Xanax bars milligrams: Xanax Bars – Find Treatment for Addiction Today
Xanax Bars – Find Treatment for Addiction Today
Xanax bars, also called “zanies” and “planks,” are small, pill-sized Xanax tablets that can be broken down into quarters and taken individually. Each Xanax bar has 2-milligrams per dose, but when broken in half, becomes 2, 1-milligram pieces of a bar. Smaller doses include 0.5 milligrams and 0.25 milligrams, which is the smallest dose.
People who have developed a tolerance to a quarter of a Xanax bar often double their dosage to 2 small quarter-sized squares. Some take an entire Xanax bar, which can create irritability, aggression, and hyperactive behavior. More symptoms may follow, like chest pain, low blood pressure, drowsiness, and withdrawal symptoms. Many will continue to use Xanax bars and pills in order to escape withdrawal symptoms like panic attacks and shaking.
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What Is Xanax?
Xanax is a Benzodiazepine primarily used to treat generalized anxiety disorder by enhancing chemicals in the brain known as GABA.
Xanax reproduces GABA in the brain which helps to calm the brain and nervous system. The body is also relaxed, and the individual can feel calm in less than half an hour after taking a Xanax bar. Some users find relaxation in as little as 20 minutes, and remain relaxed for 2 to 11 hours. The Benzodiazepine stays in the body up to 3 days after initial use.
Also called Alprazolam, Xanax works to treat insomnia and panic disorders that affect millions in America. People experiencing muscle twitches and cramps from stress-related conditions also use Xanax for relaxation. There are various colors of Xanax pills, each with a different dosage and different effects on the brain. Xanax is the most prescribed medication in the United States, and it has extremely addictive properties.
In some cases, people combine Xanax bars with other drugs like Cocaine. In other cases, people have been misled into taking counterfeit versions of the drug which have caused sudden death when the counterfeit contains other dangerous substances.
The most common and well-known example of polydrug use involving Xanax is alcohol. This combination is especially dangerous and likely to lead to overdose or other disastrous consequences. People also take Valium with Xanax for similar reasons and with similar consequences.
The Dangers Of Xanax Bars
Once someone gets used to the calming effect of Xanax, they can risk developing a tolerance for the drug, and start taking more. Sadly, people taking Xanax bars often quickly shift from taking a prescribed dosage to doubling, tripling, or even quadrupling up on pills. Some even combine Xanax with other Benzodiazepines like Valium, or with Marijuana and alcohol. Once someone develops a tolerance, they can do irreparable damage their bodies.
Teens And Xanax Use
Xanax is popular among teenagers to help them cope with the stressors, depressions, and anxieties of teenage life. This is problematic as early Xanax use among teens increases the likelihood of a life-long dependence.
A 2016 report notes “roughly 70% of teens experimented with drugs or alcohol” before 15 years old. Out of these drugs, many young students are hooked on Xanax. It is widely available in schools, and some teens get the drugs from their parents’ medicine cabinets. Since Xanax relaxes the mind and body, teens often find themselves abusing the substance and then want something stronger. Some teenagers up the risk by combining Xanax with alcohol or other drugs and can take multiple Xanax bars a day.
Expectant Mothers And Xanax Bars
Expectant mothers abusing Xanax bars can affect unborn babies with fetal developmental problems. Since anxiety and muscle cramps are common during pregnancy, mothers may be prescribed a Benzodiazepine to relax them. Mothers can experience nausea, seizures, and tremors during Xanax withdrawal. Like other substance abuse disorders, mothers abusing Xanax can impact the baby as the chemicals transfer to the baby through the bloodstream.
Xanax Bars And College Students
Xanax continues to be one of the most popularly-used drugs among college students.
31% of drug overdoses in this age group involve Xanax or other Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepine use is high on campus, due to college students experiencing the pressure exams and fitting in.
The prevalence of other drugs on college campuses can encourage students to combine Xanax with other drugs like alcohol, Marijuana, and Opioids. Combining drugs increases the potential to overdose, especially when the student does not know that they are doing it. Xanax is sometimes laced with other substances, most dangerously powerful Opioids like Fentanyl or Carfentanil. These potent and destructive substances pose extremely dangerous risks for a Xanax user, including fatal overdose.
