Depression, Insomnia & Suicide Risk

With so many people in need of an effective treatment for these issues, it isn’t surprising that Xanax alone was prescribed nearly 48 million in 2011, per Psych Central. Xanax is a brand name for generic alprazolam, which is routinely prescribed for the treatment of:

• Anxiety
• Panic disorder
• Insomnia
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Agoraphobia
• Depressive disorders

Xanax works by calming nervous impulses in the brain caused by firing neurotransmitters. The drug increases the dispersion and flow of GABA, which are natural tranquilizers the body already makes. The drug merely ramps up production of them. This central nervous depressant can cause euphoric feelings, but it typically soothes unruly and out-of-control emotions. Sometimes, it can work a little too well in certain individuals and cause adverse reactions, including depression.

What Is Depression?

Depression is classified as a disorder that inflicts the sufferer with feelings of worthlessness, despair, lethargy, and a general lack of interest in life. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 15.7 million American people experienced a major depressive episode during 2013, making it one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders in the country. This disorder can be born out of chemical imbalance, hormone issues, or brought about by substances.

In substance-induced situations, the depression generally resolves once the substance abuse stops. However, there are instances in which prolonged use or abuse of Xanax may cause lasting depression even in the absence of its use. In addition, when you have one disorder, it is more likely you will develop others. Thus, those individuals who suffer from anxiety may also develop depression.

Psych Central notes the results of one study in which 85 percent of people diagnosed with depression also fit the criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, and 35 percent had signs of co-occurring panic disorder. This may be even more likely in people who use or abuse Xanax.

Can Xanax Cause Depression?

Unfortunately, some prescribing physicians may be perpetuating the cycle of abuse when it comes to benzodiazepines like Xanax.

While it is known that these drugs are safest when used for no longer than six weeks, many doctors continue to allow patients multiple refills for far longer periods of time. The Bend Bulletin notes 1.9 million prescriptions were filled for Oregon residents in 2013, and 45 percent of them refilled their medication at least three months in a row.

Often, symptoms of anxiety can lead to depressive symptoms, too, and Xanax may be prescribed to treat the original symptoms. Depression and anxiety are cited as primary reasons for drug abuse among 63 percent of older adults, per the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. While many may begin using these medications in a prescribed fashion to treat their symptoms, those same symptoms may resolve over time but the individuals remain medicated. When they attempt to come off the drug and familiar symptoms return, they assume they still need them, but sometimes, it’s merely that the drug itself, and dependence on it, causes feelings of depression and anxiety to manifest during withdrawal.

Adverse Reactions of Xanax

The most serious side effect of depression caused by Xanax is suicide. Drug-related attempts at suicide appear to be on the rise as a whole. From 2005-2011, the number of people treated in emergency rooms as a result of these attempts rose by 51 percent, per the Drug Abuse Warning Network. Among overdose deaths stemming from prescription painkiller abuse, benzodiazepines are a contributing factor in 30 percent of cases, PBS reports.

The likelihood of adverse mood reactions like depression occurring is significantly increased when Xanax is abused in conjunction with other substances. The most common cocktail is benzos and opioids, but alcohol abuse alongside Xanax is also very dangerous. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes 2010 data from 13 states showed alcohol was a contributing factor in 27.2 percent of emergency department visits involving benzos and 21.4 percent of overdose deaths involving drugs like Xanax.

Alcohol use presents enough of a risk that even moderate amounts are not advised, even when taking Xanax as prescribed. People who crush and snort Xanax rather than ingesting it orally are at greater risk of overdose, too.

An individual’s age may also have a lot more to do with the potential outcomes of abusing Xanax than originally thought. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, serious outcomes stemming from benzo abuse carry a 36 percent greater risk for individuals aged 65 and older than for those between the ages of 12 and 34.

Likewise, there may be reason to believe the risk of depression increases over the years of an individual’s life. Suicide occurs more than twice as often among people aged 80-84 than in the general population, WebMD notes.

Effective Care

Getting help for an addiction means you have the courage to admit you need treatment and the fortitude to overcome this hurdle. That’s something to be proud of. You can use those feelings to drive yourself forward during the rehabilitation process, which should start with a medical detox program that is geared toward tapering the dose of Xanax you’ve been abusing until you are completely drug-free. Additionally, support groups and individual therapy should be combined into your treatment plan to give you the best chance at sustained recovery.

