Alprazolam Oral Route Side Effects

However, the medication can also cause side effects like dizziness, memory problems, and dry mouth. Your brain contains a neurotransmitter called gamma-Aminobutyric acid, or GABA. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that influence how you feel.

Both Xanax and CNS depression may lead to side effects such as lack of coordination and drowsiness. So your risk for these side effects is higher than usual if you drink alcohol while taking Xanax. Keep in mind that we haven’t listed all types of drugs that may xanax addiction interact with Xanax. Your medical professional or pharmacist can provide more details as well as information on other possible interactions. For more details about how Xanax and opioids are alike and different, talk with your medical professional or pharmacist.

Why is Xanax Abuse So Common?

Xanax has a relatively short half-life, meaning it doesn’t take long for its effects to reach a peak after it is ingested. That’s one reason Xanax has such a high abuse potential; drugs with a short half-life tend to be more commonly misused. When you experience excessive stress or anxiety, the brain increases certain nerve signals that lead to feelings of anxiety.

Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine commonly prescribed to treat a range of panic and anxiety disorders. It is the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepine in the United States. Combining Xanax with alcohol can intensify the side effects of both substances. Although this interaction is still being examined, one study reveals that ethanol, the main ingredient in alcohol, may increase the concentration of alprazolam in your system. Taking Xanax and alcohol together can cause excessive drowsiness, and respiratory depression, and increase a person’s risk of a blackout or overdose. As mentioned, doctors and psychiatrists prescribe Xanax to treat anxiety and panic attacks.

How Xanax (Alprazolam) Works In The Brain

Eventually, this results in a physical dependence – where the brain needs the drug to function “normally”. People can also develop a psychological dependence – they feel like they “need” the drug. Together, these effects lead to what we understand as addiction. Xanex is very potent, especially for those without tolerance.

Many people take alprazolam, brand name Xanax, to treat anxiety disorders such as panic disorder. The drug belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines (or “benzos,”), which includes other common medications like Klonopin, Valium, and Ativan. When you’re ready to begin your recovery from Xanax addiction, we’re here to help. There is a difference between dependence and addiction to Xanax. Dependence is the physical state where the body requires more and more of the drug for the person to experience the same effect. When someone is dependent, they will have mental and physical withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the drug.

What does Xanax feel like if you’re using it recreationally?

Because of this, Xanax has a boxed warning for misuse and addiction. A boxed warning appears on the drug’s label and alerts you to possible serious risks. Before your doctor prescribes a benzodiazepine such as Xanax, they’ll assess your risk of misuse and addiction. If you think you have a substance abuse issue, talk with your doctor. Combining Xanax and alcohol increases the risk of misuse and addiction. With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how it’s prescribed.

Many people originally take Xanax to help them relieve severe anxiety or stress. Short-term, therapeutic use of Xanax can be effective for this. Long-term use of the drug, however, has shown to cause an increase in anxiety over time, especially when used.

DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS CENTER

This can create feelings of relaxation, pleasure, and lower a person’s inhibition. The effects of Xanax on the brain can also make a person want to take more of the drug. This can increase the chance of falling into a pattern https://ecosoberhouse.com/ of regular Xanax use, which is a common precursor for addiction. Suddenly stopping this medication may cause serious (possibly fatal) withdrawal, especially if you have used it for a long time or in high doses.

• There is help available, and it is possible to recover.
• The drug may cause harm in newborns who were exposed to it during pregnancy.
• The diagnosis of Xanax addiction is based on whether a person meets certain diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5.
• When they tell you it’s safe, they’ll lower your dosage slowly over time.
• Also, it’s important that you don’t stop taking Xanax unless your medical professional recommends it.