Symptoms Of Xanax Misuse And Abuse
- Sleeping excessively but always feeling tired
- Dizzy
- Headache
- Stomach pain/vomiting
Xanax becomes lethal when mixed with other substances that depress the central nervous system. Drinking alcohol or using a narcotic painkiller like opioids while also on Xanax can cause the user to fall asleep and never wake up. The breath becomes so slow and theres a risk of respiratory arrest, leading to overdose death.
What Is The Safest Way To Take Xanax
Because of Xanaxs serious side effects and the risk of misuse and dependence, you should only take it under the supervision of a healthcare provider. If you and your provider decide that Xanax is right for you, take it at the lowest dose possible for the shortest time possible.
If you are taking Xanax, you should also avoid alcohol and certain drugs such as opioids . These substances affect the brain in similar ways and can have an additive effect. They can lead to serious health complications such as breathing problems and sometimes even death. All of these substances have a high risk of misuse and dependence.
You might be taking other medications in addition to Xanax or another benzodiazepine. Certain medications, when taken with Xanax, can slow down or speed up the amount of time it takes Xanax to leave the body. Conversely, sometimes Xanax can slow down or speed up how long it takes other medications to leave the body.
Examples of these medications include:
- Grapefruit juice
Myth #9 If Your Child Suffers From Anxiety Force Her To Do The Things She Is Afraid Of
When it comes to your childs anxiety, theres a huge difference between encouraging her to work through fears in a healthy way and simply forcing her to do the things shes terrified of. Forcing her to do something shes already afraid of will likely make her even more anxious. Instead of helping, it can heighten the anxiety she already has and make her less receptive to any kind of help or treatment in the future.
If your child has been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, your job is to help her figure out which fears are rational and which ones arent. The pivotal key here is working with her the process takes time and youll need to go at her pace. Behavioral therapies can also play a big role.
As you can tell, theres a lot of competing information out there but self medicating or not dealing with your anxiety symptoms are not the best course of action. There are treatments and therapies that help identify and treat the cause of your anxiety. At American Addiction Centers, we have effective types of therapy that can be tailored by medical professionals to address your unique situation. Call Who Answers? to speak with one of our admission navigators about getting you on the path to manage your anxiety.
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Common Xanax Side Effects
Alprazolam is one of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines in the United States. However, there are still many side effects associated with it. If you are taking Xanax, you may experience any of these common side effects:
- Increased anxiety and depression
- Social phobia
If you experience these, contact your healthcare provider, who can help you taper off Xanax safely. Alprazolam has been found to have the most severe withdrawal effects of all benzodiazepines.
What Does Xanax Feel Like
Xanax is the brand name of a generic medication called alprazolam. Xanax belongs to a group of prescription drugs called benzodiazepines , which include other medications like Valium , Ativan , and Klonopin .
Benzodiazepines work by slowing down the brain and central nervous system . Taking Xanax doesnt cause a high like some drugs do. When the central nervous system calms down, people with depression, anxiety, and panic disorders feel a calming effect that helps relieve their symptoms.
Xanax is the most commonly prescribedpsychotropic medication in the U.S. It works for many people, but it can also become habit-forming and has numerous side effects.
- Slurred speech
- Hypersensitivity
Xanax may cause more serious side effects that require medical attention. Seek medical advice immediately if you have suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, seizures, or feelings of hostility. Although rare, some people have allergic reactions to Xanax that can cause difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and hives, which require immediate medical help.
Alcohol use, when combined with Xanax, can be dangerous, cause side effects to worsen, or create new health problems. Using alcohol while taking Xanax can cause seizures, aggression, drowsiness, impaired coordination, and confusion. The combination of alcohol and Xanax can also lead to unconsciousness, coma, or even death.
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Can Xanax Make Anxiety Worse
XanaxanxietyXanaxmakeworse
. Keeping this in consideration, does Xanax work anxiety?
Xanax is a member of the benzodiazepine family of drugs and is primarily used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Xanax works by increasing the amount of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain to promote calmness and a relaxed feeling. When taken correctly, Xanax is a safe and effective medication.
does anxiety worsen over time? Overview. Occasional anxiety is an expected part of life. For a person with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, school work, and relationships.
Likewise, people ask, can benzodiazepines make anxiety worse?
Additionally, benzodiazepines can indirectly cause or worsen other psychiatric symptoms by worsening sleep .
Can a person cause you anxiety?
Anxiety disorders are incredibly common. However, it’s clear that some events, emotions, or experiences may cause symptoms of anxiety to begin or may make them worse. These elements are called triggers. Anxiety triggers can be different for each person, but many triggers are common among people with these conditions.
