15 Sep 2023
Xanax, a
brand name for Alprazolam, is from a benzodiazepine family and central nervous
system (CNS) depressant that may be prescribed for treating generalised anxiety
and panic disorders. It works by enhancing the activity of GABA neurotransmitters.
While
Alprazolam can be helpful if drug intake is according to therapeutic
parameters, it may also be misused, which increases the risk of adverseeffects, including addiction, overdose, hallucinations, and rarely death.
Suppose you
or someone you know uses Xanax. In that case, it’s essential to know the short
and long-term effects of Alprazolam, the dangers of overdose and drug mixing.
A hallucination is a false perception of things or events involving your senses: sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. Hallucinations seem real, but they’re not. Chemical reactions and/or abnormalities in your brain cause hallucinations.
The doctor will
start you on a low dosage and gradually adjust it over time to reach the
required dosage. For anxiety disorder, the typical dosage is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg
three times a day. For Panic disorder, the starting dosage is 0.5 mg tablet
three times a day. Xanax has a rapid onset of action and makes you feel better
in 20-60 minutes.
Consult your doctor
if you find no improvement in a few days or if any new or worsening physical or
psychological symptoms appear. Xanax is for the short-term relief of anxiety or
panic attacks; long-term use may lead to addiction and severe withdrawal
effects. Xanax may not work well if you take it longer; consult your physician
if the drug stops working.
Start Xanax on a low
dose, the minimum strength, if taking Xanax for the first time without any
professional guidance. Use caution, increase your dosage carefully and
self-monitor any side effects or allergic reactions. Gradually increase your
dosage if you are confident that your body has been well-adapted to the drug.
Do not overdose or misuse the drug, which may result in fatal consequences.
Misuse, abuse, or addiction to Xanax is a growing epidemic.
Xanax is effective
and safe at prescribed doses. It is not a long-term solution. It may become
addictive and abused. The point of concern here is the addiction to Xanax. The
use and abuse of benzodiazepines are increasing rapidly. Xanax is the most
commonly prescribed drug; and the most abused one. Xanax and other
benzodiazepines are drugs of abuse. The physical and behavioural signs of
misuse are:
·
drowsiness
·
poor coordination
·
poor memory
·
taking Xanax
without a prescription
·
hiding or lying
about Xanax use
·
drug-seeking
behaviour
·
purchasing Xanax
illegally
·
obsessive or
intrusive thoughts about using Xanax
Xanax exposes users
to increased risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which leads to overdose or
death. Physical dependence is a state that develops due to physiological
adaptation in response to repeated drug use. Abuse and misuse of Xanax may
involve greater doses than the maximum recommended dosage. It may also include
using Xanax with alcohol or other substances, which results in severe adverse
effects like respiratory depression, coma, and death.
Long-term use or
abuse of Xanax may cause hallucinations. However, it is rare, but the
possibility still exists.
Hallucination
is a severe life-threatening side effect of Xanax. It is rare, but it may
happen due to abuse or prolonged use of Xanax.
