How does alprazolam help with sleep disorders. What are the recommended Xanax dosages for insomnia. Is alprazolam an effective long-term solution for sleep problems. What are the potential side effects and risks of using Xanax for sleep.

The Function and Uses of Alprazolam (Xanax)

Alprazolam, commonly known by its brand name Xanax, is a short-acting benzodiazepine primarily prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders. Its main function is to decrease abnormal excitement in the brain, promoting a sense of calm. While not specifically intended as a sleep aid, some doctors may prescribe it off-label for short-term insomnia relief.

In 2012, nearly 2% of Oregon residents had received an alprazolam prescription, highlighting its widespread use. As a short-acting benzodiazepine, alprazolam is typically used for situational relief rather than long-term symptom management.

Key Considerations Before Taking Alprazolam

• Specific symptoms you want to alleviate
• Previously tried medications and their effectiveness
• Other psychiatric or medical conditions (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea)
• Current medications
• Pregnancy status or plans
• Liver health
• Alcohol consumption and substance use

Discussing these factors with your healthcare provider can help ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment while minimizing potential risks and side effects.

Alprazolam’s Mechanism of Action for Sleep

Alprazolam acts as a central nervous system depressant, promoting relaxation and reducing brain activity. When taken approximately an hour before bedtime, it can help initiate sleep in the short term. However, its effectiveness as a sleep aid diminishes rapidly, typically within a week of regular use.

Can alprazolam be used long-term for sleep problems? Studies have shown that alprazolam’s efficacy for sleep decreases significantly after about a week of continuous use. This makes it unsuitable as a long-term solution for chronic insomnia or other persistent sleep disorders.

Recommended Dosage for Sleep

The manufacturer recommends not exceeding 0.5mg every 3 days when using alprazolam. It’s crucial to follow prescription instructions carefully to achieve desired results and minimize the risk of side effects or dependence.

Potential Side Effects of Using Alprazolam for Sleep

While alprazolam can provide short-term relief for sleep issues, it comes with a range of potential side effects that users should be aware of:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fatigue
• Impaired coordination
• Decreased ability to concentrate
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Changes in appetite

Do these side effects worsen with long-term use? In some cases, prolonged use of alprazolam can lead to tolerance, meaning higher doses may be needed to achieve the same effect. This can increase the risk and severity of side effects over time.

Interactions with Other Substances

It’s important to note that alprazolam can interact with other substances, particularly alcohol. These interactions may decrease the medication’s effectiveness or increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects. Always inform your healthcare provider about any other medications or substances you’re using.

Duration of Alprazolam’s Effects

Alprazolam is known for its rapid onset of action. Most users begin to feel its effects within a few hours of taking the first dose. However, the duration of these effects can vary depending on several factors.

Factors Affecting Alprazolam’s Duration

• Individual metabolism
• Dosage
• Frequency of use
• Age
• Overall health

How long does alprazolam typically stay in your system? The half-life of alprazolam is approximately 11 hours in healthy adults. This means it takes about 11 hours for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. However, it can take up to 4-5 half-lives for a drug to be completely cleared from the system, which is why effects may linger for some time after the last dose.

Risks of Long-Term Alprazolam Use for Sleep

While alprazolam can provide short-term relief for sleep issues, long-term use carries significant risks:

Tolerance and Dependence

Regular use of alprazolam can lead to tolerance, where higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect. This can increase the risk of physical dependence and addiction.

Withdrawal Symptoms

According to the National Library of Medicine, using alprazolam for as little as a week can produce discontinuation symptoms or withdrawal. These symptoms can be more severe than those associated with other benzodiazepines and may include:

• Rebound insomnia
• Increased anxiety
• Irritability
• Tremors
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Seizures (in severe cases)

Is it safe to stop taking alprazolam abruptly? Abruptly discontinuing alprazolam can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. It’s crucial to work with a healthcare provider to gradually taper off the medication if you decide to stop using it.

