Xanax is a really powerful substance that belongs to group of medicines called benzodiazepines. Actually, Xanax contains the active substance alprazolam and it is a brand name for alprazolam. Xanax is a medication most notorious for producing calming effects on the brain and central nervous system. Also, Xanax is one of the most prescribed drugs all over the world for treating anxiety and panic disorders. However, Xanax has a great risk of abuse and misuse, which can cause serious Xanax side effects.
The result of abusing and consuming Xanax recreationally is an addiction and dependence to this substance, due to the fact that Xanax, besides its calming and sedative effects, has high addictive potential.
Numerous factors have contributed to the frequent and, unfortunately, increasing abuse of Xanax. First off, Xanax is often promoted in the mainstream media and culture, especially in music industry. Unfortunately, people can easily obtain Xanax without a prescription, due to an availability of this substance on the street.
The devastating statistics proves that the abuse ox Xanax (Alprazolam) has significantly increased in past years. For example, the number of deaths caused by benzodiazepines overdose, which includes Xanax as well, increased as much as 830 percent from 1999 to 2017! Although the vast majority of people most people who abuse Xanax compulsively won’t die, but this habit can result in sever and, sometimes irreversible Xanax-side effects.
If you or your loved one is addicted to Xanax, then you should seek for professional help as soon as possible, before this condition worsens. Enrolling in a rehabilitation program is vital for complete recovery from Xanax-side effects and Xanax addiction overall.
Xanax Side Effects and Understanding the Nature of This Medicine
Before we explain what are Xanax side effects and how does Xanax make you feel, we need, first and foremost, to understand the nature of this drug and why do people abuse it.
As we have already mentioned, Xanax is a drug that belongs to group of benzodiazepines and contains active substance called alprazolam. This drug is often prescribed for treating General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), panic attacks, panic disorders and insomnia.
Affecting the brain and central nervous system, Xanax boosts brain chemical called Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA). GABA is responsible for slowing down nerve cell activity, which is why Xanax produces calm and relaxed feeling. This means that Xanax is central nervous system depressant and some common Xanax side effects include slurred speech, anxiety and loss of coordination, but we’ll discuss this later on.
Xanax comes and is most often consumed orally, in pills. The pills come in different shapes and colors depending on their strength. This medicine can be dispensed in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg strengths. For example, the 2 mg pills can have white, yellow or green color and be in a shape of rectangle. Other pills are oval shaped with white color (0.25 mg), orange color (0.5 mg) and blue color (1 mg).
The strength and the dosage are based on a patient’s medical condition, age and response to treatment. Generally speaking, person should not take Xanax longer than two weeks (6 weeks is a maximum length), but sometimes it can be prescribed on an “as-needed” basis for panic attacks.
Also, we need to emphasize that Xanax is a regulated schedule IV controlled substance, which means, which means it has lower potential for misuse compared to Schedule I, II and II drugs. Nevertheless, a person can develop addiction and physical dependence even if Xanax is used as prescribed. Particularly Xanax and its active component alprazolam has more severe withdrawal symptoms compared to other benzodiazepines medicines!
Common street names for Xanax are, amongst others: Handlebars, Planks, School Bus, Upjohn, Bicycle Parts, White Girls, Bars, French Fries, Sticks, Ladders, Zannies, Blue Footballs, Benzos, etc.
What Are Xanax Effects and How Does Xanax Make You Feel?
When we are talking about Xanax effects only, we refer to those effects that Xanax is made to produce. In other words, we are talking about the effects and conditions Xanax is initially prescribed for.
So if you’re wondering “how does Xanax make you feel”, Xanax has anti-anxiety effects on the body. It relieves and reduces the symptoms of agitation and anxiety. It is one of the most widely prescribed medicines for anxiety and panic disorders. Xanax can accelerate and induce falling asleep, which is the main reason why many people take Xanax as a sleeping pill, although this is not its predominant purpose, but a secondary Xanax effect!
