Xanax Alprazolam Side Effects, Symptoms & Signs of Abuse Addiction & Abuse

When someone takes high doses of Xanax or is regularly abusing the drug, they may have mental problems, including aggression, hostility, depression or thoughts of suicide or hurting themselves. Also possible are chest pains, involuntary muscle movements, hallucinations and even seizures. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

• Xanax can be a highly addictive controlled substance and lead to physical dependency, even if it’s used as prescribed.
• Research has shown that when used alongside tapering, CBT is effective in reducing benzodiazepine use over a 3-month period.
• Outpatient programs are better suited to those in the early stages of substance abuse.

What to expect from detox

Xanax is a prescription medication that’s used to treat anxiety and panic disorder. Non-medical users sometimes take Xanax to enhance the feelings of euphoria produced by other substances. Xanax is also said to help reduce unwanted side effects caused by stimulants, opioids, and other substances.

Related medical questions

The majority of withdrawal symptoms can be treated during medical detox to make the process as comfortable as possible for those in detox. Xanax was first approved for the treatment of panic disorder in the 1970s. Over the years, it has come to be recognized as an effective remedy for anxiety, nausea caused by chemotherapy, depression, and other health issues. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine substance better known by its brand name, Xanax. All benzodiazepines are depressant medications that slow down a user’s body and mind, resulting in reduced anxiety and increased relaxation. If you are taking other medications or substances, it’s important to speak with your doctor to avoid potentially harmful effects or overdose.

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Data sources include Micromedex (updated 6 May 2024), Cerner Multum™ (updated 6 May 2024), ASHP (updated 10 Apr 2024) and others. Yes, Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine prescription drug and is classified by the DEA as Schedule IV controlled substance. After a period of regular use, it is best to slowly stop the medication under your doctor’s https://ecosoberhouse.com/ direction. Withdrawal symptoms can begin quickly in some people, even after just a week or two of benzodiazepine use. Some people experience additional symptoms as part of a condition called post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). This condition causes changes in mood and cognition for weeks or months following withdrawal from Xanax or another drug.

• For example, pulmonary aspiration during a lethargic state can lead to aspiration pneumonia or permanent lung damage.
• People who are on Xanax will often sound similar to someone who is intoxicated from alcohol because of slurring.
• In the body, alprazolam increases the effects of another substance called GABA, which is a neurotransmitter that down-regulates excitatory brain activity, slowing down the firing of neurons.
• CBT addresses the learning processes underlying substance use disorders.
• Once a user develops a tolerance for Xanax, higher doses of the drug are needed to achieve the same effects, which can cause significant behavioral changes.

Statistics suggest that one in 20 people in the U.S. fill a prescription for benzodiazepines each year. A person should seek immediate medical help if they experience any serious side effects when taking Xanax. xanax addiction The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any treatments for Xanax addiction, but a doctor can explain the available medication options that can help reduce cravings during and after detox.

Common Side Effects of Xanax Use

If you don’t have any symptoms, then staying within the limits provided in the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans could reduce your chances of having problems in the future. If you do have any symptoms, then alcohol may already be a cause for concern. A health care professional can look at the number, pattern, and severity of symptoms to see whether AUD is present and help you decide the best course of action. The Enquirer asked Brown whether FEND Off Fentanyl would help prevent teens from buying fentanyl-laced pills on the internet, an area of increasing concern for parents and doctors across the country.

Effects of Long-Term Xanax Abuse

• Xanax addiction is a dependency on alprazolam, a medication prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders.
• You may take so much to overcome your tolerance that you quickly become dependent on the effects of Xanax—using dangerous amounts in the face of negative health and personal consequences.
• As a result, users must take Xanax more often or take larger doses each time, increasing the risk of addiction.
• As a result, some users take Xanax more often than prescribed or in larger doses than prescribed to continue experiencing desirable effects, such as reduced anxiety and feelings of euphoria.

Quitting cold turkey can increase your risk of extreme and dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including delirium and grand mal seizures. If you have been taking Xanax several times a day, then quitting is going to take time, patience, and determination. The only safe way to quit is to slowly taper down your dose under the direction of a doctor. Xanax is a type of sedative that people use to treat conditions such as anxiety and panic disorder. However, this medication is prone to misuse, which can lead to addiction. The detox period for Xanax may be longer than the detox period for other drugs.

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