Alternatives to Alprazolam for Sleep

Given the potential risks associated with long-term alprazolam use for sleep, it’s important to consider alternative treatments for chronic insomnia or sleep disorders:

Non-Pharmacological Approaches

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
• Sleep hygiene improvements
• Relaxation techniques
• Regular exercise
• Mindfulness meditation

Alternative Medications

For those who require pharmacological interventions, there are other medications specifically designed for sleep that may be more suitable for long-term use:

• Melatonin receptor agonists (e.g., ramelteon)
• Orexin receptor antagonists (e.g., suvorexant)
• Sedating antidepressants (e.g., trazodone)
• Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (e.g., zolpidem, eszopiclone)

What are the advantages of these alternatives over alprazolam for sleep? These medications are specifically designed to address sleep issues and may have a lower risk of dependence and fewer side effects when used long-term. However, they should still be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

When to Seek Professional Help for Sleep Issues

If you’re considering using alprazolam or any other medication for sleep problems, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider. They can help determine the underlying cause of your sleep issues and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

Signs You Should Seek Professional Help

• Persistent difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Daytime fatigue affecting your quality of life
• Loud snoring or gasping during sleep (potential signs of sleep apnea)
• Restless leg syndrome symptoms
• Depression or anxiety affecting your sleep

A sleep specialist can conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include a sleep study, to diagnose any underlying sleep disorders and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

The Importance of Proper Sleep Hygiene

While medications like alprazolam may provide short-term relief for sleep issues, developing good sleep hygiene habits is crucial for long-term sleep health. These practices can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle and improve overall sleep quality:

Essential Sleep Hygiene Practices

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine
• Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool
• Limit exposure to blue light from screens before bedtime
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and large meals close to bedtime
• Exercise regularly, but not too close to bedtime
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or meditation

How can improving sleep hygiene reduce reliance on sleep medications? By establishing healthy sleep habits, many people find they can improve their sleep quality naturally, reducing or eliminating the need for sleep medications like alprazolam.

The Role of Lifestyle Changes in Managing Sleep Issues

In addition to proper sleep hygiene, certain lifestyle changes can significantly impact sleep quality and reduce the need for sleep medications:

Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet rich in sleep-promoting nutrients can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Foods high in tryptophan, magnesium, and melatonin can be particularly beneficial:

• Turkey
• Nuts and seeds
• Whole grains
• Cherries
• Kiwi fruit
• Fatty fish

Regular Exercise

Physical activity can improve sleep quality by reducing stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week, but avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can significantly impact sleep quality. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine can help improve sleep:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Yoga
• Journaling

How long does it typically take to see improvements in sleep quality after implementing lifestyle changes? While individual experiences may vary, many people report noticeable improvements in sleep quality within 2-4 weeks of consistently implementing healthy sleep habits and lifestyle changes.

The Future of Sleep Medicine: Beyond Alprazolam

As our understanding of sleep disorders continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new approaches to treating insomnia and other sleep issues that go beyond traditional medications like alprazolam:

Emerging Treatments

• Light therapy: Using specific wavelengths of light to regulate the circadian rhythm
• Neurofeedback: Training the brain to produce optimal brainwave patterns for sleep
• Chronotherapy: Strategically timing light exposure and sleep periods to reset the body’s internal clock
• Digital therapeutics: FDA-approved mobile apps that deliver cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia
• Novel pharmacological approaches: Targeting new neurochemical pathways involved in sleep regulation

What are the potential advantages of these emerging treatments over traditional sleep medications? These newer approaches often aim to address the root causes of sleep disorders rather than simply masking symptoms. Many also have a lower risk of side effects and dependence compared to traditional sleep medications.

The Role of Personalized Medicine

As the field of sleep medicine advances, there’s a growing focus on personalized treatment approaches. This involves considering an individual’s genetic makeup, lifestyle factors, and specific sleep patterns to tailor interventions for optimal effectiveness.

How might personalized medicine change the way sleep disorders are treated in the future? By taking a more individualized approach, healthcare providers may be able to prescribe more targeted treatments with higher efficacy and fewer side effects, potentially reducing reliance on medications like alprazolam for sleep issues.

Navigating the Healthcare System for Sleep Issues

If you’re struggling with sleep problems and considering medication like alprazolam, it’s important to know how to effectively navigate the healthcare system to get the help you need:

Steps to Take When Seeking Help for Sleep Issues

1. Start with your primary care physician for an initial evaluation
2. Keep a sleep diary for at least two weeks before your appointment
3. Be prepared to discuss your medical history, current medications, and lifestyle habits
4. Ask for a referral to a sleep specialist if your sleep issues persist
5. Consider undergoing a sleep study if recommended by your healthcare provider
6. Discuss all treatment options, including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches
7. Follow up regularly with your healthcare provider to assess treatment effectiveness and make adjustments as needed

What questions should you ask your healthcare provider when discussing sleep medications? Consider asking about potential side effects, the risk of dependence, how long you should expect to take the medication, and what alternatives might be available.

