What is Xanax?

Xanax is a renowned benzodiazepine, a class of medications that helps treat anxiety disorders. The medicine typically takes less than an hour to start working and has a relaxing, calming effect.

Xanax’s generic name is Alprazolam. Its effects quickly appear and rapidly disappear. Some people may also take it recreationally for its relaxing or calming effects. The fast action profile of Xanax can lead to misuse.

The medication is effective in controlling panic and anxiety. However, its recreational use can pose health risks, particularly if people take it in combination with other CNS depressants such as alcohol.

Xanax Effects

The FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) gave approval to Xanax for the treatment of certain kinds of anxiety disorders, counting generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. The medication can treat various anxiety symptoms such as restlessness, high levels of stress, and muscle tension.

Xanax is an in-demand depressant of the Central Nervous System (CNS), a member of the benzodiazepines family of medicines, which consists of the substances that slow down the central nervous system.

Xanax effects increase the activity or levels of a brain chemical called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), promoting calmness and relaxation. The medication decreases the levels of excitement to reduce excessive anxiety and treat anxiety disorders and panic disorder.

People may experience the following effects of Xanax:

• • Anxiety relief
  • Relief from insomnia
  • Easing of muscle tension

People may have Xanax effects on the mind. It causes a feeling of hostility, temporary memory loss, irritability, and vivid or disturbing dreams.

Xanax long-term effects include:

• • Shallow breathing
  • Memory loss
  • Dilated pupils
  • Rapid heart rate

The long-term effects of Xanax occur when someone takes the medication at higher doses for prolonged periods. 

The government of the United States identifies Xanax as a controlled substance (Schedule IV) under the Controlled Substance Act, 1970. This signifies that the medication has a potential for abuse and addiction. 

How long does Xanax last?

In examination with different benzodiazepines, the body retains Xanax rapidly, so its impacts act quickly. Inside around 1–2 hours, the centralization of Xanax in the blood arrives at its peak. Xanax effects take place quickly due to its quick onset of action. 

The impacts of the medication typically show up inside 60 minutes, with one limited scope study figuring out a typical beginning season of 49 minutes with the oral organization. 

Xanax likewise leaves the body rapidly. Xanax’s half-life is 11.2 hours in healthy adults, implying that the body eliminates about a portion of the Xanax that it has assimilated in a little more than 11 hours. 

Specialists frequently endorse Xanax pills to take three times each day, spread out throughout the span of the day.

Side Effects of Xanax

 

Xanax side effects include:

• • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Dry mouth
  • Stuffy nose
  • Slurred speech
  • Muscle weakness
  • Poor coordination

Not everybody taking the medication will experience the side effects of Xanax. There are many noteworthy factors that influence the occurrence and severity of adverse effects:

• • The dosage
  • Medical condition
  • Overall health condition
  • Other medications they are taking
  • Use of other CNS depressants

Xanax Withdrawal Effects

Individuals can get reliant on Xanax. The medication has high abuse potential, particularly for people with a background marked by substance abuse or misuse. 

As the body retains Xanax rapidly, its belongings happen quicker than those of different benzodiazepines. Xanax’s half-life is short, which implies that its belongings vanish rapidly. These qualities increment its addictive potential. 

Subsequent to taking Xanax for quite a while, the body becomes accustomed to the substance, so individuals may encounter withdrawal manifestations when they quit taking it. Decreasing Xanax gradually over the long haul lessens the seriousness of these manifestations. 

The makers suggest reducing the dosage by close to 0.5 milligrams (mg) at regular intervals. A specialist will decide the most suitable end plan for the person, as the experience may contrast from one individual to another.

Xanax withdrawal symptoms include:

• • Sleeplessness
  • Mild feelings of dissatisfaction
  • Stomach cramps
  • Muscle cramps
  • Sweating
  • Vomiting
  • Tremors
  • Convulsions

A few analysts have noted reports of other Xanax withdrawal effects that appear to be more typical with Alprazolam than with different benzodiazepines, like daze, psychosis, and bounce-back anxiety. 

To treat withdrawal side effects when halting Xanax, specialists in some cases endorse another benzodiazepine in its place. They may suggest a sort that works for more, like diazepam (Valium).

Notwithstanding, this system isn’t generally viable.  If an individual has been taking Xanax for quite a while and needs to get over it, they ought to talk with a medical service proficient at working out a protected technique for ending the medication.

Medications or substances affecting Xanax effects

Abusers often combined Xanax and alcohol to have a significant “high.” Taking any central nervous system depressant with Xanax can have increased risks of side effects. Some medications also result in Xanax pills staying in the body for longer time periods, leading to an overdose.

When a doctor prescribes Xanax, they consider all the other medications taken by the patient. The central nervous system depressants such as anticonvulsants and antihistamines have the potential to increase Xanax effects.

As liquor is a CNS depressant, people should avoid the intake of alcohol while taking Xanax. A certified pharmacist will tell you the risks of concomitant use.

Also Read: Ativan: Usages, Dosage, Side effects & FAQs