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Seniors And Xanax Bars
Some studies have found that as many as 1 in 4 seniors abuse Xanax. With the process of aging and being away from loved ones, seniors may feel anxiety. Depending on previous drug use, and the state of the body, they may experience muscle cramps. Once they take Xanax, they will feel the ease in the bodies and can depend on it for this reason alone. Sadly, seniors risk the standard side effects of Xanax, and can also suffer from broken hips, vehicular crashes, falls, Xanax addiction, and fatal overdoses.
Find Help
The key in substance abuse treatment is early detection and taking the steps to get treatment. Despite Xanax’s ability to hook in users, there is help available for you or your loved one. For more information on Xanax addiction and treatment options, contact a treatment provider today.
Types of Xanax Bars | Southern California Sunrise
Did you know that about 21 million Americans abuse at least one type of addiction?
An important fact to know is that many Americans also abuse prescription medicine.
One of these is Xanax. There are several forms of Xanax, one of which is Xanax bars.
Are you ready to know how these bars affect you? Read on and find out:
What is a Xanax Bar?
Several types of Xanax pills are available on the market. These pills have varying strengths and dosages. Alprazolam has lots of colors, shapes, and sizes.
A Xanax bar refers to the pill’s shape. It’s long and thin, containing about 2mg dosage amounts. It means most bar-shaped tablets have high doses of alprazolam.
These bars have some of the highest dosages around. The highest one is the 3mg tablet with extended-release. Often, they’ll have four sections, making it easier to break into pieces.
Here are some common Xanax bars around:
- White Rectangle – 2mg
- Green Xanax – 3mg
- Blue Round – 2mg
- Blue Oval – 1mg
- Four-sided Yellow – 1mg
- Oval Orange – 0.5mg
- Round Peach – 0.5mg
- Football-shaped Peach – 0.
5mg - Oval white – 0.25mg
5mgEvery manufacturer designs their Xanax pill’s unique color and shape. These manufacturer uses FDA-approved colorants to comply. Knowing these colors and shapes is important when it comes to addiction.
If you suspect someone of Xanax addiction, you need only examine the colors of the bars. Check out some common bars and what they can do:
Green Xanax Bar
Several pharma companies use green for their Xanax bar products. Each manufacturer will insert their unique imprint on these pills.
In most cases, they have 2mg of Xanax. It’s around the same level compared to yellow and white bars.
As stated before, 2mg is a high dose. If you know someone taking these pills, ask if a medical professional tracks their dosage. Its effects can differ depending on the person taking it.
Pink Xanax Bar
A pink Xanax bar is one of the most common variants of the drug with 0.5 mg alprazolam.
It’s the most common dosage that experts recommend. It’s typically used for treating both panic and anxiety illnesses.
These bars are often round or oval-shaped. Sometimes, they look like footballs. Regardless of their form, pink Xanax pills are only legal when taken with a prescription.
White Xanax Bar
Some street peddlers call these bars “sticks.” They have 2mg of active alprazolam. They’re common prescription bars that most pharma companies make.
When taking a white Xanax bar, you’ll feel a strong sedative effect within minutes. It’s because the dosage is high enough. To avoid abuse, it’s better to take it with close physician supervision.
Effects of Xanax
Xanax is one of the most abused medicines around the world. One of the primary reasons is that it’s easy to obtain. It’s also desirable because it affects the brain faster rapidly.
Xanax fixates on a specific area’s chemical balance. It mainly affects the area that’s responsible for anxiety and depression.
It’s safe when taken under a physician’s recommendation or medical supervision. However, if you choose to abuse it, Xanax becomes dangerous and addictive.
Xanax Use
Although people receive benzodiazepines as a prescription drug, they do carry the risk of addiction.
People who take them at a high enough doses develop a strong addiction over a long enough period of time. At the very least, individuals with the prescription will develop a rebound effect when they stop taking Xanax.
Addiction to Xanax can also come from recreational use. Many people use this drug because of the state of pleasure and euphoric state that comes from it.
From the social situation, like parties and concerts, xanax is widely used for recreational purposes rather than medical purposes. This causes young adults to form a Xanax addiction.
Xanax Addiction and Withdrawal
Addiction to Xanax carries a lot of medical risks in the long run.
Even without overdosing, using Xanax for a long time causes permanent health effects. At worst, you might suffer from brain damage.