Understanding Insurance Coverage for Sleep Treatments

Navigating insurance coverage for sleep treatments can be challenging. Many insurance plans cover sleep studies and consultations with sleep specialists, but coverage for specific treatments can vary. Some key points to consider:

• Check your insurance plan’s coverage for sleep-related services and medications
• Be aware that some treatments, particularly newer or experimental ones, may not be covered
• Ask about pre-authorization requirements for sleep studies or specialist consultations
• Inquire about coverage for alternative treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia
• Consider appealing insurance decisions if necessary treatments are denied

How can patients advocate for themselves if their insurance doesn’t cover recommended sleep treatments? Document all symptoms and their impact on daily life, obtain letters of medical necessity from healthcare providers, and be persistent in appealing insurance decisions when appropriate.

The Importance of Sleep Education and Awareness

As we continue to understand the critical role of sleep in overall health and well-being, there’s a growing emphasis on sleep education and awareness. This knowledge can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their sleep health and treatment options:

Key Areas of Sleep Education

• The science of sleep and circadian rhythms
• Common sleep disorders and their symptoms
• The impact of sleep on physical and mental health
• Healthy sleep habits and sleep hygiene practices
• The pros and cons of various sleep treatments, including medications like alprazolam
• The relationship between sleep and other health conditions (e.g., obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease)

How can improved sleep education benefit public health? By increasing awareness of the importance of sleep and providing tools for better sleep management, we may see reductions in sleep-related health issues and decreased reliance on sleep medications.

Resources for Sleep Education

For those seeking to learn more about sleep health and disorders, there are numerous reliable resources available:

• National Sleep Foundation
• American Academy of Sleep Medicine
• Sleep Research Society
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Sleep and Sleep Disorders page
• University sleep research centers and clinics
• Reputable online sleep education courses

By leveraging these resources and staying informed about sleep health, individuals can take a more proactive role in managing their sleep and overall well-being. This knowledge can also help in discussions with healthcare providers, ensuring more informed decisions about treatment options, including the use of medications like alprazolam for sleep issues.

Alprazolam for Sleep – Serenity Lane

In 2012, nearly 2% of Oregon had received an alprazolam prescription, which is a type of benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines come in three primary types: long-acting, short-acting, and intermediate-acting. While there are many name-brand options that fall under the benzodiazepine category, there are also generic types of benzodiazepines, and alprazolam is one of them.

You might know alprazolam by one of its major “brand names,” Xanax. It’s most commonly used to assist those with generalized anxiety disorders (GAD), but it can also be used to help those with panic disorders as well. It is a short-acting benzodiazepine, meaning it is used primarily to assist with a situation, as opposed to a way to maintain symptoms over long periods of time. A good example of this would be someone taking a Xanax before they get on an airplane because they know flying gives them heightened anxiety that they wouldn’t normally experience.

Alprazolam is normally prescribed for specific instances and not as a permanent solution, as they can have strong withdrawal symptoms that patients may experience even if they’re used as prescribed. If you have any concerns about your prescriptions, always talk to your doctor or reach out to us at Serenity Lane for help. We understand benzodiazepines addiction treatment and want to ensure you’re getting the results you want from your medication to help prevent misuse.

The Function Of Alprazolam

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Alprazolam is a prescription medication used to primarily help people with anxiety disorders and panic disorders. Its main purpose is to decrease abnormal excitement within the brain. Depending on your specific situation, it can be used to assist with other conditions as well.

If you or a loved one is considering asking your doctor about alprazolam, here are some things you should keep in mind:

• What symptoms are you wanting to alleviate?
• What medications have you tried previously, and how effective were they?
• Do you have any other psychiatric or medical problems, such as obstructive sleep apnea?
• What other medications are you currently taking?
• Are you pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on becoming pregnant?
• Do you have liver disease?
• Do you drink alcohol or use any other substances?

