Shoreline Sober Living, San Diego, CA

Xanax – Warnings, Uses & Side Effects

What is Xanax?

Xanax is a powerful benzodiazepine drug used in the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. The drug was approved in 1981 by the Food and Drug Association (FDA).

Uses

Xanax comes in two forms; either a tablet or concentrated oral solution.

Taken as prescribed, the short term effects of Xanax are beneficial to many, although it isn’t known exactly how it works. However, in a short period of time, users can begin to experience negative side effects and with larger doses come the risk of increased side effects – and even overdose. 

Side Effects

Amongst some of the common side effects are drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, difficulty in concentration, appetite changes, irritability and low blood pressure. Serious possible side effects include suicidal urges, dependency, seizures, increased heart rate and slow/shallow breathing.

Used over a period of time, Xanax may cause dependency and if a user suddenly stops taking the drug, they may suffer unpleasant and possibly life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

These can include insomnia, headaches, blurred vision, digestive upset, sweating, depression and anxiety.

Treatment and Detoxification

A treatment program for a medical detox from xanax will assess for the drug user in order to provide the best way forward for detoxification. It may take several weeks or even months to reduce the risks of withdrawal. An inpatient detox program may be preferable to an out-patient program. In addition, after the detoxification, forms of therapy may be needed to treat the reasons for which the drug was being used – and to prevent a relapse. This may include cognitive behavioral therapy; motivational enhancement therapy; individual and group counselling and family therapy.

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