When addiction happens, it’s a difficult ordeal to stop. It applies even when you understand the dangers associated with it. It has nothing to do with your willpower or character.
Not all drug abuse will lead to addiction. However, the longer you use a Xanax bar, the likelier it is for you to develop an addiction. Get to know the signs of addiction to Xanax to prevent them from progressing to the point of no return.
These include:
- Unexplained mood swings
- Hyperactivity and restlessness
- Increased risky behaviors
- Aggression and agitations
- Memory and concentration problems
- Other strange physical symptoms
As addiction develops, people find it impossible to live without the drug. They can get desperate enough to forge prescriptions or go to other doctors to get one. If they don’t get their dose, they might experience dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Xanax withdrawal is dangerous and sometimes fatal. It happens when people take high dosages for extended periods. When they stop taking it instead of tapering off, these symptoms appear.
At their worst, withdrawals may cause psychosis, seizures, and urges of suicide. It can last for months or even years. It’s more likely to happen if the user already experiences anxiety and depression.
It’s common for Xanax users to have rebound anxiety, like from alcohol withdrawals. It makes their existing condition worse compared to before they started taking it.
Xanax Rehab with SoCal Sunrise
These are some things you must know about Xanax bars. If you suspect someone is overdosing on them, call for help. Never let them go down that rabbit hole and never return.
Are you looking for addiction recovery centers? Use our contact details to reach us for a free consultation.
How much Xanax can I give my 50 pound dog?
Contents
For dogs, a typical dose of Xanax is 0.
01–0.05 mg per pound every 6–12 hours as needed.
How many mg of canine Xanax?
Alprazolam Dosage Information for Dogs and Cats
The typical dosage range of alprazolam for dogs is 0.01 to 0.05 mg per pound (0.02 to 0.1 mg/kg) orally every 12 hours. For cats, the dose is 0.125 to 0.25 mg per cat as needed every 12 hours.
Can human Xanax tablets be given to a dog?
Xanax poses a risk to dogs. This is a powerful medicine that can cause side effects, including kidney and liver problems. Do not give your dog Xanax if he has kidney or liver disease.
Can Xanax harm a dog?
Xanax toxicity can range from mild to severe. In the most severe cases, this can lead to respiratory and/or heart failure in your dog. This is considered a medical emergency and you need to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
How much Xanax can a 60 lb dog take?
Xanax Dosage for Dogs and Cats
For dogs, a typical dose of Xanax is 0.
01-0.05 mg per pound every 6-12 hours as needed.
How much Xanax can you give a 30 lb dog?
Owners are advised to administer the medication approximately one hour before the stressful event. Dosage Example: A 30 lb dog would require 0.15 to 1.35 mg per dose for a panic attack.
What do veterinarians give dogs to calm them down?
Trazodone. Trazodone can calm the dog and reduce anxiety. It is a good calming agent for dogs during grooming, vet visits, thunderstorms/fireworks and other short term stressful events.
Is alprazolam the same as xanax?
Xanax’s generic name is alprazolam. Many anxiety symptoms are to some extent the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain.
What does alprazolam 0.5 mg do to you?
Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.
It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which act on the brain and nerves (central nervous system) to have a calming effect. It works by enhancing the action of a certain natural chemical in the body (GABA).
Does Xanax make dogs sleepy?
Most commonly, the effects of Xanax in dogs can make them drowsy. In other cases, dogs may experience diarrhea, vomiting, or gas. If you notice that your dog is more clumsy or lethargic after taking the medication, it may be worth talking to your veterinarian about a lower dosage.
Can you give your dog Xanax for fireworks?
Salkin says anxiolytic benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax) are good choices for reducing anxiety in dogs. However, they should not be used for a long time because dogs may develop a tolerance to them, making them less effective.
They also affect the dog’s quality of life.
Does Xanax make dogs hyperactive?
In very rare cases, Xanax can have the exact opposite effect of what it is intended to treat and cause hyperstimulation. This is called the “paradoxical effect”. Instead of helping your dog relax and feel calm, taking Xanax can make your dog hyperactive and even aggressive.
How can I put my dog to sleep naturally?