Medications can have impacts on other areas of our lives, and in order to ensure your well-being, coming equipped with knowledge and questions can help not only prevent potential negative side effects but also help to ensure you receive the best option for your treatment.

How Does Alprazolam Help You Sleep?

Alprazolam acts as a depressant; it promotes calm and lowers brain activity. If taken approximately an hour before a person intends to go to sleep, it has been shown to be effective in assisting in sleep in the short term. However, a study was done testing the long-term effectiveness of alprazolam as a sleep aid and found that its effectiveness decreased within a week of use.

Alprazolam is a safe and effective medication when used as directed. The manufacturer doesn’t recommend exceeding 0.5mg every 3 days. It’s important to follow prescription instructions when taking alprazolam to ensure you get the results you and your medical provider want.

Side Effects of Taking Alprazolam for Sleep

Those who are struggling with sleep, whether from stress, insomnia, or another condition, are normally looking for a solution that can help them in the long term.

Alprazolam is a short-acting benzazepine, which means it has a higher chance of causing withdrawal symptoms if used over a long period of time. According to the National Library of Medicine, using alprazolam for as little as a week can produce discontinuation symptoms or withdrawal, which can be more severe than other forms of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms.

In some instances, part of the experience of withdrawal included worsening symptoms that were previously trying to be managed by alprazolam, such as increased insomnia or anxiety.

Alprazolam is not recommended to be used daily. Its intentions are to be used to help in an instant or moment, not as a way to manage symptoms that affect you every day. Here are some of the common side effects of alprazolam:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fatigue
• Impaired coordination
• Decreased ability to concentrate
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Changes in appetite

It’s important to note that other substances, like alcohol, can interact with alprazolam and potentially decrease its effectiveness or increase the chances of certain side effects occurring. If you or a loved one are experiencing side effects that become severe, or do not go away over time, make sure you reach out to your doctor.

How Long Does Alprazolam Last?

Alprazolam is a fast-acting medication for most. The effects of alprazolam are normally felt within a few hours of the first dose, though some experience an improvement over a period of days. It’s important to note that each prescription may act differently for each individual, depending on what they need the medication for, how often they are taking it, and what other medications they might already be on.

If you miss a scheduled dose of medication, it’s important to take it when you remember, unless you are close to the time of your next dose. Do not double up on dosages or take alprazolam more often than you are prescribed to do.

The effects of alprazolam can also vary depending on the type of alprazolam you’re prescribed. Some form of alprazolam comes in extended-release tablets, which will behave differently than a liquid or normal tablet dose.

If you or a loved one has been using benzodiazepines such as Xanax and are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, or if you have any other questions, Serenity Lane is here to help. Reach out to our telehealth services at 800-543-9905.

FAQs About Alprazolam For Sleep

Is Alprazolam a good sleeping aid?

Alprazolam has been shown to be a helpful sleep aid when used as needed as opposed to daily. Always make sure to use your medication within the recommendations of your doctor.

How bad is it to take Alprazolam if you can’t sleep?

Depending on what other medications you’re on and what’s been discussed with your medical provider, alprazolam can be a helpful sleep aid for some. When taking any prescription, the potential side effects should always be taken into account.

Should Alprazolam be used for sleep?

If you are looking for a long-term solution to insomnia or other sleep disorders, alprazolam might not be the best option for you. If used daily, patients can experience withdrawal symptoms even after only two weeks of use.

Alprazolam: effects on sleep and withdrawal phenomena

. 1987 Jul;27(7):508-15.

doi: 10.1002/j.1552-4604.1987.tb03058.x.

A Kales 
¹
, E O Bixler, A Vela-Bueno, C R Soldatos, R L Manfredi

Affiliations

Affiliation

• ¹ Department of Psychiatry, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey.

• PMID:

  3655003

• DOI:

  10.1002/j.1552-4604.1987.tb03058.x

A Kales et al.

J Clin Pharmacol.

1987 Jul.

. 1987 Jul;27(7):508-15.

doi: 10.1002/j.1552-4604.1987.tb03058.x.

Authors

A Kales 
¹
, E O Bixler, A Vela-Bueno, C R Soldatos, R L Manfredi

Affiliation

• ¹ Department of Psychiatry, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey.

