Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine medication commonly used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It works by increasing the levels of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain, which promotes feelings of calm and relaxation. While benzodiazepines like Xanax can be effective in managing symptoms, they can also cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms if they are suddenly stopped after prolonged use.
Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms The most common withdrawal symptoms associated with Xanax include anxiety, insomnia, irritability, sweating, tremors, and seizures. Some individuals may also experience nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle aches, and increased heart rate. These symptoms can start as soon as 24 to 48 hours after the last dose of Xanax and can last for several days or even weeks, depending on the individual and the severity of their dependence on the drug.
Xanax Detox
Xanax detox is the process of gradually reducing the dose of the medication to minimize withdrawal symptoms. This process should only be done under medical supervision, as abrupt discontinuation of Xanax can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms and potential health complications. The detox process should be gradual and tailored to the individual’s specific needs and health history.
In most cases, a healthcare provider will slowly decrease the dose of Xanax over several weeks, allowing the body to adjust to the changes and minimizing withdrawal symptoms. They may also prescribe medications or other therapies to help manage symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia during this time.
It is important to note that Xanax detox should not be attempted without medical supervision, as withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be potentially dangerous. Individuals who are dependent on Xanax should work closely with a healthcare provider to ensure a safe and effective detox process.
Common Side Effects of Xanax
In addition to its potential for dependence and withdrawal, Xanax can also cause a range of side effects. The most common side effects of Xanax include drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, and memory impairment. Some individuals may also experience headache, nausea, and dry mouth.
In rare cases, individuals taking Xanax may experience more serious side effects such as confusion, depression, and changes in behavior or mood. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Xanax, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine medication commonly used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. While it can be effective in managing symptoms, prolonged use can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms if the medication is suddenly stopped. Xanax detox should only be performed under medical supervision, as it can be a potentially dangerous process. Healthcare providers can help individuals manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure a safe and effective detox process. Additionally, individuals taking Xanax should be aware of its potential side effects and seek medical attention if they experience any unusual or severe symptoms.
Xanax is a common anti-anxiety medication that many doctors prescribe it for patients struggling with insomnia and mental health issues. Xanax is frequently sold as Alzam, Azor, Xanor and Zopax in South Africa as a prescribed medication.
Facts on anxiety, panic disorders medications
Xanax is a schedule 5 psychotropic medication classed as benzodiazepine used for anxiety, panic disorders. This elevated scheduling in South Africa means that all South African medical doctors prescribing or dispensing benzodiazepines like (Xanax, Alzam, Azor, Xanor and Zopax) which contain Alprazolam must maintain a national name registry record of prescription allocations as it is a controlled substance by law.
The reason for scheduling Alprazolam, Alzam, Azor, Xanor and Zopax and other benzodiazepines is due to the fact that psychotropic drugs like Xanax can affect on the chemical makeup of the brain and nervous system and are capable of influencing your emotions, mind and moods, or perceptions.
Psychotropic compounds like Alprazolam has tolerance factors that can lead to “addiction” (even if used as directed) and may dull cognitive functioning. Consequently, Xanax should only be administered as suggested by your medical professional.
Combining Xanax with other alcohol or drugs has a significant potential to cause chain reactions that increase the chances of an overdose or even death.
What does Xanax do?
Xanax attaches to receptors in your nervous system and brain. This boosts the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) chemicals. This can produce a deactivated effect. Alprazolam is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and it can be prescribed for its sedative effects on people.
In that, the function of Xanax suppresses your nervous system and you can enter a more relaxed state of being. This de-activated state is the key motivation for the overuse of Xanax for many people that live in untreated or ongoing states of anxiety or stress in their life that are the root causation of the anxiety, panic disorders symptoms.
Unfortunately, it will not take the mind long to figure out that medications work in diminishing many anxieties, panic disorders symptoms. This is why so many individuals become dependent on Xanax even using it as directed by your medical professional. The tolerance to and withdrawal from Alprazolam establishes quite fast thus so does the drive for increasing the recommended dose beyond that of the prescription.
Xanax is used to help treat anxiety, panic disorders
Many people that struggle with anxiety, panic disorders can find short to medium term relief in Alprazolam (Xanax, Alzam, Azor, Xanor and Zopax) prescriptions. In most scenarios, benzodiazepines like Xanax are only a temporary solution that should be employed in conjunction with talk therapy and lifestyle adjustments to address the underlying causes of anxiety, panic disorders conditions. This may include changes to your mental health, diet and sleep.
Xanax is taken orally in a suspension or tablet form. Many benzodiazepines are available in two delivery options, immediate-release and extended-release. Generally, Xanax will stay in your body for up to 10 days or five “half-lives” to metabolise Alprazolam from the body. Short-acting benzodiazepines maintain a short half-life meaning that they are processed faster by the body. Conversely, long-acting benzodiazepines take longer to be metabolised by the body.
Xanax Withdrawal and Detox
Even when used as prescribed, Xanax can cause emotional or physical addiction/dependence. When the addiction cycle begins, your body adapts and you will need to keep taking Xanax to prevent the withdrawal symptoms. Xanax can have a potentially dangerous withdrawal so you should never try to go “cold turkey” and should seek the advice of a professional before attempting to withdrawal from Xanax. Depending on how much Xanax you have been taking, abrupt withdrawal can spark a coma, seizure, and other potentially fatal scenarios.
South Africa’s leading mental wellness centre
Recovery Direct (South Africa) is a market-leading exclusive treatment centre that uses specialised talk therapy in a highly confidential and exclusive care environment.
Treatment for the withdrawal of benzodiazepines like Alprazolam can require specialised care. The underlying drivers of many addictive behaviours can be traced back to psychological events in your life. Our clinicians help by understanding your unique needs and then helping you to find the best tools to move forward from where you are now to where you want to be.
Recovery Direct’s team are specialists in psychiatric counselling and all issues related to treating common substances such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, cocaine, dagga and heroin addictions or general substance use disorders.
