Xanax: Side Effects, Withdrawal, Overdose & Treatment

Have you ever heard of Xanax? It’s a powerful prescription medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Although it can be very helpful for some people, Xanax can also be addictive and dangerous.

In this post, we’ll explore the dangers of addiction, withdrawal, overdose, and detox. We’ll also discuss the treatment options available for those who struggle with addiction. If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, keep reading.

What Is Xanax?

Xanax is the brand name of a benzodiazepine drug with the generic name alprazolam. It’s used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and depression. It can also be used to relieve the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

The said drug also goes by the names Tafil, Constan, Esparon, and Frontal. In the streets, the drug has the names Xannies, Zanbars, School Bus, Yellow Boys, White Boys/Girls, and Planks.

What Does Xanax Look Like?

This drug is available in triangular, oval, or bar-shaped tablets. The tablets can be white, orange, blue, yellow, or green. The generic alprazolam tablets can also come in different colors and shapes.

It is also available in a liquid form. It’s a clear solution that comes in a bottle with a dropper.
The different shapes and colors of the drug make it difficult for users to identify a fake one.

Many street drug dealers counterfeit this particular benzo. There have been reports of fake Xanax bars that contain fentanyl. This is a very dangerous combination because it increases the risk of overdose and death.

If you’re taking alprazolam, you should only buy from legitimate pharmacies. Don’t buy the drug from online pharmacies, the street, or anyone else who is not a licensed medical professional.

What Is Xanax Used For?

This drug helps treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. You should not self-medicate with alprazolam. Only take the drug if it’s prescribed by a doctor.

If you have anxiety, your doctor may prescribe this drug to help you cope with the symptoms.
Doctors usually prescribe this drug for short-term use only. It’s meant to be taken as needed, not regularly. It cannot address the anxiety that is caused by everyday stress.

This drug is for people who have severe anxiety disorders and panic attacks. It is stronger than Valium. Alprazolam has a stronger active ingredient, so it has more side effects. It also starts working faster, in 15 to 30 minutes.

How Does Xanax Work?

This drug works by depressing the central nervous system. It does this by binding to specific receptors in the brain called GABA receptors.

This increases the activity of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which has calming and relaxing effects.

How Long Does Xanax Stay in Your System?

This benzo has a shorter half-life than other drugs, so it will leave the system faster.

If you need to do a blood test, the drug will stay in your body for one to six days. If you need to do a urine test, the drug will stay in your body for five to seven days.

In a saliva test, the drug will stay in your system for up to 2.5 days. And lastly, if you need to do a hair test, the drug will stay in your system for one to seven days but could also last up to 90 days.

What are the Short and Long-term Effects of Xanax?

Although it can have some calming effects and help reduce anxiety, taking alprazolam without a prescription or help from a doctor can have negative side effects.
These short-term side effects include:

• drowsiness
• fatigue
• dry mouth
• nausea
• loss of appetite
• irritability
• low sex drive
• muscle spasm

However, its long-term effects include:

• seizures
• respiratory dysfunction
• skin problems
• jaundice
• hallucinations
• depression
• decreased motor skills
• slurred speech

Taking too much of the drug alprazolam can make you very sleepy, paralyzed, and can even lead to death.

Is Xanax Addictive?

Yes, Xanax can be addictive if it is not taken as prescribed. It has a higher potential for abuse. Stopping the drug can result in severe withdrawal symptoms.

Using it at the same time as other sedatives, stimulants, alcohol, and illicit substances can also lead to abuse and addiction since doing so makes the user experience a euphoric and sensational feeling.

What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms?

Since Xanax has a stronger active metabolite, its withdrawal symptoms may be more severe than Valium. Suddenly stopping alprazolam can cause severe discomfort.

Intense sweating, seizures, paranoia, hallucinations, and muscle spasms are some of its withdrawal symptoms.

What Causes Xanax Overdose?

Taking too much of the drug can lead to an overdose. If you take the drug with other substances including prescription drugs and alcohol, it can also lead to an overdose. If you are taking alprazolam, you should not drink alcohol.

One alarming cause of overdose is taking fake Xanax drugs. Many users who take the drug recreationally are at risk of overdosing because they don’t know what’s in their pills.

Fake Xanax sold online or on the streets often contain fentanyl. Fentanyl is one of the strongest opioid medications. Even a small amount of fentanyl can be deadly.

Some of the signs of an overdose are slowed breathing, blurred vision, agitation, and unconsciousness.

How Do You Treat Xanax Overdose?

What should you do if someone has overdosed on Xanax?

If someone has overdosed on the drug, some treatments can help. The first thing you should do is check the person’s vital signs. You may also want to perform gastric lavage to get rid of any drugs that are still in the person’s stomach.

Intravenous fluids may also be administered. It is important to keep the person’s airways open during this time. If the person has low blood pressure, you may want to give them vasopressors.

Another treatment option is activated charcoal, which can help absorb some of the remaining drug substances in the system. Flumazenil may also be given as part of the treatment process.

How Do You Treat Xanax Addiction? Detox & Treatment

If you or someone you love is suffering from Xanax addiction, it’s important to get professional help right away. Detoxing from alprazolam on your own can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening.

The safe and effective way to detox from the drug is to seek professional help at a detox center or drug rehabilitation facility.

At a professional detox center, medical staff will closely monitor you and provide you with the necessary support and care throughout the process. They will also be able to address any withdrawal symptoms you may experience. After completing detox, you will then be able to begin treatment for your addiction.

Inpatient addiction treatment is often the best option for those suffering from addiction. This type of treatment offers 24/7 care and support, which is essential during early recovery. Inpatient treatment also allows you to focus on your recovery without having to worry about work, school, or other obligations.

Final Thoughts: Addressing Xanax Abuse and Addiction

Xanax is a powerful benzodiazepine prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. However, the drug can be addictive and dangerous if not used as prescribed.
It’s critical to seek expert assistance as soon as possible if you or someone you care about suffers from addiction.