• PMID:

  3655003

• DOI:

  10.1002/j.1552-4604.1987.tb03058.x

Abstract

Alprazolam was evaluated in chronic insomniacs in a 1-mg bedtime dose. The 16-night sleep laboratory protocol included four placebo-baseline nights followed by seven nights of drug administration and five placebo-withdrawal nights. On the first three drug nights (nights 5 to 7), the drug was highly effective in inducing and maintaining sleep with this short-term use. By the end of the one week of administration (nights 9 to 11), however, the drug had lost about 40% of its efficacy. During drug use, one subject reported some difficulty in controlling expression of inappropriate emotions when interacting with others, which suggested the presence of disinhibition. On the third night following drug termination, there was a significant increase in sleep difficulty above baseline levels (rebound insomnia). This worsening was of comparable magnitude to the peak improvement of sleep with drug administration. Thus, the clinical utility of alprazolam when administered to insomniac patients appears to be limited because of a relatively rapid development of tolerance and possible disinhibitory reactions during drug use and the occurrence of rebound insomnia following withdrawal.

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MeSH terms

Substances

Xanax – a strong sedative, narcotic effect of the drug Xanax • Med-Zahid

Drugs have become a global problem in the modern world, and even some pills used by doctors to treat diseases can cause severe addiction. One such drug is Xanax, an insomnia medication that can be bought at a pharmacy. Having a relatively low price, the drug belongs to the category of strong sedatives. When used improperly, Xanax causes a person to quickly become addictive, which turns into severe drug addiction and can lead to an overdose.

Features of the action of Xanax on the body

What is Xanax? It is a strong sedative, powerful tranquilizer (anxiolytic) that is used medicinally to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and insomnia. The description of Xanax says that it has a calming effect, can relieve the symptoms of panic attacks in a person, and helps to eliminate nervous tension. Xanax is often used to relieve the negative symptoms of withdrawal symptoms in alcoholism.

The course of treatment and dosage of Xanax tablets is determined by the doctor. This takes into account the state of the human body and the severity of the disease. But in addition to the therapeutic effect, Xanax can be a drug, causing a number of negative consequences:

• impaired coordination and slowing down the reaction rate;
• dizziness and headaches;
• increased weakness and drowsiness;
• deterioration of the liver and intestines;
• memory disorders;
• increased anxiety with abrupt withdrawal of the drug.

The active substance of Xanax is alprazolam, which affects the human nervous system like a drug. Once in the body, it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, instantly spreads to all tissues of the body. The effect of Xanax on the central nervous system is expressed in a decrease in brain activity and a feeling of euphoria. This effect occurs even while taking the medicine strictly as prescribed by the doctor. And with an overdose of Xanax, a person quickly gets used to a pleasant feeling of physical and psychological relaxation, which turns the drug into a powerful narcotic “trip”.

Xanax: a cure for insomnia or a dangerous drug?

Xanax, when used correctly as directed by a physician, reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation. But if a person begins to drink Xanax uncontrollably, a strong drug addiction develops, which is accompanied by the effect of “withdrawal”. Pills are becoming more and more popular among young people, being an inexpensive and accessible “trip” that gives a feeling of a drug high.

Dependence on Xanax develops even with a slight overdose of the drug or a violation of the duration of the course of treatment prescribed by the doctor. The drug Xanax has a particularly destructive effect on the human body when used simultaneously with alcohol, other sedatives and antidepressants.

Symptoms of Xanax addiction

Most often, a person begins to abuse Xanax in pursuit of a sense of carelessness and calmness. Taking the drug without a doctor’s prescription causes a negative effect, and drug addiction becomes its consequence. It develops rapidly and can cause an overdose. A drug addict often takes Xanax secretly, but the problem can be recognized by certain symptoms:

• fatigue, drowsiness;
• confused, slurred speech and voice change;
• inability to clearly formulate one’s thought;
• severe headaches;
• mood swings, apathy towards everything around;
• excessive sweating;
• tremor of the human body, numbness of hands and feet;
• skin redness, rash;
• sudden change in weight;
• hypersensitivity to loud sounds;
• insomnia;
• swelling of the face, throat and other parts of the body;
• nausea and vomiting.

If a person has at least a few symptoms from this list, it is a serious reason to go to a rehabilitation center. Drug addiction to Xanax medicine cannot be cured on its own, and only a specialist can properly perform drug withdrawal.

