Xanax is a medicine that treats mental health disorders having anxiety as the main symptom. As a result, it is super effective in treating anxiety and panic disorders. Because it belongs to the benzodiazepine class of medicines i.e. anxiety-relieving medicines. Now, the question that comes to mind is, what is anxiety? And, why it is important to treat anxiety.

Well, anxiety is a mental health disorder and a symptom of many other health issues. It refers to the feelings of uneasiness, tension, fear, and worry about what is to come. When daily life stress goes beyond the limit, it starts affecting your life in every way. At this point, stress turns into anxiety. Treatment of anxiety is important as it has very negative effects on your health and overall well-being. And, here Xanax comes to the rescue. Because xanax is one of the most effective medicines to combat stress.

In this article, we will learn about xanax and why it is useful. Along with that, this article will help you learn different aspects of this medicine. Because it is important to know everything about the medicine before taking it.

What Is Xanax (Alprazolam)?

Alprazolam is the generic name of Xanax. It is designed to treat several anxiety disorders. It reduces the adamant feeling of fear and panic experienced during anxiety disorders. As a result, it is the most commonly used anti-anxiety medication in the US and UK.

Action Mechanism of Xanax: It works by decreasing brain activity and depressing the CNS. Because benzodiazepines are CNS depressants. Along with that, it binds with the GABA receptors and increases their activity. Increased levels of these chemicals promote relaxation and calm the mind. As a result, these feelings of calm divert your mind from negative and stressful thoughts. Your brain reaches an excited state whenever you are anxious. As a result, this medicine decreases the level of excitement in the brain to relieve anxiety.

What Are the Uses of Xanax?

Talking about its uses, it comes with several benefits. Besides the FDA-approved uses, the doctor may also prescribe it for off-label use. Here are some uses of Xanax:

• generalized anxiety disorder
• panic disorder with or without agoraphobia

Off-label uses or additional benefits of Xanax

• improves the symptoms of insomnia
• reduces muscle tension
• improves seizures

What Is the Dosage of Xanax?

Xanax comes in the form of oral tablets only. They are of two types – immediate release and extended release. The extended-release form is spelled as Xanax XR. It is available in the form of a bar. Xanax bar is used only for panic disorders.

• Immediate-release tablets: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg
• extended-release tablets: 2 mg

The dosage of Xanax will vary depending on several factors. These factors include:

• health condition and its severity for you are taking Xanax
• the form of xanax
• age and medical condition of the patient
• other medications if you are taking any

Initially, the doctor starts the treatment with a low dose. Then, he adjusts the dosage over the time that is right for you. Your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose possible with desired effects. So, make sure to take the medicine as per the doctor’s prescription to avoid unusual side effects. The dosage of xanax for different disorders:

Things you should know while taking Xanax

Xanax is a controlled medicine. So, you can buy it only with a prescription. Because it has higher risks of addiction and dependance. Because of its good effects, people misuse it. That’s why, doctors suggest taking it for short-term. Moreover, you may develop tolerance to it after using it for a long time. Due to this, you will need a stronger dose to get the same effects resulting in overdosing.

What Are the Potential Side Effects of Xanax?

Xanax can cause mild or serious side effects. It depends on how much dose and for how long you have consumed it. Like every other medicine, it also has some common side effects. These will not harm you much and will fade within a few weeks. Because these side effects are temporary.

Common side effects of Xanax

• drowsiness
• lightheadedness
• fatigue and muscle weakness
• changes in appetite
• low blood pressure
• irritability
• difficulty in balancing
• increased saliva production

Serious side effects of Xanax

• seizures
• hallucinations
• liver or kidney problems
• severe allergic reactions

Although some rarely experience serious side effects of xanax. Because it only happens when you misuse it or take it for a long time. Moreover, if you take it with alcohol or opioids, you may experience these side effects. If you notice any of these, reach out for medical help immediately.

Does Xanax Have Some Interactions?

Yes, xanax shows some interactions with several other medications. Moreover, it can show interactions with some food items as well. These interactions have different effects. Some may increase the side effects and make them worse. In contrast, others may change the working efficiency of the medicine.

• Opioids and alcohol
• Other benzodiazepines like diazepam and clonazepam
• Sleep medications like zopiclone and zolpidem
• Ketoconazole and itraconazole
• Barbiturates
• Clarithromycin
• Carbamazepine
• Grapefruit juice

What are the risks associated with Xanax?

You should take care of a few things while taking this medicine. Because this medicine comes with the risks of misuse and overdosing. Moreover, it may show severe withdrawal symptoms if you stop using it abruptly. Because when you take this medicine for a long time, your body becomes resilient and dependent on it. So, if you stop its use all of a sudden, you will experience serious withdrawal symptoms including:

• hallucinations
• withdrawal seizures
• suicidal thoughts
• headache
• anxiety and depression
• psychosis
• impaired cognitive functions
• dizziness and insomnia
• fatigue and muscle twitching
• tingling or burning sensation

These symptoms may last for months and have a very bad impact on your health. So, if you want to quit the medicine, discuss it with the doctor. The doctor will reduce the dose gradually to reduce withdrawal symptoms.

Furthermore, avoid using xanax during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Because it may pass to the baby through placenta or breast milk. As a result, affects the growth and overall health of the baby.

Lastly, don’t take it with alcohol or opioids. Because they will increase its effects causing severe side effects. Along with that, don’t drive after taking it as you may have an accident due to lack of coordination.

My Final Thoughts

Xanax is a great treatment option for anxiety and panic disorders. But it can be a good treatment for insomnia and many other health as well. The only thing is that you need to follow the doctor’s prescription. And the most important thing is not to take it for a long time. You should with the doctor about whether to take it or not and how to take it. If you take Xanax as per the doctor’s prescription, it is one of the best treatments for anxiety. So, I will suggest taking this medicine to manage anxiety and live a better life. Moreover, you can use several natural methods along with xanax for better and long-lasting results. So, don’t panic, just take xanax and calm down.

Moreover, you can buy xanax next-day delivery from several only pharmacies in the UK. But Xanax is a prescription medicine. So, a prescription is a must to have if you want to buy it only.