Stress and anxiety have become the most common experiences for many people. Work, health concerns, financial obligations, and family issues are some of the most common issues that contribute to increasing levels of stress.
Xanax is a medication used to treat social anxiety disorder. Xanax belongs to a class of medication called benzodiazepine, which is commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic attacks.
Social anxiety disorder is an intense, chronic fear of social situations. People with social anxiety disorder worry that they will be embarrassed or rejected in public. This is the reason they often avoid social situations. In public, they experience symptoms like,
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Blushing
- Speaking too softly
- Heart pounding
- Shaking
- Avoiding eye contact
- Trouble in breathing
- Trembling voice
- Rigid body posture
Xanax and other benzodiazepines are often prescribed as support along with primary treatment, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI).
Though Xanax cannot cure anxiety permanently, it helps a person to reduce the symptoms of anxiety at that moment. Xanax starts working very quickly, as a result, it gives immediate relief from anxiety.
Xanax has been approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and to reduce symptoms of anxiety short term. It depresses the function of the central nervous system and quickly brings on a sedative effect.
Xanax is often prescribed by doctors to treat panic attacks that occur as a part of social anxiety disorder. It can also be used in the case of particular phobias (situations that do not occur frequently).
Xanax should not be taken if you have hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Xanax is not much effective for people under age 18. It shows adverse side effects in elderly people. Also, Xanax is less effective for people who smoke. Intake of Xanax should also be avoided if you are currently taking the antifungal medications ketoconazole and itraconazole.
Xanax is not recommended for people with liver or kidney problems, as the medications will be processed by these organs. If it is taken by people with liver or kidney problems, it builds up in the body and may lead to overdose or heavy sedation. Here are the side effects of taking Xanax,
- Sedation
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Memory problems
- Trouble concentrating
- Poor coordination
- Slurred speech
- Sleep problems
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Lightheadedness
- Talkativeness
Taking Xanax together with opioids can carry serious and life-threatening side effects. It leads to extreme sedation, slowed breathing, coma, and death. This combination should not be used unless, the doctor prescribes, thinking that there is no alternative treatment. In such cases, the dosage should be as low as possible, and watch yourself closely for any signs of respiratory depression and sedation.
Xanax has the potential to interact with many other medications. Hence, it is recommended to let your doctor know all the medications you are currently using. Grape Juice is also known to interact with Xanax. If intake of these medications stopped suddenly, it might lead to withdrawal symptoms and risk of seizures. Hence, most doctors reduce the dosage gradually before completely stopping the medication.
Using Xanax without a prescription is illegal and dangerous. Combining Xanax with other medications that suppress the central nervous system like painkillers, antihistamines, and alcohol is considered dangerous. When Xanax is taken in large doses or taken by someone who doesn’t have anxiety, it causes feelings of euphoria.
Xanax is a habit-forming drug and has the potential to cause extreme dependence or abuse in some patients. Remember neither to change nor stop these medications without being recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.