Side Effects of Xanax vary greatly to each individual, it can also be called Alprazolam. It is a popular short-term drug used to treat anxiety, and its effects start about an hour or two after taking it, but can be very addictive if used for a long period.
How does Xanax work?
Xanax is often used when people are experiencing anxiety attacks. It can be classified as a benzodiazepine medication, these drugs help a chemical in the brain called GABA by attaching to your nerve endings, which then blocks other chemicals that are making you unsettled, then resulting in a feeling of relaxation.
GABA blocks other anxiety-causing chemicals like cortisol from reaching your nerve endings, so in an hour or two your body and mind feel more relaxed.
The Xanax drugs lowers anxiety,can calm the mind, and may induce sleep. While GABA has many upsides, it can also block chemical messengers, resulting in many of these side effects.
Xanax side effects:
Xanax can cause side effects in different parts of the body, like the brain, heart, and muscles. Here are some of the side effects of Xanax:
- Brain—headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, and memory impairment.
- Digestive system—nausea, constipation, appetite changes.
- Heart—chest pains, fast heartbeat.
- Muscles—cramps, tremors, stiffness.
- Sensory organs—ringing ears, blurry vision, dry mouth.
- Respiratory system—shortness of breath, respiratory depression.
Repeated use of Xanax can bring about amnesia, where your brain struggles to form clear memories. A study done in 2016 found healthy male participants who consumed Xanax for over 14 days got lower scores on memory tests when matching objects and patterns.
It Is also known that people who take Xanax experience mood disorders that affect their memory. A lot remains uncertain if these changes go away or stay forever.
Overall, no two human bodies are the same. That means some might experience these side effects from drugs like Xanax while others might not. If side effects fail to go away, check in with the doctor who should prescribe alternative medications.
Addiction to Xanax
So, Xanax works by encouraging GABA neurotransmitters to bind to nerve receptors. At times this GABA also blocks cells that are responsible for limiting the release of dopamine in your brain.
Dopamine is a chemical that can uplift someone who is moody or down. It is behind the common phrase “dopamine rush” anytime someone gets an instant thrill from achieving something. If the output of dopamine is inhibited by the GABA blockage, the brain gets a surge of dopamine, making you feel high. In such a scenario, if the person keeps taking the drug, it will result in addiction.
Who should stay away from Xanax?
Most drugs used for neural relaxation, such as Xanax come with a serious FDA warning alerting users of its dangers. Xanax can also be harmful to:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding persons—Xanax and other benzodiazepines can pass through the placenta and harm the unborn child.
- Sixty-five years or older— your body processes the drugs slower, resulting in more and more being stored in your body, leading to addiction. Also, the side effects can be stronger.
- Liver or Kidney diseases—the kidney and liver are your body’s filters, but if it is busy trying to eliminate the Xanax, they won’t function properly.
- Lung diseases—Xanax affects your breathing, which can lead to lung infections.
- People prone to depression—Xanax can bring out symptoms like hyperactivity or irritation if there is a history of depression.
- Previous addicts—When discussing suitable prescriptions for Xanax, they will query any other addictions because you would be more likely to become addicted if you have an addictive personality.
Xanax and alcohol should never be mixed because it can lead to kidney and liver damage, overdose, psychosis, or even death. Alcoholics who take Xanax are at a high risk of exposure to these outcomes. If alcohol is consumed with Xanax the result can be fatal.
Other drugs that should not mix with Xanax are: Antibiotics, antidepressants, antifungals, antihistamines, and opioids.
When to seek medical advice
In several cases, Xanax can bring about serious health issues. Signs that you need immediate medical attention:
- Skin rashes
- Jaundice
- Speech impediments
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Trouble staying awake
- Difficult breathing
Xanax detox process
People who are already hooked on Xanax need some to wean it off in a managed way. Going cold turkey at home can bring about the worst side effects. If improperly managed, it could increase the chances of relapse as you fight to check the cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines like Xanax are similar to those of alcohol. It is for that reason that they recommend those affected to have medical supervision during treatment.
What happens in medical detox?
A monitored medical detox from Xanax, most people are switched to other benzodiazepines like chlordiazepoxide and clonazepam. Slow release medicines work in the body for a longer time, rather than wearing out after a few hours, it remains working in the body for an entire day or longer. When treating a Xanax detox it will keeps the person feeling stable as they slowly wean off Xanax.
Xanax withdrawal timeline
How long you experience Xanax withdrawal depends on your usage of Xanax, a common strategy is to slowly wean off the drug over several weeks and months.
How quickly a person is discontinued from Xanax depends on how they tolerate its withdrawal symptoms. The dosage of Xanax can then be reduced by 50% weekly or a further 10-25% bi-weekly.
Withdrawal timeline when the body is deprived of the drug:
- 6-12 hours—In 6 hours after taking Xanax, it starts wearing off, and withdrawal effects like anxiety and irritability.
- 1-4 days—at this point the symptoms of Xanax are at their most intense and involve insomnia, muscle pain, shaking, sweating, and panic attacks.
- 5-14 days—symptoms like mild anxiety and mild insomnia can last up to 2 weeks when you reduce Xanax dosage.
- 15+ days—After stopping Xanax, any lingering withdrawal symptoms, like mild anxiety and physical discomfort will slowly fade.
Conducive environment
Detox from Xanax is most successful when:
- People are not burdened by external stress.
- There is a way to manage anxiety without using benzodiazepines.
- The person understands what to expect and is fully committed to the process.
After the physical withdrawal, there is a protracted withdrawal referred to as second post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).
At this time, your brain keeps regulating and recalibrating while its psychological and emotional symptoms remain. People with protracted withdrawals can go through depression, anxiety, and other psychological symptoms. Trained specialists at Seasons Bali help check this urge and inspire you to fight and stay sober. They offer behavioural therapeutic techniques and non-pharmacologic ways of managing your anxiety.
People struggling with Xanax addictions should contact Seasons Bali—one of the leading addiction treatment centres in Southeast Asia.
