Xanax belongs to the benzodiazepine drug variety, it’s main function is to counteract chemicals in the brain that become unbalanced and cause anxiety. Xanax is often used to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders, panic disorders and depression.
The majority of patients prescribed Xanax use it to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Although most people experience anxiety symptoms at some point in their life, generalized anxiety disorder is much more extreme than day-to-day jitters. It is a chronic disorder that prevents one from carrying out normal day-to-day functions.
Anxiety symptoms often vary depending on the individual, and can include:
- Feelings of nervousness, jittery or shaky limbs
- Tension, fearfulness and a strong apprehension
- Seclusion or the avoidance of certain places due to fear
- The inability to breath or a rapid heart beat
- Profuse sweating and a trembling body
- An unexplained fear of losing control or fear of death.
Xanax has also been prescribed for short-term treatment of anxiety caused by depression, such as dealing with the shock of a stressful event or other traumatic experiences.
Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of gamma-amino butyric acid and have several effects on the human body, including:
- Anxiety reduction
- Increased desire to sleep
- Muscle relaxant
- The ability to impair short term memory functions
Xanax is not recommended for those who have a history of breathing problems, glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, a history of depression, suicidal thoughts or those addicted to drugs or alcohol.
People allergic to Chlordiazepoxide, Clorazepate, Diazepam, Lorazapam, or Oxazepam should also avoid this medication, as should pregnant or nursing mothers as Xanax has been proven to cause birth defects in unborn babies.
Before taking Xanax it is essential to discuss other medications taken regularly with a board certified physician as Xanax can amplify the effects of cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medications, sleeping pills and medication taken for seizure or depression disorders.
Patients taking Xanax should tell their physician if they are taking:
- Birth control pills
- Cimetidine
- Diltazem
- Isoniazid
- Propoxyphene
- Seizure medication
- Antifungal medication
- Antidepressants
Xanax should be taken as directed by a qualified physician, the dosage should not be adjusted and alcohol should be avoided completely. It is best to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Xanax as studies have proven it to interact poorly with the medication and can lead to potentially dangerous side effects.
Immediate emergency medical attention should be sought in the case of accidental overdose as an overdose of Xanax has the potential to be lethal, especially when ingested during alcohol consumption.
Xanax overdose symptoms often include extreme drowsiness, a confused state of mine, muscle fatigue, loss of mobility and poor coordination as well as feelings of light headedness, fainting spells, coma and irregular heart beat. When misused, or mixed with sedatives or other recreational drugs Xanax has the potential to be deadly.
People taking prescription Xanax are also urged to seek medical assistance in the event of an allergic reaction. Signs of Xanax allergy include: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
Contact emergency medical care immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
- Unusual behaviour
- Depression or thoughts of suicide
- Hyperactivity, agitation, hostility, hallucinations
- Dizzy spells or fainting
- Seizures or convulsions
- Problems with urination
- Muscle twitching or tremors
- Jaundice or yellowing of the skin
Less serious side effects of Xanax can include:
- Feelings of irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep problems
- Blurred vision
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation, changes to body weight
- Dry mouth
- Decreased sexual appetite
Xanax and other medicines should be kept out of reach of children and only used for it’s intended purposes.
Filed under: Xanax Overdose, Xanax Overdose