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Depression

xanax

Last Updated on Sep 8, 2022

Xanax Uses: Side Effects and Interactions

Table of Contents

1. WHAT IS XANAX?
2. WHAT IS XANAX USED FOR?
3. SIDE EFFECTS OF XANAX
4. XANAX INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS
5. XANAX OVERDOSE
6. THERAPIES FOR ANXIETY
7. Resources

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WHAT IS XANAX?

Those who are looking for mental health medication may be asking themselves “what is Xanax used for?” The drug Xanax, also known as alprazolam, is an SSRI and popular antidepressant used to treat the symptoms of anxiety. Like other benzodiazepines, this medication is a sedative. Xanax for anxiety is only one use for the drug. Over forty-eight million prescriptions for Xanax were filled in 2019 to treat a variety of mental illnesses.¹

Generic Name

Alprazolam is the generic name for Xanax, but it’s also marketed as Alprazolam Intensol. There is no difference in the effects of alprazolam, regardless of name.

How Long Does Xanax Last?

Xanax for anxiety and other mental illnesses lasts for up to six hours.² This type of drug becomes noticeable in the system within about twenty minutes. It can be taken for immediate relief or may have a delayed-release mechanism to last throughout the day.

WHAT IS XANAX USED FOR?

As one of the most prescribed antidepressants drugs, Xanax has a variety of uses. Here are the most common.

FDA–Approved Uses

Anxiety: Anxiety is a mood disorder that causes intense feelings of worry, doubt, and nervousness. These feelings persist despite external factors like having a happy work/life balance, positive relationships, etc. The damage from chronic anxiety can reduce the quality of life and health. Xanax for anxiety and other illnesses counteracts these feelings by stimulating GABA receptors in the brain. GABA produces calming effects in the brain.

Panic disorder: Panic disorders refer to a frantic, fearful state of mind that can lead to elevated breathing and heart rate. A person with anxiety has a higher chance of developing panic disorders and vice-a-verse.

Non–FDA–Approved Uses

Because of the versatile nature of stimulated GABA receptors, Xanax is used to treat more than panic and anxiety disorders. Here are the most common non-FDA-approved uses.

Insomnia: Because Xanax is a sedative similar to most antidepressants, it produces feelings of sleepiness and relaxation. As such, it can treat several sleep disorders, including insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and any other disorders that prevent decent sleep.

Premenstrual Syndrome: Premenstrual syndrome, better known as PMS, is a series of hormonal changes and symptoms that occur in women before their menstrual cycle begins. These changes can cause restless sleep. Should they persist, then Xanax is used as a long-term treatment.

Depression: Depression is a negative mental state characterized by poor mood, impaired cognitive function, and a bevy of other complex symptoms. Leading a fulfilling life with untreated depression is difficult, if not impossible. The condition affects millions of people in the U.S. every year and leads to several severe and long-term symptoms. Xanax for depression helps soothe the symptoms of the illnesses.

Xanax Dosage for Anxiety

The Xanax dosage for anxiety and depression varies based on medical history, gender, age, and other individualized factors. Here are the most common dosages.

The daily dosage of Xanax for anxiety is 4mg. Alprazolam is effective even if anxiety is a symptom of different disorders such as depression or ADHD. The drug is typically taken in the morning and afternoon and lasts throughout the day.

Panic disorders require a dosage of up to 6mg per day. However, the higher dosage runs the risk of improving tolerance to the drug, which in turn reduces effectiveness. Like Xanax for anxiety, the medicine is taken twice per day.

SIDE EFFECTS OF XANAX

Xanax side effects are most noticeable in the beginning as the body adjusts to the medication. However, they will persist if Xanax is taken over a period. Should you experience severe side effects for any length of time, then speak with your medical provider. That said, here are the most common Xanax side effects:³

• Drowsiness
• Lightheaded
• Headaches

Changes in sex drive

Anti-depressants can lower your sex drive. However, this side effect can ease over time. Additionally, a set routine of exercise and a healthy diet can counteract this symptom entirely.

Weight gain/loss

Because Xanax changes your hormonal balance, you may be more prone to lose or gain weight. However, it’s unlikely that the change will be significant in either direction. Speak with your doctor about alternatives if your weight changes too much, too soon.

