What Is Xanax?
Xanax is an anti-anxiety drug belonging to a group of medications known as benzodiazepines. These medications are also called tranquilizers due to their sedative and calming effects. Other commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam). Xanax can help reduce the severity of anxiety and panic attacks. Xanax can also be prescribed to manage anxiety in other conditions such as depressive and bipolar disorders.
How Xanax Treats Panic Disorder
Like other benzodiazepines, Xanax impacts receptors for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the brain that’s involved in sleep regulation, relaxation, and anxiety. This action can assist in slowing down the central nervous system (CNS), decreasing agitation and over-excitement while creating a tranquilizing or relaxing effect. Depressing the CNS also helps alleviate feelings of anxiety and lessen the severity of panic attacks. Xanax is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream typically produces fast-acting results, rapidly eliciting feelings of calm and quickly decreasing panic disorder symptoms. Xanax has a short half-life, meaning it gets in and out of your system quickly. This has advantages and drawbacks, including the fact that you have to take it frequently, and it may result in ups and downs in anxiety control in some people.
Side Effects of Xanax
Some of the most common side effects of Xanax include:
ConfusionDizziness and lightheadednessDrowsinessDry mouthLack of coordination or unsteadinessMemory impairmentSlurred speech
The Potential for Xanax Addiction
As controlled substances, all benzodiazepines, including Xanax, have the potential to cause physical and emotional dependence and can be abused. It can be hard to discontinue Xanax if a dependence to the drug develops, as a person may experience withdrawal symptoms. Some typical withdrawal symptoms include:
Difficulty concentratingFatigueMuscle painSleep disturbancesTensionTremors
To minimize the risk of dependence, Xanax is often prescribed for a limited period of time. Your doctor may regulate your prescription by only providing a certain amount of medication so that your condition can be periodically reevaluated before continuing on Xanax. Never increase or decrease your dosage without first consulting your doctor. To prevent withdrawal symptoms, your doctor may gradually reduce your dosage.
Other Precautions for Taking Xanax
There are several precautions and contraindications to consider when taking Xanax:
Medical History
Caution should be taken if you have a history of certain medical conditions. Consult your doctor before taking Xanax if you’ve been diagnosed with these or any other medical condition:
DepressionDrug or alcohol use disordersGlaucomaKidney diseaseLiver diseaseLung diseaseSleep apnea
Drug Interactions
Because Xanax slows down the CNS, you may experience side effects when taking Xanax with certain other medications that also depress the CNS. These symptoms may include increased depression, cognitive issues, or extreme fatigue. Alcohol should also be avoided.
Pregnancy and Nursing
It’s possible for Xanax to be passed to a child during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about the risk of using Xanax while pregnant or nursing.
Older Adults
Older adults are often more susceptible to the effects of Xanax. Prescribing doctors may need to adjust dosage to assist in limiting these effects.
