Xanax is one of the most commonly used drugs in the United States as an antianxiety medication. It is classified as a benzodiazepine or benzo. It is intended to temporarily relieve anxiety symptoms, mainly for adults with panic disorders and anxiety-related conditions. In addition, Xanax can be used as a treatment for sleep disorders, depression, and in some instances, seizures.
Despite being a prescription medication, Xanax is often misused as a recreational drug. This makes it a dangerous medication, especially when combined with other substances. It is important to understand the properties of this substance and how it can affect people struggling with substance use disorder.
What Does Xanax Do to You?
Most people taking Xanax recreationally describe the feeling as calming or sedating, relaxed, quiet, and tired. This is because taking Xanax increases the upshots of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, stimulating calmness and relaxation. As a result, it reduces excitement levels in the brain, relieving panic and anxiety symptoms.
The effects can also include amusing relaxation or euphoria. While some people may experience a feeling of irritability or hostility when taking Xanax. Also, Xanax and other antianxiety drugs can relieve muscle tension and anxiety and help with insomnia. However, some users can temporarily lose their memory or experience vivid dreams when using Xanax.
What is Xanax Used For?
Xanax is prescribed mainly for two primary conditions: anxiety and panic disorders. Adults and children with anxiety disorders or panic disorders associated with anxiety might take Xanax as medication. The prescription is used to help mitigate episodes of anxiety, irrational fear, and intense feeling when they start to show.
Doctors may prescribe Xanax as it rapidly affects the central nervous system, relaxing or calming the brain and nerves by raising the levels of the neurotransmitter GABA. Xanax is a central nervous system depressant that slows vital functions like heartbeat and breathing. However, taking Xanax without a prescription or misusing it can cause oversedation, addiction, overdose, or even death.
Can Xanax Be Used Safely?
Taking Xanax under a doctor’s prescription is a safe treatment against anxiety, sleep problems, and panic disorders. Besides, people using Xanax as directed often get relief and calming effects from depression related to anxiety. However, Xanax should be taken for a limited time, as extended use can result in a risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease and other complications.
Xanax can also become dangerous when mixed with other medications like opioids, heartburn drugs, antifungals, oral contraceptives, antibiotics, and antidepressants. For instance, avoid consuming alcohol when taking Xanax as this can lead to oversedation, causing respiratory depression. In addition, when using Xanax too much for a long time, it may become habit-forming, mental or physical dependence.
Reading the Medication Guide correctly and asking your doctor question regarding Xanax is an effective way to determine the safe uses of the drug. For instance, dosage may vary between patients based on age, medical condition, and other factors.
How Addictive is Xanax?
Xanax is a commonly prescribed drug that should only be used as directed by a qualified doctor. The medication can also be an addictive drug since it produces a sedative effect that includes dopamine, which impacts the brain’s pleasure center, the core of addiction. Yet again, when used for a prolonged period, it can become highly addictive and tolerant.
Xanax addiction and abusing Xanax are serious concerns. As the addiction progresses, it requires the person to take more medication to attain the desired outcomes. Its quick and high tolerance often accelerates its addiction and abuse, making withdrawal effects unpleasant.
Some common symptoms of Xanax addiction include:
- Ignorance of daily responsibilities such as family, school, or work
- Persistent use of Xanax despite its contribution to personal difficulties
- Inability to stop taking Xanax despite the desire to
- Often preoccupied with Xanax thoughts
- Having the urge to take more Xanax than the prescribed quantity
- Experiencing withdrawal signs when attempting to stop using Xanax
- Drowsiness, dizziness, increased salivation, decreased sex drive, and manic-type moods
- Aggressive or impulsive behavior
- Slurred speech, disorientation, and memory issues
Blurry vision, restlessness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping are some withdrawal symptoms of stopping or reducing Xanax dosage. Even when taking the drug as a prescription for an extended period, one is likely to get addicted. That’s why most doctors recommend patients use Xanax for no more than 1-2 weeks. The intent is to avoid developing tolerance that requires more substantial doses or results in withdrawal symptoms.
Some people may need to seek the help of a treatment center for their Xanax use. When the use has gone beyond treating anxiety, and the person has lost control, they should talk to a professional.
Does Xanax Feel the Same for Everyone?
Xanax produces different effects for every user. The effects of the drug may depend on factors like current mental state when taking the drug, weight, dosage, metabolism, and age. In addition, individuals taking Xanax for the first time may experience distinct side effects. These include lightheadedness, difficulty with coordination, changes in patterns and rhythms of speech, being forgetful, and lack of appetite.
The side effects may wear off after 1-2 hours and diminish when taking the drug as directed. Using Xanax recreationally may result in a sedating feeling, leading to falling asleep or passing out for a few hours. On the other hand, taking Xanax and drinking alcohol may increase the drug’s effect, and you may experience extreme lethargy and prolonged memory loss.
Find Treatment for Substance Abuse in San Diego
Xanax is a practical medication yet addictive that may cause various dangers to the user. It is safe when used as a prescription to temporarily relieve anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. However, when used recreationally or combined with other substances, Xanax may result in various health complications. These complications may include addiction, abuse, and other conditions.
If your loved one starts to exhibit signs and symptoms of Xanax addiction, it might be time to seek help. Pacific Palms Recovery provides professional, effective, affordable substance abuse treatment in San Diego. Our highly trained and experienced staff will guide you through every step of your recovery process.
With our extensive clinical and holistic techniques for treating drug addiction and alcohol abuse, we can help you through your addiction treatment. Contact us to learn more, or get started today.