Give your dog melatonin as a natural OTC remedy. This natural supplement, which many people take to help them sleep, can also be helpful for calming dogs. If your dog weighs less than 5 kg (11 pounds), give him 1 mg of melatonin. If your dog weighs 5–15 kg (11–33 lb), give him 1.5 mg.
What is the best dog sedative?
Top 10 dog soothing products
- Helopssa soothing hemp chews.
- Soothing bites of the ancient elements Zesty Paws.
- Bach Rescue Tool.
- Classic Thundershirt vest for dogs.
- PetHonesty Max-Strength Soft Hemp Soothing Gummies.
- Hemp oil for dogs Billion Pets.
- Zesty Paws Core Elements Calming Supplement.
What is a good sedative for dogs?
Acepromazine is the most commonly prescribed oral sedative for dogs.
Possible combinations of oral sedatives include:
- acepromazine and telazol powder (pain reliever)
- acepromazine and diazepam (sedative)
- diazepam and butorphanol (an opioid pain reliever)
- phenobarbital and diazepam.
Which is stronger alprazolam or xanax?
The FDA states that approved generics work the same as brand name drugs. This means that Xanax and its generic form alprazolam have the same efficacy, dosage form, potency and safety.
What is stronger Ativan or Xanax?
Is Ativan stronger than Xanax? Neither drug is stronger than the other, but both are dosed differently depending on how long they stay in the body and how quickly they begin to work.
Ativan is a benzo? Yes, Ativan is a benzodiazepine drug.
How much alprazolam is in Xanax?
Each XANAX oral tablet contains 0.25, 0.5, 1 or 2 mg of alprazolam. XANAX 2 mg tablets have multiple scores and can be subdivided as shown below: Inactive Ingredients: Cellulose, corn starch, sodium docusate, lactose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, and sodium benzoate.
Can Xanax and Benadryl be mixed for sleep?
Alprazolam should not be taken with other benzodiazepine drugs. Alprazolam can cause drowsiness, so care should be taken when combined with other drugs that cause drowsiness. These may include: Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)
What is Xanax 250 mcg used for?
Xanax is indicated for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe anxiety and anxiety associated with depression.
This is only indicated when the disorder is severe, disabling, or highly stressful for the person.
Is Alprazolam a sedative?
Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam, a prescription sedative in the benzodiazepine family. Benzodiazepines were originally developed as a replacement for barbiturates. Xanax affects the brain and central nervous system (CNS).
How to calm an anxious dog?
7 proven ways to calm an anxious dog
- Train your dog. If your dog is separation anxiety, the obvious way to calm him down is to never leave him alone.
- Physical contact.
- Massage.
- Music therapy.
- Timeout.
- Soothing coats/t-shirts.
- Alternative treatments.
Can I give my dog Xanax on the 4th of July?
Yes, he says, it’s okay to give your dog medication.
“The dog doesn’t fret or freak out to get attention,” he says. “We want to reduce anxiety. You can’t explain to a dog that there is nothing to be afraid of, like a small child.
Can I give my dog Xanax and Trazodone?
Situational medications such as Xanax and Trazodone can certainly cause significant sedation and uncoordinated behavior, but they are short-acting drugs that clear the system within hours – and since they are only used when needed, this usually does not cause any problems . in general in the daily life of a dog.
How much Benadryl does it take to knock out a dog?
The usual dosage is about 1 mg per pound two to three times a day. Veterinarians often recommend starting with half the dose to see how it calms the dog the first time.
Benadryl tablets.
| Dog size | 25 mg diphenhydramine tablets |
|---|---|
| Large dogs | 1 tablet per 25 lb body weight |
Is there an OTC dog sedative?
Although melatonin has proven useful in the treatment of certain endocrine disorders, it is a useful adjunct for stress disorders in dogs.
Therefore, melatonin is recommended over the counter for dogs with hospital-associated aggression and anxiety (Table 1).
How can I put my dog to sleep quickly?
How to get your dog to fall asleep quickly
- Give your dog plenty of exercise.
- Make sure your dog has been to the toilet.
- Make their bed fantastic.
- Set the daily routine.
- Give them their own unique space.
- Minimize failures.
- Check for health problems.
- Use sleep music for dogs.
What over-the-counter medicines can I give my dog for anxiety?
