Even at relatively low doses, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ can develop—in part because the drug has a relatively short half-life of 11 hours, which means that its effects wear off quickly. Other commonly prescribed benzodiazepines that pose a risk of dependence include Valium (diazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam). In both cases, you take less and less of the drug until it’s out of your system. Some are related to your environment and life experiences, such as having friends who use drugs. When you take a drug, certain genetic factors can increase your risk of developing an addiction. Regular drug use changes your brain chemistry, affecting how you experience pleasure.
If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Alprazolam and its 2 hydroxylated metabolites are known to cross the placenta. Retrospective studies evaluating pregnancy outcomes of women exposed to alprazolam during the first trimester of pregnancy found conflicting results of congenital anomalies (Iqbal et al., 2002). By Corinne https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/xanax-addiction-signs-symptoms-and-treatment/ O’Keefe OsbornCorinne Osborn is an award-winning health and wellness journalist with a background in substance abuse, sexual health, and psychology. When it comes to the long-term management of getting off benzodiazepines, there are two directions you can go. Research shows that most stable, healthy adults will achieve long-term abstinence after completing a taper.
Xanax Usage
Xanax is typically prescribed as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. The main symptom of generalized anxiety disorder is persistent worry, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Panic disorder causes panic attacks, which may be accompanied by a racing heartbeat, chest pain, sweating, and other symptoms. Xanax—also known by its generic name alprazolam—is a benzodiazepine that comes in either tablet or capsule form.
There is a subpopulation of patients exposed to benzodiazepines that is more likely to escalate their dose, mainly those with coexisting drug or alcohol use problem (Griffiths and Wolf, 1990; NICE, 2014). Most would agree that tolerance is a multifactorial process that occurs at different rates for different patients, and also depends on the profile of the benzodiazepine used. In general, available data have been inconsistent with large variance between studies highlighting the need of well-designed long-term clinical trials addressing the question of tolerance with all benzodiazepines including alprazolam. Benzodiazepines are implicated in approximately one-third of intentional overdoses or suicide attempts (Henderson et al., 1993). Long-term Xanax use can lead to tolerance or dependence, making the substance less effective at its usual dose.
What Does Xanax Rebound Mean?
If you are taking Xanax as prescribed, check with your doctor before taking another drug or drinking alcohol. Checking with a medical expert can reveal any potentially dangerous effects from mixing substances, and this could protect you against severe injury and dependence on Xanax. Xanax, even at recommended doses, has a risk of overdose and death, especially when combined with opiates like heroin or oxycodone, alcohol, street drugs or other central nervous system depressants. This can lead to severe drowsiness, breathing problems (respiratory depression), coma and death. Xanax is a type of sedative that people use to treat conditions such as anxiety and panic disorder.
- Detox facilities or outpatient treatment centers can help individuals ease withdrawal symptoms.
- Another possible behavioral change is an increase in secretive behavior.
- Addicted individuals may develop strained relationships with significant others, close friends, and family.
- Xanax is a short-acting drug, which means your body metabolizes it very quickly.