Alprazolam Xanax: Uses & Side Effects

Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Many drugs can interact with alprazolam, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time.

When to Avoid Xanax

Memory problems can begin as simple as forgetting things and if the device is used frequently, the problem may worsen. Side effects include; cognitive decline which is more common in older patients or those who have been on the drug for a long time. Possible side effects of Xanax include drowsiness, dizziness, and poor coordination, which can be problematic for elderly patients. These symptoms raise the likelihood of falls, which are hazardous and may cause injuries such as fractures Substance abuse or head injuries. The depressant action of Xanax may also reduce the patient’s ability to regain balance or respond quickly in situations that may be hazardous for the elderly 3. This is why it becomes crucial for healthcare providers to ensure that the elderly are closely watched when taking Xanax and if possible, look for other forms of treatment.

What if you combine Xanax with another drug or medication?

But too much caffeine can have negative effects, like raising your blood pressure, upsetting your stomach and making you feel jittery. These new symptoms might be the result of an ailment or illness you’re unaware of. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries. Xanax is also used to treat panic disorders with or without a fear of places and situations that might cause panic, helplessness, or embarrassment (agoraphobia).

What shouldn’t you feel when taking Xanax?

For specific questions about your health needs or that of a loved one, seek the help of a healthcare professional. When someone has been abusing Xanax for a period of time and suddenly stops taking it, the body can begin to suffer from withdrawal symptoms. This is because the brain and body have become chemically rewired to depend on the drug, so readjusting back to normality can be uncomfortable. Xanax works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain that people who xanax addiction experience anxiety suffer from. As a Benzodiazepine, Xanax acts on the brain and central nervous system to produce a calming effect and ease anxiety symptoms. It is fast-acting, which is helpful for someone who is suddenly experiencing anxiety and needs relief quickly.

• Xanax activates a brain chemical known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which slows brain activity and other functions throughout the body.
• That’s why we have a comprehensive set of treatment providers and don’t charge for inclusion.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
• If you do breastfeed, tell your doctor if you notice drowsiness or feeding problems in the baby.

These effects make Xanax effective for anxiety and panic disorders but also cause excessive sleepiness, especially at higher doses or when combined with other depressants like alcohol. When taken as prescribed, Xanax (alprazolam) can help people with anxiety disorders or panic attacks by promoting a feeling of calm. Xanax is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, known on the street as benzos and by other names.

Does alprazolam interact with foods or drinks?

This difference can influence the choice of medication based on the patient’s specific needs and the nature of their anxiety disorder. Taking Xanax with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures. Xanax and other benzodiazepines have sedative effects, which means they can make you feel drowsy and sleepy. However, some people experience sleep problems (insomnia) as a side effect of Xanax.Only take Xanax as prescribed.

Xanax and the Brain

That’s why you need to make sure that you never depend on medication alone. Mixing Xanax with alcohol significantly increases the risk of dangerous side effects. Even small amounts of alcohol can intensify Xanax’s effects on your nervous system. If you’re a treatment provider and have a question, please reach out and someone from our Customer Success team will be in touch with you shortly.

• Yes, alprazolam (Xanax) and other benzodiazepines have addiction potential.
• Today, over 5.9 million people over the age of 12 misuse sedatives and/or tranquilizers, such as alprazolam and other benzodiazepines.
• Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.
• Yes, you can die from Xanax overdose, especially when taken in excessive amounts or combined with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol or opioids.
• Although the long-term effects of alprazolam are challenging, it is possible to achieve recovery.
• Emergency room visits stemming from Xanax overdose account for nearly 125,000 cases, indicating the severity of its misuse, as analyzed in 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began to require «black box» warnings on the labels of benzodiazepines and opioids that warn of the dangers of using these drugs together.

When an anxiety disorder is present, the brain may not produce enough GABA on its own. With nothing to stop the more stimulating neurotransmitters from firing, your brain speeds along like a car with worn brakes. Xanax increases the effectiveness of GABA, allowing it to bind to nerve cell receptors and release a far greater number of chloride ions.