The best cure for anxiety in dogs
| The best cure for anxiety in dogs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Benadryl (diphenhydramine) | OTC | Get coupon |
| Prozac (fluoxetine) | Rx | Get coupon |
| Trazodone | Rx | Get coupon |
| Xanax (alprazolam) | Rx | Get coupon |
Can my dog overdose on soothing treats?
Hemp and cannabidiol (CBD) are becoming more common in sedatives, treats and chews.
An overdose of these products can cause gastrointestinal upset, incoordination when walking, depression, sedation, lethargy, and sometimes urinary incontinence. If these signs are noticeable, they can last from 24 to 72 hours.
How can I calm my dog before leaving at home?
Soothing dog for grooming
You can try Benadryl, which contains diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used primarily for allergies, and in humans and dogs it can act as a mild tranquilizer.
Will Benadryl calm a dog?
Benadryl has some efficacy in preventing motion sickness in dogs and as a mild sedative, but its effects are not the same as in humans. Some dogs and cats may have the opposite reaction to Benadryl, causing hyperactivity instead of the sedative.
What is the strongest Xanax?
The strongest dose of Xanax is the 3 mg extended release tablet. This tablet is triangular, not striped, and green. Due to the wide variety of strengths and manufacturers, you should never take alprazolam unless it was specifically prescribed for you and came from the original prescription pill bottle.
What’s better than Xanax for anxiety?
Ativan treats more conditions than Xanax. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following uses: Xanax: Treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. Ativan tablets: Treatment of anxiety disorders.
Which is stronger Klonopin or Xanax?
Are Klonopin or Xanax more effective? There are currently no major head-to-head studies comparing Klonopin and Xanax. Both benzodiazepines are effective depending on how they are used and what conditions they treat. Klonopin is more effective for the treatment of epileptic seizures.
How many mg of Ativan is a Xanax bar?
The benzodiazepine equivalence tables indicate that 0.5 mg of alprazolam (Xanax) is approximately equivalent to 1 mg of lorazepam (Ativan).
What is common to Xanax?
Xanax, also known collectively as alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine drug used to treat anxiety and panic disorder.
How many milligrams of a white Xanax bar?
Here are some common Xanax bars: White rectangle – 2 mg.
Green Xanax – 3 mg.
Is 1 mg Xanax a lot?
Adults ? initially 0.5 to 1 mg in the morning once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose usually does not exceed 10 mg per day. Aged people ? initially 0.5 mg in the morning once a day.
Xanax short acting?
Xanax is considered a short-acting benzodiazepine, which means that it does not last as long as other benzodiazepine drugs. This can be useful if you only need the effect for a short period of time.
What should I avoid while taking ALPRAZolam?
Avoid alcohol.
Dangerous side effects or death may occur. Avoid driving or hazardous activities until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents or serious injury. Grapefruit may interact with alprazolam and cause unwanted side effects.
Is ALPRAZolam a good sleep aid?
Although alprazolam, the active ingredient in Xanax, is likely to make you feel tired, it is not a very good cure for insomnia.
This not only reduces the amount of time you spend in deep sleep (causing you to function poorly the next day), but is also potentially addictive.
Is Benadryl similar to Xanax?
However, over-the-counter antihistamines (eg, Benadryl/diphenhydramine) are recommended as a short-term solution for anxiety symptoms. While there is probably no harm in taking over-the-counter antihistamines from time to time as an over-the-counter alternative to Xanax, the sedative side effects are not ideal for regular use.
How long does Xanax 250mg last?
Xanax has a mean half-life of approximately 11 hours in healthy adults. In other words, it takes the average healthy person 11 hours to eliminate half a dose of Xanax. However, it is important to note that each person metabolizes drugs differently, so the half-life will vary from person to person.
Will Xanax harm a dog?
Xanax toxicity can range from mild to severe. In the most severe cases, this can lead to respiratory and/or heart failure in your dog.
This is considered a medical emergency and you need to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
What is alprazolam 0.5 mg tablet?
Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorder (sudden, unexpected attacks of intense fear and worry about these attacks). Alprazolam belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. It works by reducing abnormal excitation in the brain.
What drugs interact with alprazolam?
Serious interactions with alprazolam (Xanax) include:
- carbamazepine.
- Cimetidine.
- clarithromycin.
- erythromycin base.