Also, Xanax and its substance alprazolam reduce agitation and emotional imbalance – sedative Xanax effects. Xanax is prescribed for treating the symptoms of anxiety, psychological tension, panic and other anxiety-related disorders. In some cases, Xanax can be prescribed to treat insomnia and alcohol withdrawal.
Xanax, unlike other psychoactive substances, is not abused for euphoria or a “high” feeling, but due to sedative effects it causes!
So, speaking about Xanax effects overall and answering the question how does Xanax make you feel – Xanax is, in fact, a sedative or anxiolytic. In addition, Xanax can often be prescribed in case of panic attacks associated with agoraphobia (fear of public and open spaces) or without this phobia.
To wrap it up – Xanax, thanks to alprazolam, has sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant and amnesic Xanax effects. After taking Xanax, the peak effects are typically felt within one to two hours. As an intermediate-duration drug, Xanax stays in a person’s system for 12 to 15 hours.
However, a person can experience Xanax side-effects and can develop addiction and physical dependence, even if taken as prescribed by the doctor! More precisely, the risk of experiencing side effects of Xanax and developing addiction to this substance is very high if a person abuses this substance chronically, for a longer period of time or in larger doses.
Xanax Side Effects and Abuse
Xanax is a very potent and short-acting type of benzodiazepine, with a high potential for abuse. Many people who do not even abuse Xanax and take it exactly as prescribed by their doctor can become addicted without realizing it, because tolerance to Xanax can build up really quickly. Addiction to this drug and Xanax side effects can cause serious consequences that affect every aspect of a person’s life.
Despite being one of the most prescribed psychiatric in the world, Xanax is frequently abused due to its short-acting and intense effects.
The problem, therefore, is that the Xanax easily “slips” into abuse of this drug. This way, Xanax-side effects will inevitably occur – harmful short-term and long-term Xanax effects.
That’s why patients should use Xanax exactly as the doctor prescribed for an extremely short period of time (two to six weeks), with regular medical supervision. Despite this, many people take this drug on their own, recreationally and in large quantities, which is why they develop tolerance, addiction and experience Xanax side-effects. This means that a person will need a higher dose of this benzodiazepine in order to achieve the desired effect, which inevitably leads to addiction.
Basically speaking, taking more than the prescribed dosage or using Xanax without a medical prescription is considered Xanax abuse. But, as we have already mentioned, even people who follow a prescription can become addicted to Xanax
People can abuse Xanax in several ways, thus experience serious side effects of Xanax.
- Taking multiple pills (at once or in a short period of time – much more than prescribed),
- Injecting it,
- Snorting it,
- Taking it via bibulous paper,
- Consuming Xanax with other psychoactive substances and alcohol.
Xanax Side-Effects and Xanax Addiction
Xanax addiction is definitely one of the most serious Xanax side-effects. Someone with a Xanax addiction may take up to 20 or 30 pills per day! If the person decides to stop taking Xanax, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and tremors. The onset of withdrawal symptoms is a sign that a physical dependence and addiction have developed. The urge to control or the decrease the intensity of withdrawal symptoms reinforces substance use.
Chronic and unstoppable use ox Xanax during relatively long period of time may cause, not just addiction to this benzodiazepine, but severe Xanax side effects. A person addicted to Xanax needs to take this substance in order to function normally. An addict at this stage abusing Xanax no longer has control over the consumption of this substance, which negatively affects every segment of a person’s life (personal, family, business, social…).
Xanax produces its main calming effects by mimicking GABA – a neurotransmitter that brain cells use a which slows down nerve cells activity. Xanax not just increases the activity of GABA, this medicine also increases levels of another neurotransmitter – dopamine. This is also why ‘people can easily become addicted to Xanax.
Stages of developing Xanax Addiction
First stage - Initiation
Second stage – Experimenting
When people start abusing Xanax, they could sometimes try this medicine under different circumstances or at different times, not in the way the doctor has prescribed. They can also increase the dosage to experience new Xanax effects.