The consequences of Xanax abuse

Taking Xanax without a doctor’s prescription, a person quickly becomes addicted. At first, he is “rushing” from a sharp feeling of euphoria, but this effect is quickly replaced by anxiety and panic attacks. Xanax causes a person to tremble in the body, chills, suicidal thoughts arise in the head, the work of the heart and gastrointestinal tract is disturbed. This condition requires urgent specialist intervention. In an effort to get rid of the symptoms of drug withdrawal, a person often exceeds the dose of Xanax, which leads to an overdose and can be fatal.

Overdose help, Xanax addiction treatment

When a person takes more than 50 mg of Xanax, combines pills with alcohol and other psychotropic substances, an overdose occurs. Its effects include:

• incoordination and tremors in the limbs;
• sudden drop in blood pressure, weak pulse;
• lethargy and slurred speech;
• pupils dilated, not reactive to light;
• shortness of breath, shortness of breath;
• sound sleep, turning into a coma.

In large doses, the drug completely depresses the respiratory center, which leads to death. A person with an overdose of Xanax should not be allowed to sleep. It is necessary to immediately call a doctor, and first aid for drug poisoning is to wash the stomach.

The decision to take Xanax must be made by a doctor. Only he can prescribe a dosage to a person and determine the duration of the course of treatment. If symptoms of addiction to Xanax tablets appear or negative effects of the drug appear, you should immediately seek help from a specialist.

Xanax addiction is treated only in a specialized center. For the best effect, therapy should combine medical and psychological treatment. To remove the consequences of “withdrawal” a person is prescribed special drugs. And sessions of psychotherapy help the drug addict to overcome dependence on Xanax on a subconscious level and allow a person to return to a full life without drugs.

addiction, harm, treatment at the Rehab Family clinic

Xanax is an effective drug from the benzodiazepine group. The drug is used to treat a variety of conditions in the clinical picture of which anxiety is present.

When properly used and taken in prescribed dosages, a tranquilizer has a good therapeutic effect.

The increased interest of drug addicts is associated with the ability of Xanax to induce a state of mild euphoria, reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and the level of anxiety.

Uncontrolled use of Xanax is a problem that is known to specialists in various fields of medicine.

Xanax – description, composition, effect, properties

Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine anxiolytic with a medium duration of action.

The drug first appeared on the pharmaceutical market in the early 80s of the last century and has found wide application in medicine.

The active substance is alprazolam. The preparation also contains auxiliary components: potato starch, lactose, magnesium stearate, etc.

Available in tablet form of 0.25, 0.5 and 2 mg and retard tablets of 0.5 mg.

Officially, Xanax can only be purchased with a prescription from the attending physician, written out on special forms.

Alprazolam to varying degrees has all the properties of classical benzodiazepines.

It has a pronounced anti-anxiety, soothing, muscle-relaxing, anticonvulsant effect, improves sleep quality. A characteristic feature is an anti-panic effect, in connection with which the drug is prescribed for panic disorders. According to some reports, it has some antidepressant effect.

Most effective in the treatment of disorders with a pronounced anxiety component.

The spectrum of activity of Xanax determines the main indications for its use. These include:

• panic attacks;
• anxiety disorders, mixed anxiety-depressive disorder;
• neuroses;
• increased irritability, internal tension;
• depressive states;
• obsessive-compulsive disorder;
• psychomotor agitation;
• simple and social phobias;
• sleep problems, appetite disorders;
• withdrawal syndrome in alcoholism and drug addiction;
• a feeling of anxiety and anxiety in a number of somatic diseases;
• tremor of the limbs.

To prevent undesirable consequences of use, it is important to consider contraindications to the use of an anxiolytic:

• individual intolerance;
• angle-closure glaucoma;
• severe damage to the cardiovascular system, respiratory organs, liver, kidneys;
• myasthenia gravis;
• poisoning with alcohol and psychoactive substances;
• depression with suicidal tendencies;
• the period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• age up to 18 years.

With prolonged use and excess dosages, Xanax is addictive and highly addictive.

The effect of the drug on the human body

The active substance of the drug has a depressant effect on the central nervous system.

