How Do You Know When Your Panic Attacks and Anxiety Are Bad Enough for Xanax

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Medically Reviewed By Jessica Pyhtila, PharmD

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Updated on 04/23/21

Xanax, besides known by the generic drug name alprazolam, is a commonly prescribed medication. It is the most commonly prescribed drug that can bear upon a person'due south mental state. Doctors ofttimes use Xanax to treat people with astringent anxiety or panic problems. Even so, the drug is not complimentary of risk. Xanax is classified past the Drug Enforcement Administration every bit a Schedule 4 controlled substance.

Additionally, equally a benzodiazepine, Xanax has to get into the brain to work. The brain is the site of action for Xanax. Unfortunately, Xanax can have other effects on the brain that are not desirable. For example, Xanax tin can impact memory and thinking. Some of these effects may be long-term or permanent — even if the person stops taking the drug.

Commodity at a Glance:

• Xanax, besides known by its generic proper noun alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine drug and a controlled substance
• Xanax is frequently used for mood bug like anxiety or panic attacks
• Xanax increases levels of a encephalon chemic chosen GABA that helps calm people downward
• Unfortunately, Xanax use can lead to other side effects like feeling sleepy, empty-headed and even cause retention loss
• Long-term effects of Xanax use may include problems involving learning or focusing and permanent retention bug
• Over time, the brain gets used to the higher GABA levels from Xanax use and information technology tin develop problems making enough GABA on its own
• Many withdrawal symptoms of Xanax are also related to its effects on the brain

Curt-Term Effects: Xanax and the Encephalon

Most formulations of Xanax are short-acting. Therefore, the drug starts working very chop-chop and reaches its peak effect within one to two hours. Some of the most common side effects of Xanax are related to its result on the brain:

• Feeling sleepy or tired
• Feeling airheaded
• Memory problems, including amnesia for events that happen after taking the drug
• Mood problems

Xanax and Brain Chemistry Short-Term

Xanax works on the brain by enhancing the effect of a chemical chosen gamma-aminobutyric acrid (GABA). Some doctors depict GABA equally a natural tranquilizer. GABA halts encephalon signals that would otherwise excite the brain and pb to anxiety or panic. College levels of the chemical may crusade a person to feel relaxed or sleepy. Xanax is a potent drug which is more powerful than another benzodiazepines. Likewise, unlike some other benzodiazepines, Xanax may trigger the brain'southward reward system. This possibility puts people at higher take chances of developing an addiction to Xanax compared to other benzodiazepines.

Long-Term Effects: Xanax and the Brain

Long-term use of Xanax may lead to memory problems. Studies showed that people taking Xanax accept more memory problems compared to people not using the drug. Doctors constitute that people who stopped Xanax use have retention problems that final 4 months. These retentivity problems may exist permanent in some cases. Other long-term effects of benzodiazepines include:

• Visual-spatial issues
• Lowered IQ
• Problems processing information rapidly
• Trouble learning new verbal skills
• Problems concentrating
• Delay in response time

However, information technology is of import to note that well-nigh of the studies virtually the long-term effects of benzodiazepines on the encephalon were conducted with people who were taking the drug at the time. Therefore, information technology remains unclear if these furnishings are due to changes in the encephalon itself, or simply side effects of the drug that may get away if the drug were stopped.

Xanax and Brain Chemistry Long-Term

Over fourth dimension, the encephalon starts to expect higher levels of GABA. Therefore, the brain may make less GABA on its own and offset depending on the Xanax. This process tin can happen in as little every bit six weeks. A person may need stronger doses of Xanax to achieve the same calming effects as originally experiences. After some time this pattern leads to tolerance, dependence and can even lead to addiction.

If a person stops taking Xanax suddenly, they may experience worsened anxiety and panic attacks than earlier because the brain is non making equally much GABA on its own. Doctors refer to this development as rebound anxiety. Likely due to rebound anxiety, Xanax is known to cause worse withdrawal symptoms than other benzodiazepines. Some of those withdrawal symptoms may final for months or years. Many withdrawal symptoms are related to Xanax'southward furnishings on GABA in the brain, and can include:

• Feeling anxious or panicked
• Problems sleeping
• Feeling dizzy
• Mental status changes
• Mood changes
• Seizures

• Sources

  Ait-Daoud Northward., Hamby As., Sharma S., Blevins D. "A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal." PMC, March 12, 2018. Accessed May 26, 2019.

  Stewart SA. "The Effects of Benzodiazepines on Cognition." Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, March 12, 2018. Accessed May 26, 2019.

  Parks, J. "Safe & Constructive Use of Benzodiazepines in Clinical Do." Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, May 31, 2017. Accessed May 26, 2019.

Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to better the quality of life for people struggling with a substance employ or mental health disorder with fact-based content virtually the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. Nosotros publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information nosotros provide is non intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Information technology should not be used in place of the communication of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

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Source: https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/xanax-addiction/xanax-works-brain/

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