Short temper

A short temper does not mean you will turn every conversation into a shouting match, but it can make you noticeably less patient. Being aware of this change and speaking with your doctor can help with this side effect. Often, Xanax is prescribed with therapy. Use your therapy to discuss any new feelings you may have.

Lethargy

Lethargy differs from drowsiness as it’s defined more by a lack of energy than sleep. A lethargic person may get a full night’s rest but still feel unable to get out of bed in the morning. Lethargy can also be a sign of depression. Speak with your doctor if this side effect persists.

Other Effects

Other side effects of Xanax use can include the following:⁴

Seizures: A Xanax or antidepressant allergy can disrupt brain signals resulting in seizures and labored breathing. Seizures, when left untreated, can lead to permanent brain damage and accidental harm. That said, seizures caused by Xanax are rare and typically only occur in the case of allergy or a co-occurring, undiagnosed illness.

Poor Coordination: More than dizziness, poor coordination can result in accidental injury and make it difficult to accomplish everyday tasks.

Yellow Skin: An excess of Xanax can impair the liver resulting in yellow skin, eyes, and severe tiredness.

XANAX INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS

Xanax most commonly negatively interacts with drugs that have CYP3A in them. CYP3A is a liver-based enzyme used to break down chemicals. CYP3A drugs include antihistamines (cough medicines), antidepressants, and antifungals, to name a few.⁴

In addition, Xanax should not be mixed with alcohol as the combination of sedatives can cause labored breathing, sleep issues, and drug dependency. Always discuss your diet and any medications you use with a medical professional before starting Xanax to prevent any drug interactions.

Liver Problem Medications

Because Xanax, and other antidepressants, interact so heavily with liver enzymes, it serves to reason that Xanax interacts poorly with liver medications. Although rare, the medication can cause liver damage that counteracts liver medication. Common Xanax side effects of liver problems include fatigue, abdominal pain, and it occurs within one month of starting the medication.

XANAX OVERDOSE

Xanax overdose can occur accidentally if the anxiety pills are taken in excess or mixed with other substances such as alcohol. Here are the most common causes of Xanax overdose.

Tolerance

Tolerance occurs with any substance. Eventually, the efficacy of the dosage will reduce, and a higher dosage will be needed. It occurs up to a point where the risk of the dosage outweighs the benefits provided by the drug. Should a person abuse their tolerance or misjudge it, Xanax overdose can occur.

Dependence

Dependence occurs when the drug is frequently taken over time. Dependence can come with Xanax cravings that may manifest as not being able to function without the drug. In a state of dependence, a person may take more of the drug than is recommended.

Withdrawal

Typically, anti-anxiety medication isn’t abruptly stopped. Instead, the dosage is reduced to null to slowly wean a person off the drug. In extreme cases, Xanax withdrawal can result in seizures and increased mood instability.

THERAPIES FOR ANXIETY

Anxiety injection medicine and Xanax for anxiety disorders aren’t for everyone. There are alternative, natural methods for individuals who are unwilling or able to take Xanax for anxiety.

CBT

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a form of therapy designed to change a person’s bad habits. It helps instill healthy coping mechanisms and provides cognitive tools to help ease the symptoms of anxiety.

Family Therapy

Family Therapy is a form of talk therapy that helps create a healthy support system to counteract mental illness. It involves gathering all relevant family members in a therapeutic environment to discuss, in-depth, the mental illness affecting a person.

A Mission for Michael is dedicated to your mental health. Our therapists specialize in mental health and help create individual treatment plans for all our clients. Getting help is only the first step.

Maintaining positive mental health and fostering a solid support system is a life-long endeavor. We are here every step of the way. Reach out for more information.

Resources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5846112/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538165/
3. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684001.html
4. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/018276s045lbl.pdf

Antidepressant Xanax: how does the medicine look and act on the body?

Contents:

1. What is
2. Mechanism of action
3. Effects
4. Use by drug addicts
5. Narcotic effect
6. Dependency building
7. Overdose

Alprazolam (Xanax medicine) is used for the treatment of neuroses characterized by insomnia, constant anxiety, fear and a general deterioration in the emotional state. It helps relieve muscle cramps, relieve anxiety and symptoms of depression. It is prescribed by a doctor with great care and in the minimum dosage.