Why Is Xanax Not Taking Away My Anxiety
- Asked
- 28 Jan 2013 by brendaboo
- xanax, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, tongue
Okay I start having another panic attack about 45 minutes ago, I took a xanax and let it melt under my tongue and then drank some water, I am still panicky… something just does not seem right, when do you go to the hospital and just say, there is something really wrong with me, I can not get over the panic attacks-this is a first that it hasn’t helped at all. I have the shaky feeling, and like I can’t breath. Wow, I am just a mess!
MacIntosh12
Hi Brendaboo,What miligram is your xanax? If it’s .25 it probably won’t do much for the attacks you are experiencing. If it’s one entire miligram or 1.0, then it should be helping calm you down a bit. You may need to take two miligrams for it to be effective, yet, NO doc in his/her right mind will prescribe that much for you to take several times a day. The only people that get large doses are usually really large guys, in my experience and I’ve been here about 3 years on this forum. Maybe you should go to hospital and tell the emergency team that your meds are NOT working? Not a bad idea, your regular doc would be notified of your er visit, which would lend more credence to your complaint, not enough miligrams!Good luck Brenda!
MacIntosh12brendaboobrendaboobrendaboobrendaboo
Thank you, I am seeing a new doctor tomorrow, I just SO hope he has more compassion on me.
Judith JuliteRealMescalitoCbigglesworth+0
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Adverse Reactions Of Xanax
The most serious side effect of depression caused by Xanax is suicide. Drug-related attempts at suicide appear to be on the rise as a whole. From 2005-2011, the number of people treated in emergency rooms as a result of these attempts rose by 51 percent, per the Drug Abuse Warning Network. Among overdose deaths stemming from prescription painkiller abuse, benzodiazepines are a contributing factor in 30 percent of cases, PBS reports.
The likelihood of adverse mood reactions like depression occurring is significantly increased when Xanax is abused in conjunction with other substances. The most common cocktail is benzos and opioids, but alcohol abuse alongside Xanax is also very dangerous. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes 2010 data from 13 states showed alcohol was a contributing factor in 27.2 percent of emergency department visits involving benzos and 21.4 percent of overdose deaths involving drugs like Xanax.
People who mix Xanax and alcohol are at a very high risk of overdose due to the way alcohol intensifies the depressant effects of benzodiazepines.
Alcohol use presents enough of a risk that even moderate amounts are not advised, even when taking Xanax as prescribed. People who crush and snort Xanax rather than ingesting it orally are at greater risk of overdose, too.
How Long Does Xanax Last
Most people notice that Xanax will start to work within 1 to 2 hours. For healthy younger adults, half the dose of Xanax has left the body somewhere between 6.3 to 26.9 hours. The average is around 11 hours.
It takes a little longer for Xanax to leave the body of healthy elderly people. Half the dose of Xanax has left the body in elderly people somewhere between 9 to 26.9 hours. The average is around 16 hours for this group.
However, people stop feeling the effects of Xanax long before it leaves the body, which is why it is often taken more than once a day. Its important to take it as prescribed. Taking too many doses can lead to dependence and accidental overdose.
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Symptoms Of Anxiety In Dogs
Unfortunately, dogs cant really tell you when they are feeling nervous or anxious, but you can glean clues from their behavior if you watch them closely enough. Dogs that have experienced some sort of abuse or trauma in their past are prime candidates to suffer from anxiety.
Dogs that are separated from their mamas too early can also be impacted and experience feelings of anxiousness. Sometimes, dogs can suffer from when it comes to their human families too.
Sometimes dogs just seem to have a nervous nature and seem to feel anxious for any number of reasons, whether its loud noises, nervousness around strangers, or hesitation in going outside.
Dog anxiety often manifests itself in undesirable behaviors like excessive barking, whining, and even eliminating in your home despite being fully house trained.
Because dogs cant tell you if something is wrong, you will have to pay close attention to their nonverbal cues.
Some clues that your dog may be feeling anxious or nervous include:
- Hiding, avoidance, and other fearful behaviors
- Moodiness and unpredictable behavior
- Behaviors like forgetting their house training and defecating where they shouldnt
- Excessive barking, whining, and even howling, especially when left alone
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What Are The Risks Of Taking Benzos For Anxiety
- Categories:
- Treatment
Benzodiazepines are one of the most commonly prescribed psychotropic medications in the world. At PCH Treatment Center, we are referred many clients who have been on long-term benzodiazepine therapy for their anxiety. We find this problematic for many reasons.
First, a person taking this drug will develop tolerance and dependence, requiring ever-increasing dosages to maintain the same effects. If they have been maintained on a stable dosage regimen for a prolonged period, benzodiazepines may be doing nothing for their anxiety or actually increasing it. Further, benzos can be the cause of the anxiety being experienced.