- erythromycin ethyl succinate.
- erythromycin lactobionate.
- erythromycin stearate.
- idealalisib.
Can I give my dog melatonin for anxiety?
Melatonin can be a great supplement for your dog. The sedative properties of melatonin make it an effective sedative for restless dogs.
Can I give my dog Benadryl for anxiety?
Although not yet approved by the FDA for veterinary use, Benadryl is considered safe for dogs and cats and is widely used in veterinary practice in the United States.
Where to rub the dog to calm him down?
Starting at the back of the head, stroke up and down both sides of your dog’s spine using very gentle pressure. Be sure to stay away from the bone. According to Brandenburg, this type of back rub is soothing and relaxing for dogs. This can be a good dog massage for anxiety, especially for dogs that are afraid of human touch.
Description and medicinal properties of valerian root. The use of valerian in official and traditional medicine
For many years, valerian root has been used to improve sleep quality and reduce stress levels. In this regard, this product is often called “natural Valium”.
This drug has received a lot of positive feedback over the years. But, despite this, in recent time, scientists decided to conduct a more detailed analysis of valerian and investigate the effectiveness and safety of this product. We will consider the results obtained by them and the corresponding conclusions of scientists further.
Basic information about valerian root
The medicinal plant called valerian is a herb that is grown mainly in Europe and Asia. However, some pharmacological companies are engaged in the cultivation of this plant in the United States, China and a number of other countries.
Originally people used valerian flowers to make perfume. But later they discovered the beneficial properties of the root of the plant. Despite this, valerian root has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years.
The flowers of the plant have a delicate scent, while the root has a strong earthy scent. Scientists explain this by a large number of oils and other trace elements that provide a sedative effect on the human body.
The name “valerian” comes from the Latin word valere, which literally means “to be healthy”. The root extract sold in pharmacies and online stores is in most cases presented in the form of a liquid or capsules. However, it is also found in the form of brewed tea.
How it works
reducing stress levels, eliminating anxiety and improving the quality of sleep. These include:
|
But, despite the large number of useful trace elements, when studying the properties of this medicinal plant, the most attention of scientists was attracted by the interaction of the herb with gamma-aminobutyric acid, which ensures the regulation of nerve impulses in the nervous system and brain.
Numerous experiments have shown that low levels of GABA often lead to chronic stress, increased anxiety and sleep disturbance. In addition, during research, scientists were able to establish that valeric acid reduces the effect of GABA on the human brain, which leads to relaxation and peace.
The corresponding effect is exactly the same as that of drugs such as Valium and Xanax, which are prescribed to reduce anxiety.
Valerian root’s main active antioxidants are hesperidin and linarin. They improve the quality of sleep. This effect is due to a decrease in the level of activity in the amygdala – the part of the brain responsible for fear, strong emotions and stress.
A recent experiment involving mice showed that the inclusion of valerian root extract in the diet improves the response to psychological and physical stress by maintaining high levels of serotonin, a substance involved in mood regulation. In addition, the medicinal properties of valerian root have prevented sudden and involuntary contractions of muscle fibers, similar to drugs for the treatment of epilepsy.
The relaxing properties of valerian root
It is extremely difficult to remain calm in times of stress. However, this is possible thanks to the valerian root.
According to research data, this product can reduce anxiety caused by a stressful situation. So, during one of the studies, it was found that rats that received an extract of a medicinal plant before passing a maze were calmer when performing exercises compared to other groups that were not provided with treatment or injected with alcohol.
Another human study found that the combination of lemon balm and valerian reduced anxiety when taking difficult psychological tests. However, exceeding the recommended amount of these substances had the opposite effect – an increase in stress levels.
In addition to reducing anxiety in stressful situations, valerian root can also be used as a treatment for chronic behavioral problems such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
An 8-week study of OCD sufferers showed that regular intake of valerian extract improved some of the symptoms of this disorder. However, unlike other drugs for the treatment of this condition, it did not cause side effects.
According to researchers, taking valerian root may also be beneficial for children who have trouble concentrating due to hyperactivity. This statement was supported by the results of one of the experiments, which showed that this product increased the level of attention in highly impulsive children by an average of 50 percent.
The effect of valerian on sleep
problem among the working population. As of today, approximately 30 percent of adults suffer from insomnia. Other people at the same time have difficulty falling asleep or cannot fully recover during sleep.