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Bulkin Alexey Vladimirovich
General Director of the VERIMED Clinic, Psychiatrist-narcologist

What is it

The drug belongs to the group of atypical benzodiazepine tranquilizers. What does Xanax look like? These are small oblong white tablets. Each blister contains 10 pieces, and in total there are 3 blisters in a pack.

As an antidepressant, Xanax is prescribed for:

• Neurosis. In particular, in OCD and other similar diseases accompanied by severe anxiety and obsessions.
• Somatic problems. For example, with a sharp weight loss on the background of an affective disorder or in violation of the stool (one of the indications for taking is constipation).
• Depression. It is allowed to take the drug in reactive-depressive and anxiety-depressive states, accompanied by a decrease in energy, suicidal thoughts (it seems to a person that he is not needed by anyone, there is a feeling of guilt), psychomotor agitation, loss of interest in life.

May be used in emergency situations. For example, it is prescribed for painful regular panic attacks , which are manifested by lowering blood pressure, increased heart rate, sweating and intense irrational fear. Usually in parallel, the patient uses paroxetine or other antidepressants.

Alprazolam leaves the body 24 hours after ingestion.

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Mechanism of action

How does Xanax work? The principle of operation of the drug is associated with inhibition of the cortical and subcortical structures of the brain. Through chloride channels and through their benzodiazepine receptors, the drug acts on gamma-aminobutyric acid and its metabolism.

Effects

Taking the medication promotes an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect. Alprazolam not only relieves a panic attack, accompanied by both a mental component and somato-vegetative symptoms, but also perfectly removes anxiety – in particular, the expectation of panic.

Another effect is muscle relaxant. The use of promotes relaxation of the skeletal muscles. As a result, tension is relieved, excitation (including motor) is gone.

Also, has an anticonvulsant effect. It is characterized by the suppression of excessive activity of motor neurons in the brain. The gait gradually improves (becomes less shaky), the tremor of the upper and lower extremities disappears, and normal physical activity is restored.

In the short-term treatment of panic disorders, Xanax has proven itself quite well. But in medical practice, there are often cases of abuse.

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Use by drug addicts

The antidepressant Xanax is often taken by drug addicts who use psychostimulants – substances that “accelerate” the central nervous system and change the metabolism of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. During the “waste” in such patients, sleep is disturbed, there is a pronounced excitement. They use Alprazolam to calm the nervous system.

Narcotic effect

How does Xanax work? This is a very serious drug. Its affinity for the benzodiazepine receptor is 3 times stronger than that of typical tranquilizers.

Many addicts experience long-term flashbacks even after stopping the medication. This is manifested in the fact that for no reason at all a strong anxiety rolls in , there is a need for new medication measures to restore the normal activity of the brain.

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Formation of dependence

On the background of withdrawal, severe withdrawal symptoms develop. First, sleep is disturbed. A person may wake up and fall asleep several times during the night. He sleeps superficially, reacts to any irritants (for this reason, after sleep there is no feeling that there was a rest). Some complain about nightmares or attacks of sleep paralysis (otherwise this condition is called the old witch syndrome).

Then the course of panic attacks gets worse. They often occur at night and are characterized by high intensity. For example, waking up, the patient cannot understand where he is. Heart begins to beat wildly, breathing becomes difficult. There is a strong fear of death.

Some people develop symptoms of depersonalization and derealization. Approximately 50–70% of addicts is diagnosed with a generalized disorder , which is characterized by the fact that people do not want to work (study) or go out. Looks like Xanax is taking away their will to live.

Paranoia becomes aggravated in some patients, they begin to listen to their body. Various hypochondriacal ideas emerge, often centered on the thought of a terminal illness. The typical symptoms of an anxiety disorder seem suspicious to them. For example, with an increase in heart rate, they think that a little more – and the heart will stop. With headaches, they are sure that they are on the verge of a stroke.

Some patients develop senestopathies (unpleasant painful sensations that have no objective reasons for their occurrence), which the sufferers cannot explain in any way. To alleviate the condition, a person takes a dose. He does not inform his doctor. Addiction develops quite quickly. It is for this reason that psychotherapists do not recommend taking the medicine for longer than 2-3 weeks.

Overdose

High doses cause depression of the central nervous system. In severe cases, breathing stops (in 80% of patients this occurs in a dream), against which death occurs.

