Xanax is a popular medication that is prescribed for anxiety and panic attacks. It is one of the most common drugs used to treat these conditions, but like any medication, it comes with potential side effects. This blog post will explore the possible side effects of Xanax and the risks of long-term use. If you are considering taking Xanax, or if you are already taking it, please read on to learn more about its potential risks. Please visit EMRGENT Addiction & Recovery for more info.
Common Side Effects:
Some of the most common side effects of Xanax include drowsiness, dizziness, and fatigue. Some people may experience headaches, dry mouth, and changes in appetite. These side effects can usually be managed with temporary solutions such as adjusting the dosage, but there are more severe side effects.
Severe Side Effects:
The potential severe side effects of Xanax include memory loss, confusion, and depression. Some people who take Xanax regularly may also experience seizures, difficulty breathing, or have suicidal thoughts. The severity of these side effects should be carefully considered before starting Xanax treatment.
Addiction:
Another risk that should be considered by people taking Xanax is addiction. Due to the calming effects of the medication, Xanax can be highly addictive, especially when taken at higher doses or for long periods. The withdrawal symptoms from Xanax addiction can include seizures, anxiety, and hallucinations. To avoid addiction, it’s important to follow the doctor’s dosage instructions carefully.
Long-term Risks:
The long-term use of Xanax can lead to more severe issues, including memory impairment, decreased ability to learn, and confusion. There is also evidence that suggests long-term Xanax use can lead to a higher risk of developing dementia in older users. It is important to weigh these risks against the potential benefits of using Xanax.
Alternatives:
Finally, there are other options for treating anxiety or panic attacks that are not addictive and have fewer side effects. These include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, meditation, and a balanced diet.
Why is Xanax dangerous?
This drug is dangerous for it has a higher potential for addiction and tolerance and is classified by the DEA under Schedule IV controlled substances. A large dose intake of this medication can lead to extreme sedation, respiratory dysfunctions, depression, paralysis, and sudden death. Further, withdrawal symptoms of this drug are much worse than Valium considering it has a stronger active metabolite.
What causes Xanax overdose?
An overdose is driven by excessive doses to get a rapid result and for recreational intentions. A prescription dose must be personalized but the general maximum daily dose must only be around 4 mg. Exceeding from that limit can cause an overdose. Likewise, ingesting it in combination with other substances to magnify the effect also leads to overdose.
What are the signs of overdose?
Here are some of the evident signs and symptoms of overdose
- Extreme sleepiness
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Impaired motor skills
- Slurred speech
- Decreased reflexes
- Muscle spasm
How do you treat Xanax overdose?
When a patient experiences a drug overdose, the following steps can be done:
- Check and monitor the patient’s vital signs
- You can do gastric lavage to remove some of the chemicals inside the stomach
- You can administer intravenous fluids
- Maintain sufficient airway for the patient
- In cases of low blood pressure, apply vasopressors
- Let the patient ingest activated charcoal to absorb some of the substances inside the body.
- Allow the patient to take flumazenil or romazicon to counteract the effect of the prescription drug.
What are the withdrawal symptoms from Xanax?
Withdrawal symptoms still occur even for prescribed doses (0.75 to 4 mg daily) and treatment duration of around 1-3 weeks. Below are some of the signs and symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Intense sweating
- Seizures
- Sleeping difficulties
- Muscle spasm
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
How can you treat Xanax addiction?
Abuse of this drug is treatable. Treatment must be done step-by-step for complete recovery. You can consider the following steps for your treatment process:
- Consult your medical personnel or clinician for a comprehensive guideline in order to recover from drug dependence.
Below are some of the drug medications to treat substance addiction:
o Flumazenil: This counteracts the effects of most benzodiazepine substances.
o Activated charcoal: It’s used to absorb some of the amounts of the drug inside the body.
o Tegretol (Carbamazepine): This calms the brain and reduces anxiety.
o Tofranil (Imipramine): This drug is under the tricyclic antidepressant group. It is used to cure depression and anxiety as a result of the addiction.
- Reward System: A contingency management plan where sets of rewards will be given to the patients who avoid using this substance.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A treatment process seeking to determine the variables causing drug abuse, risk reduction methods, and enhancing coping mechanisms.
- Recovery Group: A community-based plan which allows the patient to meet other victims and have a sharing about their experiences and success.
In conclusion, Xanax can be an effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks, but it comes with potential side effects and risks. It is important to work with your doctor to determine if Xanax is the best treatment option for you and to follow the recommended dosage closely. If you are concerned about the risks of Xanax or have experienced any of the side effects mentioned above, please speak to your doctor. Remember that there are other options available, so don’t hesitate to explore them with your healthcare provider.