Third stage – Abuse becomes regular activity
Fourth Stage – Physical Dependence
Fifth Stage - Xanax Use Disorder
In this stage, every single attempt to quit or stop using Xanax is a real struggle and challenge. In addition, at this stage people are aware that they have a problem abusing Xanax, but they are unable to terminate this bad habit due to the sever withdrawal symptoms which can occur after a person suddenly stops using this drug. This is the moment when professional help for Xanax abuse is the safest method to overcome addiction to Xanax and to treat Xanax side-effects.
Xanax Side-Effects and Symptoms of Xanax Addiction
If a person meets 2 or more of the following criteria and has experienced them in the last 12 months, then you must urgently seek professional help for Xanax addiction treatment.
These are the signs of Xanax abuse and Xanax addiction:
- Taking Xanax in larger amounts or for a longer period of time than originally planned;
- Persistent desire and unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop the use of Xanax;
- A person spends a lot of time and energy thinking about, acquiring, using, and recovering from Xanax effects;
- Neglecting and giving up all (or most) social, family and business activities and putting Xanax on the top of the list of life priorities;
- Intense craving for Xanax;
- Taking Xanax despite all the negative effects and difficulties this substance causes for an addict;
- Loss of interest in activities and hobbies that previously fulfilled the person;
- Neglecting daily duties and tasks at school, family, university or work;
- Repeated use of Xanax even in life-threatening and dangerous situations (such as driving or operating machines, which, due to the sedative effects of this substance, is never recommended);
- Continued use of Xanax despite the awareness that this substance causes or worsens existing psychological, physical and social problems;
- Xanax tolerance and dependence;
- Withdrawal symptoms if a person doesn’t take the drug.
What are Xanax Side Effects?
We could see that addiction to Xanax is one of the most serious Xanax side effects. But, what about other Xanax-side effects? The central nervous system depressants, such as Xanax, initially cause sedative and relaxing effects. However, prolonged, continuous, chronic and uncontrolled use of Xanax leads to Xanax side effects that can be short-term and long-term Xanax effects.
Short-term Xanax Side Effects
- Drowsiness;
- Vertigo and lightheadedness;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Impairment of cognitive functions;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Lack of coordination;
- Trouble sleeping and sleepiness;
- Lack of appetite;
- Shakiness and unsteady walk;
- Irritability;
- Problems with muscle control and coordination;
- Confusion, disorientation and poor concentration;
- Slurred speech;
- Dry mouth;
- Dark urine;
- Diarrhea;
- Skin rash;
- Memory problems and being forgetful;
- Decreased blood pressure and decreased heart rate;
- Impairment of reflexes;
- Seizures;
- Unusual tiredness or weakness;
- Weakness, sluggishness and fatigue.
Xanax is often abused with other substances at the same time, primarily opiates and alcohol. Combining Xanax with other substances can lead to serious and fatal Xanax side-effects, such as respiratory arrest and coma. In extreme cases, death can occur.
Long-term Xanax Side Effects
When Xanax is abused for a long period of time, then the long-term Xanax effects will occur. Some of these effects can be permanent and irreversible.
Xanax is very dangerous drug when taken in large dosages, over a long period of time, or in combination with other substances. When mixed with alcohol, even a small dose of Xanax can cause death!
Long-term effects of Xanax include, but are not limited to:
- Depression;
- Delirium and hallucinations;
- Aggressiveness, violent behavior and impulsiveness;
- Cognitive impairment;
- Memory damage;
- Increased risk of dementia;
- Psychoses;
- Stomach pain;
- Unusual facial expressions;
- Swollen joints;
- Blood vomiting;
- Loss of voice;
- Chest tightness;
- Painful urination;
- Yellow eyes or skin;
- Mood swings, irritability and agitation;
- Sleeping for a long period of time, excessive sleep (hypersomnia) or sleeplessness (insomnia);
- Shaking and shivering;
- Nightmares and vivid dreams;
- Suicidal thoughts and behavior;
- Tolerance, which causes taking even higher doses of Xanax;
- Liver damage, since this drug is metabolized in the liver;
- Seizures.
