Xanax belongs to the benzodiazepine class of medication, and it's commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic disorder. SAD is characterized by an intense, chronic fear of social situations.
People with this condition often worry that they'll feel self-conscious, embarrassed, scrutinized, or rejected while in public, which may cause them to avoid social situations. While in public, they may have symptoms like:. Benzodiazepines like Xanax are often prescribed as support alongside a primary treatment, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors SNRIs. Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy CBT , is also frequently used together with medication.
Xanax will not permanently cure your anxiety; rather, it helps to reduce your symptoms in the moment, often so that you can better participate in other forms of treatment, such as psychotherapy. Because Xanax starts working quickly, it will give you some immediate relief if you are suffering from severe bouts of anxiety.
Xanax is approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder GAD and panic disorder with or without agoraphobia , and to reduce symptoms of anxiety short-term. It works by depressing the function of your central nervous system CNS and quickly bringing on a sedative effect.
It can be used short-term as a way to offer people immediate relief from their symptoms or as part of a long-term management plan for GAD or panic disorder. Xanax is often prescribed for panic attacks , which can occur as part of SAD. It might also be used in the case of specific phobias for situations that infrequently occur; for example, a doctor might prescribe Xanax to someone with a fear of flying ahead of an upcoming trip.
Xanax is helpful for panic-inducing situations as it can be used as needed before an event. In the case of SAD, Xanax is more commonly prescribed for cognitive symptoms like worrying about performance or the judgment of others. Xanax can be taken about an hour before a performance event. Xanax provides fast relief of anxiety symptoms often seen in SAD and other anxiety disorders. It works specifically by binding to GABA receptors in your brain.
This slows down your brain activity, and has the effect of reducing anxiety, fear, and feelings of terror. It might also leave you feeling sleepy, relaxed, and calm. Xanax has a half-life of around 11 hours.
The clinical effectiveness of one immediate-release Xanax tablet is often much shorter; most people notice the effects wearing off within four to six hours. You should not take Xanax if you have a hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Xanax has also not been shown to be effective for people under age 18, and elderly people may be more susceptible to adverse side effects. Xanax may also be less effective for people who smoke. People with liver or kidney problems also should not take Xanax.
The medication is processed by these organs, and if they are not working correctly, Xanax may build up in your body leading to the possibility of overdose or heavy sedation. You should also avoid Xanax if you're currently taking the antifungal medications ketoconazole or itraconazole. When used to treat the short-term symptoms of SAD, Xanax is generally prescribed at a dose of 0.
We use science-based, clinically proven models that provide a safe, expedient, and fully effective detox process, preparing the client for ongoing treatment and recovery. You must be logged in to post a comment. What is Xanax? Ingredients Xanax is made up of alprazolam which is part of the 1,4 benzodiazepine class of compounds for the central nervous system.
Uses for Xanax The primary use for Xanax is to treat panic attacks and anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are described as: Restlessness Shortness of breath Trembling Worry and apprehension Aches Heart palpitations Flushing Sweating Lightheadedness Clammy hands Smothering sensation Insomnia Difficulty concentrating Exaggerated startle response Xanax is also used to treat anxiety that may come from panic attacks.
Side Effects of Xanax During the early stages of using Xanax there can be some side effects associated. Panic Attacks Panic attacks can happen as a result of panic disorder or agoraphobia and Xanax can help with these symptoms. Getting a Xanax Prescription A physician or doctor will determine whether it is right for you to begin taking Xanax for anxiety or panic disorder.
Withdrawal from Xanax Similar symptoms as initial dosing can happen when withdrawal of Xanax occurs. Withdrawal symptoms can include: Muscle pain Tremors Loss of appetite Anxiety Panic Sweating Seizures Paranoia Numbness in hands or fingers Blurred vision Headaches Panic Sensitivity to light or sound Xanax is considered a highly addictive drug among the list of benzodiazepines.
Submit a Comment Cancel reply You must be logged in to post a comment. Leave us your comments Avoid drinking alcohol and using illegal drugs while you are taking alprazolam. They may decrease the benefits e. Alcohol increases the risk of accidental overdose with medications like alprazolam. If an overdose occurs call your doctor or You may need urgent medical care. You may also contact the poison control center at A specific treatment to reverse the effects of alprazolam does exist. This medicine, called flumazenil, can reverse the effects of alprazolam but must be given through an IV at a hospital.
Only a doctor can decide if you need this medication. If you experience these side effects after starting clonazepam they will often improve over the first week or two as you continue to take the medication. If side effects do not improve or become problematic, consult your health care provider.
Alprazolam is a safe and effective medication when used as directed. Physical dependence may develop after 2 or more weeks of daily use.. The risk of withdrawal reactions when stopping therapy with alprazolam is increased with prolonged use of the medication. Alprazolam may cause drowsiness, so caution should be used when combining it with other medications that cause drowsiness. These could include:. When starting alprazolam, anxiety or insomnia may improve rapidly or over a period of days or within hours of the first dose of medication.
The FDA has found that benzodiazepine drugs, such as alprazolam, when used in combination with opioid medications or other sedating medications can result in serious adverse reactions including slowed or difficult breathing and death. Patients taking opioids with benzodiazepines, other sedating medications, or alcohol, and caregivers of these patients, should seek immediate medical attention if that start to experience unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slow or difficulty breathing, or unresponsiveness.
As a benzodiazepine, alprazolam comes with the risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction to the medication. Physical dependence to alprazolam can occur with prolonged use of the medication.
A withdrawal reaction may occur when stopping alprazolam, but this risk can be reduced by slowly reducing the dose of alprazolam when stopping. Do not stop taking alprazolam abruptly, and do not make any changes to therapy without consulting your health care provider. Last Updated: January This information is being provided as a community outreach effort of the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists.
This information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. This information contains a summary of important points and is not an exhaustive review of information about the medication. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding medications or medical conditions. Take alprazolam exactly as directed. To take the concentrated liquid, use only the dropper that came with your prescription.
Draw into the dropper the amount prescribed for one dose. Squeeze the dropper contents into a liquid or semisolid food such as water, juice, soda, applesauce, or pudding. Stir the liquid or food gently for a few seconds. The concentrated liquid will blend completely with the food. Drink or eat the entire mixture immediately. Do not store for future use. Remove the orally disintegrating tablet from the bottle just before it is time for your dose.
With dry hands, open the bottle, remove the tablet, and immediately place it on your tongue. The tablet will dissolve and can be swallowed with saliva. The orally disintegrating tablet can be taken with or without water. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of alprazolam and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every 3 or 4 days.
Alprazolam is also sometimes used to treat depression, fear of open spaces agoraphobia , and premenstrual syndrome. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Alprazolam may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture not in the bathroom.
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