Research shows that one of the benefits of valerian is to reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. Moreover, this medicinal herb can improve the quality of sleep and increase its duration.
In one study in people aged 25 to 45 with sleep disorders, scientists noted that 400 milligrams of valerian extract improved sleep quality in 85 percent of participants.
At the same time, about 50 percent of them reported “perfect sleep” when taking the supplement.
Deep sleep, which is also often referred to as slow sleep, is very important for the human body. It is he who provides the restoration of strength and energy. Thanks to such a dream, a person wakes up alert and rested. One study showed that consuming valerian root in the evening can achieve deep sleep 36 percent faster. Moreover, the extract provided an increase in the duration of this sleep phase.
Scientists report that valerian can also be used to treat insomnia caused by the use of benzodiazepines and addictive sedatives. So, one of the experiments showed that regular consumption of valerian after the rejection of benzodiazepines significantly improves the rate of falling asleep and the quality of sleep. However, to achieve the appropriate effect, it is necessary to use the product for a long time – at least 2 weeks.
Although studies of valerian’s effect on sleep have been conducted primarily in adults, doctors say that this medicinal extract can also be used by children with sleep problems.
So, 8-week intake of this product by children with developmental delay allowed to increase the rate of falling asleep, the duration of sleep and its quality.
Although scientists have not found significant side effects from eating valerian root, some researchers believe that this product should not be included in the diet. This is due to the fact that certain experiments have shown results similar to the effect of taking a placebo.
Other Health Benefits of Valerian
The number of studies examining the benefits of valerian root is relatively small. But many of them show that including these supplements in your diet can be beneficial:
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Valerian side effects
This product is completely safe for most people. Studies have shown that it does not affect DNA changes and does not interfere with the treatment of cancer. In addition, this product does not adversely affect mental and physical activity. But such safety is ensured only if the additive is used for its intended purpose.
In addition, unlike other sleep medications, valerian does not alter the body’s natural response to awakening in the morning and does not reduce concentration. In addition, it also does not cause addiction with regular use and does not lead to the development of withdrawal symptoms in the event of discontinuation.
Despite this, improper use of valerian root leads to such undesirable side effects as:
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Also, experts recommend that you consult your doctor before using valerian if you have liver diseases. Moreover, this supplement is not recommended to be included in the diet:
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This is due to the fact that the potential risks for the groups described above have not yet been evaluated by scientists and researchers.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Valerian Use
To get the most benefit from valerian root extract, doctors recommend following certain guidelines.
Many studies have used 400 to 900 milligrams of valerian to improve sleep. The appropriate dosage ensured the maximum effectiveness of the supplement without causing side effects.
At the same time, her reception was carried out 30 minutes before bedtime. Compliance with these rules ensures rapid falling asleep, increasing the duration and quality of sleep.
However, it is important to bear in mind that exceeding the recommended amounts does not always lead to better results. So, regular intake 900 milligrams had a positive effect on the human body and improved the quality of sleep. But at the same time, this volume contributed to an increase in the level of sleepiness in the morning.
For those who do not wish to use capsules, doctors recommend replacing the extract with valerian tea. To brew it, it is necessary to pour 2 to 3 grams of dried root with hot water for 10-15 minutes.
Research indicates that the supplement should be taken for at least 2 weeks to maximize its effectiveness. In this case, the recommended period of use of the extract is from 4 to 6 weeks.
It is important to note that taking large amounts of valerian root during the day can cause drowsiness.
In this regard, experts strongly do not recommend taking this product before driving a car, before operating heavy machinery, as well as before performing work that requires a maximum level of concentration.
To reduce stress by preventing drowsiness, doctors recommend consuming 120-200 milligrams of valerian extract three times a day with meals. In this case, you should not use the supplement in combination with alcohol or drugs to calm down, as this can enhance the effect of the medicinal plant.
Conclusion
Valerian is a herb that can improve sleep, reduce stress and promote relaxation. It is not addictive and has a high rate of safety for human health. In some cases, valerian can be used as an alternative to traditional drugs of similar effect, such as benzodiazepines, for sedation.
Despite this, it is imperative that you consult with your doctor before using this product, especially if you plan to take medication along with the extract.