What is Xanax and What does it do?
Xanax is a brand name for Alprazolam, a drug used to treat the symptoms related to panic disorder. It acts on the central nervous system and produces a relaxing effect. This calming effect is achieved by enhancing the efficacy of GABA, a natural chemical in the body.
Alprazolam is part of a group of medications referred to as benzodiazepines. This medication category is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders by producing a calming and relaxing effect, usually less than an hour after administration. It is the most prescribed psychiatric medication within the US.
What is the correct way to take Xanax?
It is vital to consult the Medication Guide provided by the pharmacist for specific instructions on how to take Xanax for the first time, and every time the medication is refilled. This guide includes the following recommendations:
People must tell their doctor about any alcohol consumption and any drugs they are presently taking, including over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. People should not drink alcohol while taking benzodiazepines.
Doctors do not suggest using Xanax during pregnancy. A person should tell their doctor if they are pregnant, plan to have a child, or become pregnant while taking this medicine.
People should tell their doctor if they are breast-feeding.
Unless someone has an idea of how Xanax typically affects them, they should not drive vehicles or operate dangerous machinery after taking it.
People should not increase the dose of Xanax without talking to a doctor, even if they feel that the medication "no longer works." Benzodiazepines, even if used as recommended, could cause physical dependence.
Withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous, so unless their doctors say so, people should not stop taking Xanax suddenly or reduce the dose.
Xanax is usually taken by mouth as instructed by a doctor, usually once every morning. Extended-release tablets should not be crushed or chewed to reduce the risk of unwanted side effects. One should not take Xanax alongside a high-fat meal. Tablets should also not be split unless the doctor or pharmacist explicitly says to do so. Since brands and indications may change over time, the doctor or pharmacist is the best person to ask questions on how to take Xanax correctly.
Is Xanax Addictive?
Xanax is considered a Schedule IV controlled substance, which means it has a low risk for abuse. However, hundreds of people still look for treatment for dependence on it every year.
Some people who end up abusing Xanax never abused any other drug before. Most of the time, the people who abuse Xanax are using it to treat their anxiety disorders. People who use Xanax generally feel an improvement in their symptoms, and because of this, they believe that increasing the dosage of the drug will produce an even better effect. Some people would even end up using the medicine too long, even without their doctor’s permission. This extended use becomes a problem because when taking a specific medication like Xanax, people can build up a tolerance that would render the drug ineffective unless taken in higher dosages. This tolerance leads to addiction since once a person doesn’t get enough of the drug, they experience symptoms they want to get rid of by taking even more of the drug.
What are the side-effects of Xanax?
Common side effects of Xanax include:
Drowsiness
Tiredness
Dizziness
Sleep problems (insomnia)
Memory problems
Poor balance or coordination
Slurred speech
Trouble concentrating
Irritability
Diarrhea
Constipation
Increased sweating
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Upset stomach
Blurred vision
Appetite or weight changes
Swelling in the hands or feet
Muscle weakness
Dry mouth
Stuffy nose
Loss of interest in sex
There is also a risk of overdosing on Xanax as people who abuse it tend to take more and more doses as their tolerance increases.
What is a Xanax hangover?
A Xanax hangover happens when someone who takes Xanax experiences mild withdrawal symptoms as the drug is cleared from the system.
What does a Xanax hangover feel like?
A Xanax hangover may feel similar to an alcohol hangover in some aspects. In both a Xanax hangover and an alcohol hangover, you may experience the following effects:
Trouble going to sleep
Fatigue
Lack of motivation
Lethargy
The effects of a Xanax hangover may vary among people depending on the dosage they are taking. Typically, people who take higher doses tend to have more difficulty dealing with a Xanax hangover, and its effects on them are more significant.
How long does a Xanax hangover last?
The half-life of Xanax ranges from 6 to 27 hours, with 11 hours being the average. However, it will take more time before the drug is entirely out of the body. Most effects of a Xanax hangover should disappear within 24 hours of the last dose, but minor symptoms may linger for 1 to 2 days after the last dose.
How to minimize the symptoms of a Xanax hangover?
When experiencing a Xanax hangover, the best thing to do is to be patient and wait for the drug to leave your system. The symptoms will begin to disappear little by little, when the drugs have left and your system has had a chance to reset.
However, there are other things you can try to alleviate the effects of a Xanax hangover. They are the following:
Sleeping through the symptoms
Eating food rich in fat, protein, and fiber (to help flush out Xanax from your system)
Exercising
How to prevent a Xanax hangover?
The best way to prevent a Xanax hangover is to ensure that your body sufficiently adapts to its receiving medication. Additionally, it is crucial to make sure that you take your medication as prescribed and not alter the dosage you are taking without your doctor’s instruction. It is dangerous to mix Xanax with other substances such as alcohol or other drugs.
Receive the right help for Xanax addiction
Xanax is a substance that is medically prescribed as a treatment for panic disorder. However, it can also be a source of abuse and drug dependency. If you or someone you know is experiencing a Xanax hangover due to misusing the drug, Recovery Blvd Professional Track provides drug detox and the right treatments for you.
Our high-quality services and procedures include:
Advanced Relapse Prevention;
Substance Abuse Counseling; and
Recovery Crossfit
With us, you can start your journey to recovery with the proper help and care to guide you along the way.
If you would like to know more about Recovery Blvd, please call us at (866) 231-3007. You can also visit our drug recovery center in Portland at 1316 SE 12th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214, to book an appointment.
Disclaimer: This post serves a strictly educational use. It does not reflect the services, products, or therapeutic approaches of this establishment or its healthcare practitioners. This blog aims not to advertise the products, services, or therapeutic approaches of any other establishment that may be associated with this site. On the subject of safe or legal services, products, and appropriate therapies, recommendations ought to be given by a qualified professional on a case-to-case basis.