The mechanism of action of Xanax on the body is based on an increase in the inhibitory effect in the brain and a decrease in the excitability of subcortical structures: the limbic system, hypothalamus, and thalamus.

The drug is an agonist (stimulator) of specific benzodiazepine receptors. By binding to the GABA-A receptor complex, the affinity and sensitivity to the mediator increases. The GABA-ergic system is activated, the frequency of opening of chloride channels and the flow of chlorine into the neuron increase. This leads to suppression of neuronal activity and inhibition of the transmission of nerve impulses.

One of the differences between Xanax and other tranquilizers is less pronounced sedation and behavioral toxicity, which is manifested by daytime sleepiness, a decrease in the severity of reactions and cognitive functions.

The main effects of Xanax:

1. Pronounced anxiolytic (anti-anxiety): reduces the feeling of fear, anxiety, emotional stress.
2. Moderate sedation.
3. Increases the duration of sleep, promotes rapid falling asleep.
4. Central muscle relaxant, which occurs as a result of inhibition of the spinal reflexes of the brain stem.
5. Anticonvulsant.

With an increase in the dose of the drug, there is a slight euphoria, a feeling of comfort, calmness, peace, relaxation. To obtain such sensations, the drug is often used by drug addicts.

Drug dependence

When using alprazolam for medical purposes, as prescribed by a doctor, addiction develops slowly. Gradually, adaptation to the action of the drug occurs, and it loses its medicinal properties. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the dose or change the drug. A safe treatment regimen in these cases is selected by a specialist.

With prolonged use of a tranquilizer to achieve a narcotic effect, addiction occurs within 2-3 months. A decrease in the intensity of the body’s reaction to repeated administration of a substance leads to the need to increase the dose to obtain the same effect.

As a result of abuse, dependence on Xanax develops, which is manifested by a strong and uncontrollable desire to use the drug. The likelihood of dependence is especially high in people suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction, personality disorder.

Against the background of taking an anxiolytic, there is a feeling of physical and mental comfort, well-being, self-confidence. The concentration of attention decreases, the sense of danger, the surrounding reality can be perceived in a distorted form.

Signs of Xanax use:

• a feeling of a surge of strength and energy;
• increased mood, mild euphoria;
• drops in blood pressure;
• tachycardia;
• pallor of the skin;
• trembling of the limbs;
• loss of appetite.

Outside the state of intoxication, irritability, dissatisfaction, discomfort, internal tension appear. If symptoms suggestive of drug abuse appear, it is recommended to contact a specialist in a mental health clinic.

How long does Xanax stay in the body and how is it excreted?

Xanax is a medium-acting benzodiazepine with an average half-life of 12-15 hours.

After oral administration, it is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Bioavailability is high (about 90%).

The maximum content in the blood plasma is reached after 1-2 hours. Plasma protein binding is 70-80%.

The drug is metabolized in the liver with the participation of cytochrome P450 with the formation of two metabolites.

Alprazolam and its metabolites are excreted mainly unchanged in the urine, a small part through the intestines.

Stages and types of drug dependence

Long-term use of large doses of the substance leads to an increase in tolerance and the development of psychological dependence. The timing of its formation depends on a number of factors: experience of use, dosage, susceptibility of the organism, state of health.

By reducing the dose of the drug, a person experiences discomfort, feels depressed and tense. To get rid of negative symptoms, the addict returns to taking the substance.

With continued use of alprazolam as a drug, physical dependence occurs, a characteristic manifestation of which is withdrawal syndrome (abstinence).

Withdrawal symptoms:

• anxiety, fussiness, irritability;
• depression, apathy;
• deterioration in general well-being;
• excessive sweating;
• malaise, weakness;
• heart palpitations, high blood pressure;
• pain in the region of the heart;
• lack of appetite;
• nausea, vomiting, dizziness;
• insomnia;
• involuntary muscle twitches, spasms.

In severe cases, at the peak of abstinence, hallucinations, psychomotor agitation, and suicidal intentions are possible.

Side effects of this drug

Excessive passion for Xanax leads to chronic intoxication and serious health consequences. These include:

• violation of the functions of internal organs;
• deterioration of mental abilities, absent-mindedness, forgetfulness, decreased memory and attention;
• behavioral disorders: impulsiveness, irascibility, aggressiveness;
• depression, suicidal behavior;
• neurotic states.

