Benzodiazepines act on the brain and central nervous system CNS to produce a calming effect. Xanax slows down the movement of brain chemicals that may have become unbalanced, resulting in a reduction in nervous tension and anxiety.
Xanax works by boosting the effects of a natural chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid, which is made in the brain. To ensure the safe and effective use of benzodiazepines, doctors will provide the following guidance to anyone with a Xanax prescription:.
People should not use Xanax if they are allergic to alprazolam or other benzodiazepines, such as:. People should not use Xanax if they are pregnant. Benzodiazepines can potentially cause harm to the fetus. During the first trimester, for example, Xanax increases the risk of congenital abnormalities. People should usually avoid taking Xanax during the first trimester of pregnancy. Healthcare professionals should also inform people that if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Xanax, they should tell their doctor.
A child born of a person who is taking benzodiazepines may be at risk of withdrawal symptoms from the drug. Respiratory problems have also occurred in children born to people who have been taking benzodiazepines while pregnant.
Xanax may be excreted in human milk. As a general rule, people who use Xanax should not breastfeed. Older adults, or people aged 65 years and above, may be more sensitive to the effects of benzodiazepines. For example, the sedative effects of Xanax may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are also common in older adults who take benzodiazepines. Therefore, people should use caution to prevent falling or accidental injury while taking Xanax. As with other psychotropic medications, there are some precautions to take when people with severe depression or suicidal thoughts take this drug.
Episodes of hypomania and mania have occurred in association with the use of Xanax in people with depression. According to the Treatment Episode Data Set, the number of people seeking treatment for benzodiazepine misuse almost tripled in — Long-term misuse and addiction to Xanax are associated with depression, psychotic experiences, and aggressive or impulsive behavior.
Here's what you need to…. Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorder. But can you accidentally overdose? Wondering if you can take Adderall and Xanax together? Xanax may be prescribed to treat bipolar disorder, but there are side effects. Learn the difference between Valium and Xanax, which may be right for you, and what to talk with your doctor about. As a side effect, Xanax can cause erectile dysfunction.
Learn about Xanax, ED, and the many other factors involved in sexual performance. Does worrying put a damper on your day? Try these techniques to free yourself. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Mental Health. What Does Xanax Feel Like?
Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. What if you drink alcohol after taking Xanax? What if you combine Xanax with another drug or medication? Does the dosage change the way it affects you? How long does Xanax take to kick in? How long will its effects last? Get Involved Awareness Events. Get Involved Share Your Story. Get Involved Partner with Us. Advocacy Advocate for Change. Advocacy Policy Priorities.
Advocacy Policy Platform. Advocacy Crisis Intervention. Advocacy State Fact Sheets. Advocacy Public Policy Reports. Alprazolam Xanax. Know the warning signs Learn the common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents. Mental health conditions Learn more about common mental health conditions that affect millions. Other symptoms include: Restlessness Fatigue low energy, feeling tired all the time Difficulty concentrating Irritability Muscle tension Sleep disturbance difficulty falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night Panic Disorder occurs when a person experiences unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear.
When starting alprazolam, anxiety or insomnia may improve rapidly or over a period of days. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication. Regarding breastfeeding, caution is advised since alprazolam does pass into breast milk. Symptoms of your condition that bother you the most If you have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself Medications you have taken in the past for your condition, whether they were effective or caused any adverse effects If you experience side effects from your medications, discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Some side effects may pass with time, but others may require changes in the medication. Any other psychiatric or medical problems you have including obstructive sleep apnea All other medications you are currently taking including over the counter products and herbal and nutritional supplements and any medication allergies you have Other non-medication treatment you are receiving such as talk therapy or substance abuse treatment.
Your provider can explain how these different treatments work with the medication If you are elderly or are prone to falls If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding If you have liver disease If you drink alcohol or use drugs How Should I Take Alprazolam? Alprazolam may be taken with or without food. Take with food if you experience an upset stomach.
Extended release tablets: Swallow whole. Do not chew, crush or split tablet. Symptoms of overdose include confusion, impaired coordination, slow reflexes, coma, and death.
Common side effects Feeling dizzy, drowsy, fatigued, or lightheaded Impaired coordination, decreased ability to concentrate If you experience these side effects after starting clonazepam they will often improve over the first week or two as you continue to take the medication. Increased heart rate, headache, memory impairment, irritability, and restlessness may occur.
Some people taking benzodiazepines develop a severe allergic reaction and swelling of the face. GABA is a neurotransmitter, a molecule that helps brain cells, or neurons, communicate with each other.
GABA receptors are widely available across the brain, and benzodiazepines work to reduce anxiety by enhancing GABA inhibitory function. The benzo family includes diazepam, or Valium; clonazepam, or Klonopin; lorazepam, or Ativan; chlordiazepoxide, or Librium; and the one most commonly known to the pop culture, alprazolan, or Xanax, among others.
Different benzos have similar effects, but they differ in strength, how long it takes for them to work and half-life, a measure of how long the drug stays in your system. For example, while diazepam has a half-life of up to 48 hours, the half-life of alprazolam can be as short as six hours.
This is important, as a shorter half-life is linked with higher potential for addiction and dependence. That is one reason physicians typically are not excited about prescribing Xanax for long periods of time.
When benzos were introduced to the market in the s, there was excitement as they were considered safer compared to barbiturates , which had been used to treat anxiety.
By the s, benzos made it to the list of the most highly prescribed medications. Benzos are mainly used to treat anxiety disorders, such as phobias, panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
They are mostly used for a short period at the beginning of the treatment. That is because it may take a few weeks for the main pharmacological treatment for anxiety, antidepressants, to kick in.
During that time, if anxiety is severe and debilitating, benzodiazepines may be prescribed for temporary use. Benzos are also prescribed for occasional situations of high anxiety, such as that caused by phobias.
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