Second, these drugs, especially when combined with other medications, can cause over-sedation or respiratory depression resulting in a risk of overdose. These medications also cause disinhibition, which can result in behavioral problems and risk-taking activities. Evidence is accumulating that chronic use of benzodiazepines is associated with depression, cognitive impairment and an increased incidence of developing dementia. The elderly are especially sensitive to benzodiazepines.
Discontinuation of benzodiazepines must be done carefully, as patients can develop severe withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening, such as seizures.
We also integrate neurofeedback and holistic activities that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders, including trauma-informed yoga, arts programs , and meditative practices.
How Do I Stop Taking Xanax
If you would like to stop taking Xanax, you should do so with the help of your healthcare provider. Stopping these medications abruptly can lead to problems such as withdrawal symptoms and rebound anxiety. People who experience rebound anxiety may notice a return of their anxiety symptoms that are at the same level or worse than before they started Xanax.
The most serious withdrawal symptom is seizures. These can be life-threatening and are most likely to happen 1 to 3 days after stopping Xanax. Other withdrawal symptoms include:
- Increased sensory perception
- Weight loss
Your provider can help you avoid withdrawal symptoms and rebound anxiety by tapering your Xanax dose slowly. A medication taper is when the dose of a medication is decreased to lower and lower doses over a period of time. Your provider can help you find the safest way to stop or taper off of your medication.
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The Rise Of Xanax Nation
With all this worry about our worries, it is somewhat surprising that a significant number of nervous Nellies ignore expert advice and turn instead to one of the nations best-selling anxiety-blasters: Xanax. A study in the Journal of Addiction Medicine1 suggests that US doctors write an estimated 48 million prescriptions for Xanax each year, making Xanax one of the most-prescribed benzodiazepines in the nation.
What Are Beta Blockers And Xanax
Beta blockers are drugs that block the effects of stress hormones norepinephrine and epinephrine . These hormones are what cause the physical symptoms of anxiety and blocking them reduces these effects, helping control some of the physical symptoms of anxiety.
Xanax is an anti-anxiety medication in the benzodiazepine family, similar to diazepam , clonazepam , lorazepam , and others. Xanax acts to enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid in the brain, reducing the stress response and helping the body relax.
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You Can Develop A Tolerance
Let’s say you take a Xanax or Klonopin once a year when you fly home for the holidays because you hate to fly, and have panic attacks in the airport. That’s fine. As Parisi mentioned above, taking anxiety medication occasionally for anxiety-producing moments in your life is OK, and will not lead to dependence.
But if you take Xanax a few times a week, you can start to build up a tolerance, where you now need 0.5 milligrams, or one milligram to have the same effects. “Even if you’re taking the medications as prescribed, it’s possible to develop a tolerance,” Parisi says.
Your Body Might Forget How To Cope With Stress
Again, it’s certainly OK to take an anxiety medication when you truly need it, such as during a panic attack or when boarding a plane. But going along with what was said above, if you’re popping a pill each and every time you feel stressed, it’s not only possible to become dependent, but your body may actually forget how to cope with stress all on its own.
When you take Xanax or a similar drug, your “nervous system is being shut off instead of slowing down like normal,”yoga therapist Carli Shipley tells Bustle. “Over time this will make even less resilient to anxiety/stress because no longer have the tools to calm down on own.”
So, instead of taking a pill every time you feel uncomfortable, it can help to learn how to slow your breathing and relax your body naturally, possibly by walking outside, meditating, or talking to a friend. That way, you won’t need the medication to relax it’ll just be a supplement for truly tough times.
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How Do You Recover From Rebound Anxiety
As mentioned above, Xanax is an extremely potent benzodiazepine drug that can cause fierce withdrawal symptoms. While rebound anxiety is a part of the withdrawals, it can be relatively mild in comparison to seizures or delirium tremens . Because of these potential problems, addiction specialists and physicians strongly encourage medical detoxification to take place for someone recovering from a Xanax addiction. During detox, the client will be slowly tapered off the medication to alleviate with worst withdrawal symptoms as well as potential rebound effects.
Since some side effects could be suicidal thoughts, clinicians will prescribe medication that combats these thoughts and transition you into sobriety safely and efficiently. Upon completion of detox, you will be placed into the next level of the treatment phase.
Depending on the severity of the addiction, you could be placed in either a residential treatment center offering care of up to 90 days that will allow you to build your life outside the walls of addiction. If the clinicians decide you can fulfill the role of treatment while living outside the walls of a facility, they will allow you to do outpatient treatment. You will still be involved in the same types of therapy sessions as someone in residential, but you will be able to go to work and return home after its completed.