In people suffering from heart or vascular diseases, with uncontrolled use of the drug, severe coma is diagnosed , requiring urgent administration of antidotes and long-term restorative therapy.

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Literature:

1. Strategy and tactics for choosing treatment methods in psychiatric practice (the role and place of psychopharmacotherapy). Davydov A. T., Agishev V. G. – Reviews of clinical pharmacology and drug therapy – 2008 – No. 3.
2. The use of modern antidepressants in certain neurological diseases. Sapphirova V. A., Guseva E. V. – Almanac of Clinical Medicine – 2001 – No. 5.
3. Anxiety disorders in adolescents. Korabelnikova E.A. – Medical Council – 2018 – No. 12.

Popular Services

Xanax – the anti-stress effect that drives you to your grave one hundred people a day.

Article content

• Xanax effect
• Xanax fashion
• Depression and patriotism
• Stress culture , then information about the passion for the drug “ Xanax ” is rare becomes the subject of media attention.

  Xanax effect

  For many Americans, such a pill helps to gather strength and feel like a different person, and therefore it is worth considering in more detail how such a drug taken for anxiety leads people to the grave.

  According to doctors, the active substance alprazolam contained in Xanax allows you to quickly induce relaxation and relieve tension, as well as eliminate any feeling of anxiety and anxiety. Such a pill, placed under the tongue, allows you to instantly forget about the troubles at work, but such a drug has several rather unpleasant features.

  First of all, addiction to the drug occurs, as a result of which more and more is needed to achieve the corresponding effect. In addition, alprazolam causes a decrease in respiratory rate, as well as heart rate, and if taken together with heroin or fentanyl, the risk of death increases dramatically. Nearly a third of Xanax-related deaths occurred as a result of co-administration of the drug and opioids.

  How to love yourself and not become a selfish person

  It is worth noting that the main difference between benzodiazepines and other drugs that simply “cut down” the body in case of an overdose is that they erase memory, while leaving the opportunity to act. Thus, people who have taken Xanax can walk the streets for quite a long time and attack people, as well as arrange accidents, sitting behind the wheel of a car, and many, being in a helpless state, become victims themselves.

  Xanax fashion

  The image of Xanax, which is a tablet divided into four parts, gradually entered popular culture, and rapper Lil Pump, who received a million followers on Instagram, even solemnly cut the cake in the form of a similar tablet.

  It is worth noting that benzodiazepines have been found in the bodies of performers such as Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson, as well as Whitney Houston. Xanax was the start of a genre of rap that has come to be known as “Soundcloud rap,” a name that refers to the way musicians in a “relaxed” state tend to upload their creations to the popular SoundCloud resource. On the Etsy website, those who wish can purchase jewelry made in the form of the corresponding tablets.

  Depression and patriotism

  The history of benzodiazepines began in 1941, when the pharmaceutical company Hoffman-LaRoche sent several employees to the USA. The forerunner of Xanax was Miltown, a drug accidentally synthesized as part of a laboratory research process designed to relax muscles. The drug allowed me to feel self-confidence and make decisions quickly. In 1963, Roche develops Valium by launching an advertising campaign for women, offering to forget about stress and mood swings with a single pill.

  “Rescuer Syndrome”: why do you want to save everyone but not yourself?

  The drug, which was sold for one hundred million dollars, became a real hit, but after a while information began to appear about its harmful properties, and it was argued that addiction to the novelty could be even worse than heroin, as a result of which punishment was introduced for illegal drug trade. It is noted that those who took Valium resembled zombies, and the drug itself was rather slowly excreted from the body.

  After some time, a formula of Xanax was invented, which allows not only in the fight against panic attacks, but also suitable for everyday tasks, and the drug, unlike Valium, was excreted from the body in a few hours. Many have taken Xanax instead of seeing a psychotherapist, given the fact that modern life brings dozens of things to worry about.

  The culture of stress

  The main victims of anti-anxiety drugs are not Hollywood stars, but ordinary Americans, and the constant intake of recognizable pills has become for many an innocent habit, like a glass of good wine with dinner. Such popularity of the drug is due to the fact that it acts as quickly as possible, while the effect of full-fledged antidepressants taken by the course is felt only after two or even three weeks.

  The most interesting thing is that Xanax craze, as well as Valium, often occurs in those who eat organic food and take a morning jog, and also, in a fit of madness, refuse to vaccinate their own children.