Xanax (alprazolam) was first released in 1981 by the Michigan drug manufacturer Upjohn. The drugmaker intended to design Xanax as a treatment for panic disorder, and it has become a popular prescription because it had almost instantaneous calming effects and immediate release. Today, you will encounter it used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.
Panic disorder could be described as a sudden episode of intense fear that can lead to physical symptoms, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, and heart palpitations. Xanax comes in the form of tablets.
You can either take it as an extended-relief tablet or a disintegrating tablet. The extended-relief tablet is the most common form.
Xanax belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. This type of drug acts on the central nervous system to produce a calming effect. Always take Xanax according to the directions from your doctor to reduce the risk of potential side effects.
Ask ahead of time if you have questions. You will take this medication orally as directed by your doctor.
How much you take depends on a variety of factors, such as age, medical condition, and response to treatment. You may start out with a small dosage and gradually increase it until the drug starts working well.
Many people feel that this drug helps them, but it is one that many people have found themselves addicted to. That risk only increases in those with a history of drug abuse.
Long term use has another negative besides the potential for addiction. People may start to feel like the drug no longer works as well as in the past due to a buildup of tolerance. At that point, the person will need a higher dose to receive the same effect.
Some of the most common side effects that you can encounter while taking Xanax would include:
The most serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include:
Xanax includes a number of warnings that you need to be aware of. For example, beware of concomitant use with opiates since it can lead to profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
There is also the risk of abuse from the drug, and in some cases, people overdose on Xanax when they take more trying to achieve the same effects. Taking too much Xanax can lead to mild or severe side effects.
Only increase the use of Xanax under the careful guidance of your doctor. In most cases, they won’t increase Xanax more than by 1 mg at a time every 3 to 4 days. Xanax says that the maximum daily usage is 10 mg per day.
If you have a history of drug abuse, tell your doctor before you start taking the drug. In many cases, they will prescribe something else to lower the risk of addiction to Xanax.
Due to the fast relief from Xanax, the drug has become a popular choice for those suffering from panic attacks and anxiety disorder. There were an estimated 16,780,805 prescriptions written in the United States in 2020. It is listed as a minor tranquilizer.
Never stop taking Xanax suddenly. You can wind up with withdrawal symptoms that would even include seizures and possible death. The best way to stop taking Xanax is to consult with your doctor ahead of time to know how to do it carefully.
Does Xanax Stop Overthinking?
Xanax acts on receptors in the brain to slow down excessive brain activity. At the same time, it reduces feelings of stress and anxiety and has a fast-acting effect.
The fast response has made it a good choice for those suffering from ongoing feelings of anxiety, often caused by overthinking. Most people start to notice the effects within 10 to 60 minutes, depending on the person.
Is Xanax Safe?
Provided you take Xanax as directed by your doctor, you greatly reduce the risk of the negative consequences of the drug. It isn’t perfectly safe and one of the risks is that people can find themselves addicted to it.
Misuse of Xanax is the biggest danger of this drug, and it isn’t recommended that you use it long term because of its reduced effectiveness and risk of addiction.
Is Xanax Good for Daily Use?
Most qualified medical practitioners do not recommend Xanax for daily use over the long term. The biggest issues with this include the potential for addiction and how it starts to have a limited effect due to a buildup of tolerance. Even worse, it can take time to detox from Xanax.
What Not to Do While Taking Xanax?
Beware of doing anything that requires mental alertness while taking Xanax. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery since you have an increased risk of an accident.
You should contact your doctor immediately if you notice severe weakness, slurred speech, confusion, or breathing problems while taking Xanax.
