. People with GAD feel persistent worry that’s hard for them to control, which is often accompanied by physical symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and muscle tension that Alcoholics Anonymous can significantly impact daily life. By working with the brain’s natural calming system, Xanax can provide relief from both the emotional overwhelm and physical discomfort of anxiety. And as mentioned above, Xanax and other medications in the benzodiazepine class of drugs are not considered safe for continuous use, which can increase the risk of dependence. Because Xanax is considered such a potent sedative, Dr. Nadkarni says there are concerns related to its nonmedical (recreational) use and its potential role in the drug overdose epidemic.
What Happens To Your Brain When You Take Xanax
Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional. It’s important to avoid driving and operating machinery after first taking Xanax, and to be extra cautious when taking stairs since benzodiazepines can slow reflexes and increase the risk of falling.
Is a Xanax comedown the same thing as withdrawal?
This binding augments the inhibitory action of GABA, a neurotransmitter that cuts neuronal excitability, occasioning the sedative and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects characteristic of benzodiazepines. Other withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety and insomnia. Because of the dangers of mixing these drugs, in 2020 the U.S.
- Caffeine is a drug, and too much of it can cause unpleasant side effects.
- Dependence – especially physical dependence – can also lead to withdrawal symptoms, and in some cases these can be very severe.
- Xanax is prescribed for short-term use due to its high potential for dependence.
- “They help when symptoms arise, but will not affect the background tendency for anxiety or panic to recur,” he says.
- Stop taking alprazolam and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
How Effective is Alprazolam (Xanax) for Anxiety?
Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing excessive sleepiness or difficulty sleeping. Xanax is mainly broken down in the liver, and therefore people with liver problems should be careful. If you have liver disease like cirrhosis or hepatitis, then your body will take longer to eliminate Xanax and this means that the levels of the drug in your body will become high. This can lead to side effects such as drowsiness, confusion and poor coordination and balance. Physicians usually administer smaller doses for patients with liver disease or suggest other drugs that are less hard on the liver. No, you cannot drink alcohol while taking Xanax due to their combined depressant effects on the central nervous system.
How should I store alprazolam?
In her free time, Caty enjoys reading, especially historical fiction, spending time outdoors and having movie nights with her family. Disney World is her happy place, and she dreams of living among the elephants. On the other hand, research has found that Xanax use decreases the risk of major cardiovascular events and hemorrhagic stroke in clients with acute high blood pressure. One study observed up to a 22% reduced risk of hemorrhagic stroke in Xanax users over the age of 65. The brain comprises different areas of cells involved in various functions.
You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you use Xanax during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer. Additionally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with your health care provider before taking this medication, who can help you weigh the risks versus benefits.
- This can lead to tolerance and subsequent addiction, where a user needs more of the drug more frequently to achieve that desired effect.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns or questions you have about alprazolam.
- Taking benzodiazepines “casually” has become normalized in our society.
- Misuse means taking a medicine in a way other than how it was prescribed.
- The quick-acting nature of Xanax makes it helpful for managing acute anxiety episodes or panic attacks, where the person experiencing symptoms needs rapid relief.
Mental Health
When you’re ready to begin your recovery from Xanax addiction, we’re here to help. Alprazolam can cause physical dependence, which means your body relies on the medicine to function properly. If you stop alprazolam suddenly, it could lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may be life-threatening. Do not stop taking alprazolam without talking with your healthcare provider.
How Is Xanax Addiction Treated?
A therapist treating someone with CBT for a benzodiazepine addiction will help provide the individual with self-control training and cue exposure as part of developing healthy coping strategies. There is a difference between dependence and addiction to Xanax. Dependence is the physical state where the body requires more and more of the drug for the person to experience the same effect. When someone is dependent, they will have mental and physical withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the drug. Addiction, which includes physical dependence, goes much deeper than tolerance. Someone who is addicted isn’t able to stop taking the drug despite the consequences to their health, lifestyle, and the lives of others.
