Prescription medications can be troubling.
While they have valid medical purposes that can help many people, they also come with a series of possible side effects for a select few. Xanax may provide relief for some, but it could cause big problems for others. Being informed about the potential risks of a medication is one of the best ways to prepare for any unexpected reactions to its use. Banyan Treatment Centers Philadelphia is taking a closer look at the different types of Xanax dangers a person faces when misusing this powerful medication.
What Is Xanax?
Xanax is a brand name for alprazolam, a popular benzodiazepine. Xanax depresses the central nervous system and is often used to treat anxiety disorders. Because it can be addictive, Xanax is usually only prescribed for a few weeks as a temporary solution for anxiety. Unfortunately, some people will not follow prescription recommendations or will use this drug without a prescription. This type of misuse can lead to dependence, and the user may need benzodiazepine addiction treatment at our Pennsylvania rehab center. Contact us to learn more about this transformative program.
Why Is Xanax Bad For You When Misused?
When taken as directed, Xanax can be a useful medication for treating severe anxiety symptoms. Misuse, on the other hand, refers to going against advised practices, such as consuming larger dosages, using it more frequently than indicated, or getting it without a legitimate prescription. One of the most serious consequences of Xanax abuse is the risk of addiction and dependence. Tolerance may set in, requiring higher doses to have the same relaxing benefits. People who find it difficult to function without the drug may develop dependence as a result of this spiral of increasing use, which could start a cycle of substance misuse.
Furthermore, the impact of Xanax abuse on personality becomes evident through the detrimental effects it can have on mental health. Individuals who misuse Xanax may experience emotional numbness or a blunting of their natural emotional responses, hindering their ability to authentically engage with their emotions. This emotional detachment can significantly affect their relationships, career, and overall quality of life. It is crucial for individuals to grasp the disparity between the potential therapeutic benefits of Xanax when used as prescribed by a medical professional and the risks associated with its abuse. These risks extend beyond physical health to encompass psychological and emotional well-being, highlighting the profound influence that Xanax misuse can have on one's personality and overall mental state.
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What Are Common Side Effects Of Xanax Abuse?
Common side effects of Xanax abuse include drowsiness, insomnia, impaired motor skills, and a lack of coordination, which are all consequences of a slightly depressed central nervous system. Beyond these, individuals who abuse Xanax may also suffer from serious side effects when combining the medication with other substances. These could include respiratory distress, irregular heart rate, coma, and potentially fatal outcomes like overdose when taken in large doses. It's crucial to be aware of the risks associated with Xanax abuse, especially when used in conjunction with other medications that impact the central nervous system.
Xanax Dangerous Side Effects
Like all prescription drugs, Xanax comes with its own set of possible side effects. People who take this medication as prescribed and stop when advised are less likely to put themselves in danger, but there is still always the possibility of side effects.
Some side effects of taking Xanax may include:
- Drowsiness
- Lethargy
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Slurred speech
- Poor memory
- Possible depression1
If you are taking Xanax and start to experience any of the side effects above, be sure to talk to your doctor immediately. If left unaddressed, these Xanax risks can escalate into an even bigger problem that is more difficult to manage with time.
Why Is Xanax Withdrawal a Cause for Concern?
When benzodiazepine withdrawal is not handled properly, it can be fatal. Severe withdrawal symptoms may occur if benzodiazepines, like Xanax, are stopped suddenly after long-term usage or abuse. These symptoms might be as mild as increased anxiety, trembling, and insomnia or as severe as seizures and delirium. The possibility of potentially fatal seizures after benzodiazepine withdrawal is one of the biggest concerns. These seizures can happen suddenly. When the central nervous system is suddenly relieved of its dependence on these drugs, people may become hyperexcited and prone to seizures. To reduce these hazards, it is essential for those trying to stop using benzodiazepines to obtain medical advice and supervision.
The Negative Effects of Xanax Abuse
Like many other benzodiazepines, Xanax is usually a temporary solution because of its addictive qualities, but some people will not take this drug as prescribed. While every drug comes with some possible side effects with regular use, the dangers of taking Xanax increase greatly when the drug is abused. Especially as time passes and abuse continues, the user is likely to experience bad side effects of Xanax that could negatively impact several areas of their life.
Some possible long-term side effects of taking Xanax may include:
- Memory problems
- Rebound anxiety once use stops that may be more severe than original anxiety problems
- Decreased cognitive function that may be permanent
- Withdrawal symptoms like sleep disturbances, depression, and delirium
- Tolerance
- Addiction1
One of the biggest dangers of taking Xanax is the possibility of addiction. Addiction can not only lead to serious damage to a person’s physical health, but it can also lead to problems in other areas of the user’s life. Many people addicted to drugs experience poor mental health, financial struggles, and relationship problems. The partial hospitalization program at our drug rehab in Philadelphia could help keep these problems from getting worse.
Another big problem with Xanax is that while it is a prescription medication, people can overdose on this drug if they misuse it. Alprazolam, the drug name for Xanax, has also been found to be relatively more toxic than other types of benzodiazepines when it comes to overdoses.1
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What Drugs, Substances, Or Supplements Interact With Xanax?
Xanax can interact with various drugs, substances, and supplements, leading to different levels of severity in individuals. Some common categories of drugs that may interact with Xanax include opioids, central nervous system (CNS) depressants, antidepressants, antifungals, antihistamines, medications for mental illness and seizures, as well as certain kinds of birth control. Additionally, Xanax may interact with drugs that act as CYP3A inhibitors. To ensure safe usage of alprazolam, it is essential to inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking before starting Xanax.
Our rehabs in Pennsylvania help people with various substance abuse problems find lasting relief from their addiction. If you or someone you care about has a drug or alcohol problem, it is time to get help.
To get more details about our programming at Banyan Philadelphia or how we may be able to assist you, call us now at 888-280-4763 and verify your benefits.
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