What is Xanax?
Xanax, also known by its trade name Alprazolam, is used to treat patients with anxiety or are prone to panic attacks. Xanax can also be used to treat moderate to severe stress and is in a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. Xanax works as a depressant that decreases abnormal excitement in the brain, allowing the patient to relax and remain calm. Xanax is commonly known as Z-bars, school bus, blue footballs, handlebars, and zanies. Xanax is normally recommended for short term or intermittent use, because long term exposure to Xanax can increase the possibility of addiction and dependence. While Xanax is very popular among teens who may feel overwhelmed with stress due to school, relationships, or just being a teenager, it can be a very addictive drug that can cause serious and even deadly side effects.
Who is Xanax Prescribed For?
Xanax is prescribed to individuals suffering from anxiety, tension, panic disorders, some sleep disorders, irritably, severe stress, and is sometimes used to treat chest pain. While Xanax is usually recommended for short term use, some patients may be prescribed Xanax on a long term, daily basis. The only problem is that when Xanax is used daily over an extended period of time, a person’s tolerance can build up and they will need more and more of the drug to achieve the same results. This can not only be dangerous, but can lead to long-term addiction and dependence.
Xanax Side Effects
Xanax can have a variety of side effects including common side effects like drowsiness and fatigue, to rare side effects like hallucinations and low blood pressure. Common side effects of Xanax include:
- Dizziness
- Dry Mouth
- Headache
- Sleepiness
- Drowsiness
- Speech Disturbances
- Anxiety
- Confusion
If you are experiencing any rare side effects of Xanax you are advised to notify your doctor right away. These may include:
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Blurred vision
- Extreme Anxiety
- Fast pounding or irregular heartbeat
- Memory Disturbances
- Delusions
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Skin rash
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Severe tiredness
- Yellow eyes or skin
Xanax Withdraw Effects
What makes Xanax addiction so dangerous, especially to teens, is that it is arguably one of the most difficult drugs on the market to detox from. This is because, not only are Xanax withdrawal symptoms excruciating, but they can also induce life-threatening seizures and provoke suicides. Xanax withdrawal symptoms include fear, nausea, depression, fatigue, elevated blood pressure, muscle spasms, muscle pain, rapid heartbeat, just to name a few. If you are experiencing serious symptoms like schizophrenia, seizures, convulsions, or catatonia, please contact a medical physician immediately.
