Studies have shown that prolonged use of benzodiazepines like Xanax alters brain chemistry, further increasing the risk of addiction​, according to a study by Kang, M., Galuska, M. A., & Ghassemzadeh, S. While alprazolam is prescribed to treat acute symptoms related to anxiety, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression, clonazepam is used to treat seizures, epilepsy, insomnia, and panic attacks. Individuals who abuse Xanax are at a higher risk of developing co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. In fact, Benzodiazepine use is more common in people with severe mental illness and substance use disorders, complicating their treatment. Alprazolam can cause physical dependence, which means your body relies on the medicine to function properly.

What are the Overdose Effects of Xanax?

It’s important to follow the instructions your medical professional provides. Commonly used dosages are mentioned below, but always take the dosage your medical professional recommends. Weight changes were a common side effect in studies of the drug. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose.

• It involves working with a therapist to develop a set of healthy coping strategies.
• You should refer to the prescribing information for alprazolam for a complete list of interactions.
• To find out how the cost of alprazolam compares to the cost of Xanax, see this article.
• Xanax addiction differs from alcohol addiction primarily in its mechanisms of action, effects, and withdrawal processes.
• In addition to its pharmacological properties which may contribute to its increased misuse potential, alprazolam uniquely affects the dopaminergic function in the striatum similarly to stimulants.
• Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy, or are not alert or able to see well.

How Effective is Alprazolam (Xanax) for Anxiety?

In the upcoming sections, we’ll outline the specific physical consequences of long-term Xanax misuse. Recognizing the signs of Xanax abuse and seeking appropriate treatment early on can help mitigate these long-term consequences and lead to a healthier, happier life. Along with its needed effects, alprazolam may cause some unwanted effects. If you no longer need to take Xanax and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident.

Frequently asked questions about alprazolam

Yes, there are alternatives to Xanax for anxiety and insomnia. For anxiety, options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). For insomnia, medications like melatonin or lifestyle changes, such as sleep hygiene practices, are effective. Benzodiazepines like Sober living house Xanax are recommended only for short-term use due to their risk of dependency and side effects. Xanax interacts with other medications, such as opioids, antidepressants, or other sedatives, potentially increasing the risk of side effects like extreme drowsiness, respiratory depression, or sedation. Always inform your doctor of all medications and supplements you are taking to ensure safe use.

A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal

Our writers and reviewers are experienced professionals in medicine, addiction treatment, and healthcare. AddictionResource fact-checks all the information before publishing and uses only credible and trusted sources when citing any medical data. CBT is a psychotherapeutic approach that helps individuals identify and change harmful thought patterns and behaviors related to Xanax use.

Using any of them together with this medicine may increase the chance of serious side effects. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. Also, you should not drive or perform other potentially dangerous activities, such as operating machines, until you know how the drug combination affects you. By boosting the effect of GABA, Xanax helps reduce nervous tension and feelings of anxiety. You should store Xanax tablets at room temperature in a tightly sealed container.

FDA warnings

• Alprazolam is a member of the benzodiazepine family, which are sedatives that cause dose-related depression of the central nervous system.
• This article dives into the effects of prolonged Xanax abuse, its interactions with other substances, and available treatment options.
• If you have hangover-like symptoms when stopping Xanax treatment, talk with your doctor.
• Xanax, and the generic versions, all seem to work well for most anxiety disorders and continue to provide relief for many months.

When you have an addiction, you continue to use a drug regardless of any negative consequences. Physical dependence can occur with or without an addiction to the drug; however, it is a common feature of addiction. Taking Alprazolam for anxiety can also cause both psychological and physical dependence. All of these other properties have both benefits and weaknesses for reducing anxiety. Alprazolam is one of the most prescribed medicines because it works quickly. It may take as little as 10 minutes and usually no longer than an hour for the Alprazolam to start working.

Finding support

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any treatments for Xanax addiction, but a doctor can explain the available medication options that can help reduce cravings during and after detox. Alprazolam, which is available under the brand name Xanax, is a form of benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are a type of sedative, meaning that they help slow down brain and bodily functions. Addiction Resource does not offer medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice.