If Xanax becomes part of the plan, the goal is always to use it safely and within a larger framework that supports long-term stability. Contact our team today to talk through options or ask questions about medication. Each reduction in dose gives the brain a chance to adjust, lowering the chance of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms showing up as the medication leaves the system. Working with a clinician who knows how to taper off Xanax safely is recommended if you need to come off the medication. Even when something’s labeled “natural,” it can still affect how medications what is Oxford House work. For instance, St.John’s Wort is considered a natural antidepressant, but it can cause contraindications with other medications.
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However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks.
Do not use XANAX for a condition for which it was not prescribed.
Some pharmacies offer labels that have large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy does not have these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to direct you to one that does. You may be curious about how Xanax compares with other drugs that are prescribed for similar purposes, such as clonazepam. You may wonder how Xanax compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar purposes, such as Valium. If you drink alcohol, it’s best to avoid drinking it while taking Xanax.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Your healthcare provider will give you instructions on how often you should take this medication. You shouldn’t take more than your prescription label directs. This helps your body keep a steady level of the drug so it’s most effective for treating your condition. Xanax produces a calming effect that helps relieve symptoms of anxiety and panic disorder. Mild side effects of many drugs tend to fade in a couple of days or a few weeks.
Therefore, a medically supervised detox is recommended to help manage discomfort and reduce risks. Tapering off Xanax in a controlled environment is the safest approach. Xanax abuse occurs when individuals take the medication in ways not prescribed by a doctor. This can include taking higher doses, using it more frequently, or using it for non-medical reasons. Individuals may misuse Xanax to counteract the side effects of stimulants or to https://medipal.co.ke/2023/05/19/new-nih-study-reveals-shared-genetic-markers-4/ enhance the effects of alcohol, which can be extremely dangerous.
What if you’re using it to treat an anxiety or panic disorder?
Xanax may cause serious side effects, but this isn’t common. If you do develop serious side effects while taking Xanax, be sure to call your medical professional immediately. Alprazolam can cause breathing issues, particularly when used alongside alcohol or opioid medications. If a patients breathing becomes slow, shallow or their lips become blue, emergency medical attention is required immediately.
Risk of Developing Dependence
After some time this pattern leads to tolerance, dependence and can even lead toaddiction. However, it is important to note that most of the studies about the long-term effects of benzodiazepines on the brain were conducted with people who were taking the drug at the time. Therefore, it remains unclear if these effects are due to changes in the brain itself, or simplyside effectsof the drug that may go away if the drug were stopped. Dependence refers to a physical state in which the body is dependent on the drug. With drug dependence, someone needs more and more of the substance to achieve the same effect. They experience mental and physical withdrawal effects if they stop taking the drug.
Related Conditions
- It is very important to protect the orally disintegrating tablets from moisture.
- Abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines may lead to addiction.
- Misuse and addiction weren’t reported in studies of Xanax.
- Xanax belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines.
Some doctors are hesitant to prescribe Xanax because of the high potential for misuse and long-term side effects. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved alprazolam to treat panic disorder—but only for short-term use (up to 10 weeks). Benzodiazepines like alprazolam are central nervous system depressants that slow down brain activity by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is one of the brain’s neurotransmitters. This brain chemical is seen as a natural tranquilizer, producing a calming feeling in the mind.
Who should not use alprazolam?
Whether you or a loved one is struggling with Xanax addiction, there is hope to begin the recovery process with an accredited treatment center like Mountainside. Advise patients not to drive a motor vehicle or operate heavy machinery while taking XANAX due to its CNS depressant effects. Also advise patients to avoid use of alcohol or other CNS depressants while taking XANAX see Warnings and Precautions (5.3). Most of the interactions that have been documented with alprazolam are with drugs that modulate CYP3A4 activity. XANAX contains alprazolam, which is a Schedule IV controlled substance. The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of XANAX.
No medication should be a person’s first choice when they’re trying to manage their anxiety, rather medication needs to be a last resort, after you’ve tried other non-mediciated options. Furthermore, while many people just want to take a pill to address their anxiety, the best results are actually found when using medication in conjunction with therapy. Those who suffer from anxiety are often looking for ways to overcome their intense feelings. Medication is one route that is perceived to be “quick and easy” and why many people prefer medications to therapy. But medications also have their downsides, so finding the right anxiety medicine is crucial. Stopping Xanax use “cold turkey” or instantly is not recommended as it can lead to severe side effects like seizures.
While Xanax can be beneficial when used as prescribed, it is crucial to also know the potential risks of this prescription pill. Advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until the effects of concomitant use with the opioid have been determined see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Drug Interactions (7.1). Published data from observational studies xanax addiction on the use of benzodiazepines during pregnancy do not report a clear association with benzodiazepines and major birth defects.
There are special rules around prescribing and supplying Schedule IV controlled drugs. Consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Xanax could increase your risk of side effects from Xanax. It’s best to avoid consuming grapefruit products while taking Xanax. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.