Rare, but Possible Xanax Side Effects
There have been reports of rare Xanax side effects that can occur – especially if the person is taking Xanax continually over a long period of time. Here are some of the rare side effects of Xanax:
- Out of control actions;
- Chest pain;
- Weird noise in the ears (continuing ringing or buzzing);
- Ear pain;
- Decreased awareness or responsiveness;
- Dizziness with deep or fast breathing;
- Fast and irregular heartbeat or pulse;
- Feeling jittery;
- Feeling unusually cold;
- Slowed mental and physical activity;
- Hoarseness;
- Voice changes;
- Strength or energy loss;
- Loss of control in legs;
- Lack of feeling or emotion;
- Feet and hand numbness;
- Severe sleepiness;
- Shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet;
- Talking while asleep;
- Suicidal thoughts;
How To Treat Xanax Side-Effects, Xanax Abuse and Xanax Addiction?
So far, we’ve seen that Xanax, although legal drug that’s being prescribed, can cause a lot of troubles and issues, even this substance is not abused! The most dangerous Xanax-side effects, amongst others, include Xanax addiction, which consequently causes serious health and social problems.
Trying to quit taking Xanax at home, without medical supervision is also really dangerous activity which can cause withdrawal symptoms such as pain attacks, suicidal thoughts, weight loss, heart palpitations, nausea, vomiting, uncontrollable shaking, increased anxiety, pain in muscle and joint… These withdrawal symptoms just reinforce the repetitive use of Xanax.
This is why the process of breaking free from a Xanax addiction, detoxification and treating Xanax side-effects is best managed within a quality rehabilitation center.
Xanax addiction is a complex disease, but not an invincible one, which means that it can also be cured and successfully treated. If you or a loved one is struggling with Xanax side effects, Xanax abuse and addiction, you are not alone as expert and professional medical help is always available.
MedTiM International rehab clinic is a modern addiction treatment hospital that has shown and proven that any type of addiction is curable, with its revolutionary approach and innovative treatments! A team of world-renowned and award-winning doctors with decades of experience in treating any form of addiction works in our clinic! Thanks to reliable, tested and verified methods of treatment, along with the medical equipment according to the latest international standards, we guarantee maximum medical care to each and every patient.
MedTiM – Say Goodbye to Xanax Side-Effects!
The treatment of Xanax addiction and other Xanax side-effects in the MedTiM clinic lasts only 14 days, and not couple of months as in many other similar drug rehab centers.
Another thing that sets the MedTiM clinic apart from others is that we provide absolutely painless and safe detoxification from Xanax and other benzodiazepines. This also include revolutionary method of rapid detoxification from benzodiazepines. By using the most contemporary medical devices and applying the latest medical standards, we completely clean the patient’s body of toxic Xanax substances and components.
Xanax abuse and addiction inpatient treatment at MedTiM hospital is a procedure that is conducted by a team of expert doctors through diagnostics, detoxification, pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, until discharge and outpatient treatment. Detoxification and managing withdrawal symptoms from Xanax include lowering the dose of this substance while simultaneously taking anti-abstinence therapy that is not from the benzodiazepine group of medicines (anticonvulsants for attack prophylaxis, neuro-stabilizers, beta blockers, spasmolytic drugs, analgesics…).
The goal of this therapy is to reduce and completely eliminate symptoms of withdrawal and other Xanax side effects. This is precisely why it is impossible to break free from Xanax addiction at home and thus solve the problem of Xanax abuse.
Detoxification or cleansing of the organism from Xanax is carried out by lowering the doses of this benzodiazepine according to a scheme that is made based on the condition in which the patient was admitted to our hospital and started the treatment.
Xanax addiction treatment is the only safe way to complete recovery, leading to a healthy, happy and better life. Feel free to contact us at any time and schedule a free consultation.
Our doors are always open to you.