Among the main side effects are the following:

• slowness of motor and mental reactions;
• headache, dizziness;
• dry mouth, increased salivation;
• loss of appetite;
• dyspeptic symptoms;
• unsteady gait;
• deterioration of liver and kidney function;
• urination disorders: urinary incontinence or retention;
• skin rashes.

To enhance the effect, the dependent person constantly increases the dose or mixes the drug with other substances. This is fraught with an overdose – a dangerous condition that requires emergency medical attention.

Signs of a Xanax overdose are:

• lethargy, drowsiness;

• disorientation in the environment;
• inhibited state;
• slow heart rate;
• weakness, chills;
• shortness of breath, oppressed breathing;
• nausea, vomiting;
• tremor;
• impaired coordination of movements.

The severity of symptoms can vary from mild poisoning to severe intoxication. Severe cases lead to impaired consciousness and coma.

Overdose often occurs in addicts who take Xanax with alcohol or other CNS depressants.

Combination of the drug with other substances

The combination of alprazolam with other drugs can lead to irreversible consequences.

The joint use of Xanax and alcohol is unacceptable, since the anxiolytic enhances the effect of ethanol and increases the likelihood of acute intoxication. This is dangerous by inhibition of cardiac and respiratory activity up to the complete cessation of breathing and cardiac arrest.

Other tranquilizers, sleeping pills, opioid analgesics should not be used simultaneously with alprazolam.

Drug dependence affects the quality of life, performance and social activity of the patient. Not only the addict himself suffers from its consequences, but also his relatives.

Relationships in the family worsen, conflicts arise at work, former interests and contacts are lost.

Don’t neglect the health of your loved one. Timely assistance of specialists and constant support of relatives at all stages of treatment will help to cope with the problem and get rid of addiction.

You should not, also, self-medicate, use traditional medicine, turn to “healers” without a medical education. This can lead to dire consequences.

You need to contact only specialized medical centers, where highly qualified specialists with relevant experience work.

Diagnosis and treatment

An accurate diagnosis is established only by a specialist after diagnosing dependence on Xanax. An important role is played by the data of anamnesis, conversation, general examination and assessment of the mental status of the patient.

It is necessary to pay attention to changes in the character, habits, appearance, behavior of an addicted person, which may indicate the presence of a disease.

To completely get rid of addiction, complex therapy and the help of a team of specialists are needed.

It is important to understand that it is impossible to cope with the problem on your own.

Treatment is carried out in stationary conditions under the supervision of doctors and medical personnel. Therapeutic measures are aimed at stopping the intake of the substance, preventing relapses, resolving intra-family and social conflicts, controlling behavior and emotional state, and returning to a full life.

The first stage of treatment is detoxification, which is carried out to completely cleanse the body, remove toxic products, and stop the withdrawal syndrome.

Symptomatic drug therapy is necessary to relieve somatic and neurological disorders, normalize impaired functions, correct behavioral disorders, and eliminate the negative consequences of taking the drug. For this purpose, painkillers, antispasmodics, anticonvulsants, antihypertensives, vitamins, nootropics and other drugs are prescribed.

Important stages of the treatment program are the course of psychotherapy and rehabilitation. Psychotherapeutic sessions help to realize the presence of an addiction, create motivation to eliminate it, overcome psychological dependence and stop using an anxiolytic.

Rehabilitation helps to fully adapt to life in society. The former addict returns to society, can work, independently solve problems and build full-fledged relationships in the family.

After the end of therapy, in order to prevent relapses, it is desirable to create an optimal microclimate and a friendly environment. In addition to special psychotherapeutic techniques, you should observe the daily routine, eat right, and exercise.

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Prevention or advice

Xanax, which is addictive due to abuse, requires special care when used as a drug. The drug is prescribed in short courses and canceled, gradually reducing the dosage.

The main condition for safe treatment and the absence of abstinence is gradual withdrawal.

When treating with alprazolam, it is important to follow some recommendations:

• apply a tranquilizer strictly according to indications, under the supervision of a specialist;
• before starting to take into account contraindications, possible risks and adverse reactions;
• if you experience unpleasant symptoms, contact your doctor immediately;
• it is forbidden to independently adjust and increase the dose of the drug;
• remember about compatibility and interaction with other substances.