Xanax (Alprazolam)

What is Xanax?

Stress, anxiety and panic attacks are becoming more and more common year after year. This rate is also closely correlated with the increase in usage of benzodiazepine medications, a cycle of drugs that also includes Xanax. This drug, also known as alprazolam, is consumed to help people deal with their anxiety and related issues, by reinforcing pre-existing medical compounds of the body and eventually calming the user.

Similar drugs to Xanax are Valium, Klonopin and Ativan, which all tend to help relieve people from the same disorders as the ones treated trough Xanax.

How to Know if I Need Xanax?

Currently, about 18% of the whole adult population in America suffers from anxiety disorders, a percentage that is even higher amongst teens. Is, however, Xanax the answer to your anxiety disorder?

To be honest, your doctor is the right person to tell you if you need Xanax. There are numerous anxiety disorder types today, including Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, PTSD, Social Phobia and more.  Therefore, you might think that you suffer from something specific, which could be treated using Xanax, while being able to solve your issue without even taking medication. Have you considered any of the following anxiety relieve methods?

• Pursue physical exercise
• Decrease or cease usage of cigarettes and alcohol
• Use technology and apps to try to manage your stress, i.e. yoga lessons or meditation.
• Reach out to your friends.
• Improve your diet

How to Use Xanax

If none of the above works for you and your doctor prescribes Xanax to help you deal with anxiety related diseases, then it is important to know how to use alprazolam:

• Consume orally unless you have been instructed otherwise.
• There is no standard Xanax dosage, since it depends on the individual’s age, sex and medical condition. You must solely rely on your doctor’s directions in regards to this.
• Never consume more than advised or prescribed, as Xanax can be addictive. Do not fall into the common trap of increasing the dosage due to lesser effects by the medication over time. This is actually normal to happen and you might need to switch medication.

What Can Happen if I Take Xanax for Prolonged Periods?

All drugs, including Xanax, come with certain side-effects. Some are less severe and more common, while others are rarely showing. For instance, feeling tired, dizzy or even noticing a change in sex ability are part of the more common ones in the case of Xanax. Nonetheless, if using Xanax for a longer period of time, even some of the more severe side-effects could appear:

• Rapid changes in mood
• Finding it hard to speak properly
• Feeling disorganized or lost
• Forgetting things
• Struggling with walking

If any of the above appear while you have been medicating with Xanax, it is paramount that you inform your doctor. This drug is prescribed to help with anxiety, although the side-effects might prove even more severe in certain cases.

Is Xanax a Safe Medication?

As we briefly touched upon above, Xanax, and any other drugs in that regard, comes with certain side-effects. All FDA approved drugs are considered safe to consume, as long as this is performed correctly.

To avoid adverse reaction to alprazolam, you must inform your doctor about any allergies that you might be suffering from and any other medical condition. Also, you should not mix with alcohol and marijuana, since dizziness is also caused by Xanax. The combination of the above could literally put you in danger.

Lastly, Xanax should not be combined with other medication, due to increased risk of heightened dizziness, drowsiness and breathing problems. Especially if you are taking other opioids for pain, drugs for anxiety or relaxants for your muscles. The above contain substances that might put you at risk if you also take Xanax.