Author: John Carter
Xanax Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term
For example, most benzodiazepines have a sedative effect in addition to their primary effect. With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how it’s been prescribed. This may include taking tablets more often or taking a higher dose than prescribed. In the case of Xanax, combining it with other substances such as alcohol is another way it can be misused. Doctors report an increase in deaths among people with severe breathing problems who were taking Xanax. If you have severe breathing problems and take Xanax, your doctor will need to monitor you closely for worsening of this condition.
As it turns out, this may be more than an idiomatic expression — it may be rooted in real science. The strength and duration of action of benzodiazepines are important in what conditions they treat. Short-term or emergency conditions usually merit the use of stronger, short-acting benzodiazepines. Chronic, non-emergency conditions are usually treatable with lower-strength, longer-acting benzodiazepines. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients.
Neurotransmitters and receptors work much like your car keys. Neurotransmitters (your car key) can only fit into the right receptor (your car ignition). If it fits, the neurotransmitter can activate a process within the cell (starting your car). The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Xanax. Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Xanax affects you.
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Your healthcare provider can tell you more about the laws surrounding prescribing these medications and the recommended schedule for you to return for a follow-up visit. Your healthcare provider will likely recommend that you don’t work or drive right after you start taking benzodiazepines. You may be able to work or drive after you start taking them, depending on how these drugs affect you, the dose you take, how long the drugs last and other factors. These medications treat conditions based on which effect they cause. While there are separate types because they have different primary effects, there’s a lot of overlap between them.
Benzodiazepines such as Xanax may worsen symptoms of depression and increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Doctors also report that people with depression that’s treated with Xanax may also have increased episodes of mania. With mania, you have high energy, abnormally elevated mood, or extreme changes in emotions. Overdoses can occur when taking Xanax alone, but they commonly occur when people combine Xanax with alcohol.
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As a result, flunitrazepam is a well-studied drug in the U.S. (and in many places worldwide). Yes, benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed and see widespread use. In a 12-month period spanning 2014 and 2015, experts estimate that at least 30.5 million people in the U.S. took benzodiazepines prescribed by a healthcare provider. To prevent an overdose, your doctor may limit how many tablets of Xanax you’ll receive.
The other form, Xanax XR, comes as extended-release (XR) tablets. This means the drug is released slowly into your system over a period of time. Keep in mind, these may alleviate the symptoms of bloating but likely won’t completely treat the source of the condition. Benzodiazepines are medications that make your nervous system less active. The decrease in nervous system activity makes these medications helpful for a variety of symptoms and conditions. Some reports show that babies may have intense drowsiness and withdrawal symptoms when receiving breast milk from someone taking this medication.
Taking precautions is one of the best ways to protect yourself from unknowingly taking these drugs. Many benzodiazepines aren’t approved for use in the United States. Some of these have approval in other countries, and some don’t have approval anywhere. Your nervous system uses chemical and electrical signals to send and relay messages throughout your body. The chemical signals, known as neurotransmitters, can attach to cells with the right receptors.
- Alcohol can interact with these drugs, causing dangerous side effects or complications.
- If this is the best alternative for your condition, they’ll limit your doses and treatment duration to the minimum.
- There are plenty of myths surrounding benzo withdrawal and the feasibility of home treatments.
- To prevent excessive sleepiness, be sure to take Xanax exactly as your doctor prescribes.
- If you have symptoms of misuse, talk with your doctor right away.
- In some areas, providers can’t prescribe these medications without first seeing you for a follow-up visit.
And do not stop taking Xanax unless your doctor recommends it. While usually prescribed short term, your doctor will determine how long you’ll need to take Xanax. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Your doctor will tell you about the risks of misusing Xanax, as well as which symptoms suggest misuse.
If you have withdrawal symptoms from lowering your dose or stopping Xanax, be sure to tell your doctor. Doctors usually prescribe lower doses of Xanax for older adults and may increase the dose slowly if needed. If you develop serious side effects while taking Xanax, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Xanax may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. If you have a history of kidney problems, your body may have trouble eliminating Xanax. This means the drug could build up in your blood, which could increase your risk of side effects. Xanax may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. (This is known as a drug-condition interaction.) Other factors may also affect whether Xanax is a good treatment option for you. To reduce your risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms, your doctor will lower your dose of Xanax slowly when stopping it.
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If you need to take Xanax and opioids at the same time, your doctor will explain the risks. They’ll also monitor you closely for signs of breathing trouble and severe sleepiness as these may require emergency medical care. If you have bothersome side effects that last long and you’re concerned, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. If needed, your doctor can suggest other treatments for your condition.
Eating foods with a higher fiber content, drinking plenty of liquids, and getting regular exercise can help relieve constipation. Since Xanax is recommended as a short-term treatment, once you stop taking the drug, your constipation should go away. No, Xanax is not known to cause any long-term side effects. Your doctor will prescribe Xanax at the lowest dose and for the shortest amount of time that’s effective for treating your condition. Once you stop taking Xanax, any side effects you may have had from the drug should go away.
Keep reading to learn about mild and severe side effects of this drug. The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care. Together, these four drugs make up 99% of benzodiazepine prescriptions.
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They’re an important means of treating many conditions, ranging from mental health disorders to brain-related diseases. While these medications can treat many conditions and help millions, they’re not without risks. If your healthcare provider prescribes one of these medications, don’t hesitate to ask for guidance, and take the medications exactly as prescribed. That way, you can benefit from these medications and reduce the risk of problems along the way. You shouldn’t drink alcohol if you’re taking benzodiazepines. Alcohol can interact with these drugs, causing dangerous side effects or complications.