Xanax: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and Warning

No question dealing with stress and anxiety is tough. Psychological problems bring a lot of distress. There are plenty of drugs available to relieve your mind from the condition and one of which is Xanax.

It can promote your mental health and ward off factors associated with depression, stress, and anxiety as it possesses sedative properties. It is evident that psychiatrists often prescribed the drug – Xanax in such condition. You can take it as well. However, an extensive examination by a psychiatrist is suggested in this context.

What is Xanax?

Xanax (alprazolam) is categorized as a benzodiazepine. It is available in pills. The drug affects chemical found in your brain naturally. It is widely taken to balance those chemicals in people suffering from stress and anxiety. Healthcare providers prescribe Xanax to treat various brain disorders including panic and anxiety often caused by depression.

Uses of Xanax

The drug manages anxiety disorder and helps relieve the condition. Various studies have revealed taking Xanax can stimulate the brain activity. The sedative effects of the drug relax tensed nerve facilitating your nervous system. It is also useful to treat depression. It wouldn’t be wrong to state anxiety and stress are part of depression. It causes distress in patients as well. Moreover, psychological problems have potential to affect your overall health which can aworsen your predicament. However, you can use Xanax to treat following symptoms.

1. Autonomic Hyperactivity

• Sweating
• Cold and clammy hands
• Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Abdominal distress
• Frequent urination
• Diarrhea

2. Vigilance and Scanning

• Lack of concentration
• Improper sleep pattern
• Blank mindedness

3. Motor Tension

• Aches or soreness
• Restlessness
• Muscle tension
• Trembling
• Shaky feeling
• Constant tiredness

Various studies have proven the drug is useful in the treatment symptoms associated with panic attacks and anxiety. These attacks are short yet intense which bring discomfort as well. Also, panic attacks usually occur following specific signs such as:

• Chest pain
• Feelings of de-realization and depersonalization
• Fear of death
• Lack of control
• Paresthesia

Dosage of Xanax

Xanax is an extended-release tablet which you should consume after a proper examination of your psychological health. Doctors usually prescribed the dosage by specific factors, i.e., your age, condition, and treatment.

You should follow the prescriber to get the best result in the short time span. Your health care specialist may increase or decrease the dosage after monitoring its advantages and disadvantages on your condition. The tablets of Xanax are available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg.

Moreover, you should stay careful and should not miss any doses to facilitate your recovery process. In case you skip a dose, do not cover it with an extra tablet and continue as per schedule. Also, you should not overdose it to get instant results.

You may experience confusion, diminished reflexes, impaired coordination, or worse – coma. That is why consulting with your primary health specialist to prevent severe effects of overdosage on your health.

Side Effects of Xanax

You may encounter some common and minor adverse effects at the beginning of your therapy. Psychologists suggest these signs should disappear after a specific period. You may need urgent medical help if the following symptoms stay for a long time.

• Low energy
• Drowsiness
• A headache
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Nervousness
• Sudden fainting
• Memory impairment
• Restlessness
• Abnormal involuntary movement
• Muscle cramp
• Menstrual disorder
• Skin rash or inflammation
• Blurred vision
• Nasal congestion
• Tinnitus
• Hypotension
• Slurred speech

You should keep an eye on allergic reactions after taking a dose of Xanax. These reactions appear in the form of swelling – your lips and tongue will start to swell and ache. Apart from minor effects or allergic reactions, Xanax may cause some significant adverse effects as well. You need to visit your doctor in case of:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Jaundice
• Hyperactivity
• Unbalance emotions
• Minimum or no urination
• Tremor or seizure

Warning of Xanax

It is advised to share your medical history with the doctor to support your therapy or treatment. Xanax contains major or minor adverse effects and allergic reaction to the drugs. You should discuss chronic diseases or other health ailments (if you have any) to steer clear of further health damage.

You need to tell about alcohol consumption or other drugs (if you take any). You should avoid consuming alcohol especially when the treatment involves benzodiazepines.

Your doctor must know if you are taking medicines for other health issues or have taken in the past.

You should not opt for Xanax during pregnancy and discuss it with your healthcare provider for a better alternative.

It is considered dangerous to drive or operate machinery after taking Xanax. And you should avoid physical activity as well.

It is advised not to impede or decrease the doses of Xanax without consulting with your health specialist. He will guide you about the right way to stop the medication preventing you from encountering the adverse effects.

Moreover, avoid increasing the dose without the permission of the doctor. It may cause physical and emotional dependence. The drug is said to be addictive. And you might feel an urge to take it during a pain attack or when feeling anxious.

Make sure your doctor knows about the diseases (if you have any) and you are suffering from asthma, kidney, or liver diseases.

You should not opt for Xanax if you are prone to allergic reactions.

Senior people may find it troubling to digest Xanax due to the effects of benzodiazepines. The drug contains sedative effects and people above 60 years are more likely to stay under the influence of the impact for a longer time. This condition might contribute to accidental falls which may injure patients.

It is common in case of depression to encounter episodes of mania and hypomania. You should discuss this condition with your healthcare specialist as well.

It is worth mentioning that Xanax is widely prescribed to adults. People under 18 should refrain from consuming Xanax. Additionally, you should consult with a psychiatrist on an urgent basis to treat psychological disorders in children or teenagers.

Bottom Line

Xanax can improve your psychological condition effectively. Also, it is advised to follow the schedule and dosage of the drug determined by your doctor to get the best results. Be sure to keep the drug out of children’s reach as it contains components that may hurt their health.

Source

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263490.php
https://www.drugs.com/xanax.html
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-9824/xanax-oral/details