XANAX INFO:
Unlike Lortab and Percocet, which are pain controlling medications, Xanax is a central nervous system depressant prescribed for mild to moderate anxiety, panic disorder and agoraphobia (literally, “fear of the marketplace,” meaning an abnormal fear of crowded or unfamiliar surroundings). Xanax is the brand name for the chemical compound alprazolam, and belongs in a class of medications known as benzodiazepines, which function as mild or “minor” tranquilizers. In 2002, benzodiazepines accounted for 100,784 emergency room visits characterized as “abuse related.”
Xanax can be extremely effective in relieving anxiety; however, it can also cause memory loss, balance problems (which may result in falls and injury), mental impairment and potential addiction.
As a treatment for anxiety, Xanax functions by depressing the central nervous
system, slowing down the firing of neutrons and reducing brain activity.
The physical effect is very similar to alcohol. Doctors are cautious about
long-term use of Xanax, both because of its addictive potential and the
likelihood that longer use may actually cause more problems than it solves.
For these reasons, physicians prescribe Xanax for the immediate symptomatic relief of panic disorder, anxiety or agoraphobia, and then switch patients to antidepressants for long-term relief of symptoms.
When abused, Xanax can be used in its pill form, chewed or crushed (where it can be snorted like cocaine or dissolved in water and injected). According to Dr. Herndon Harding, medical director of Florida Hospital’s Center for Behavioral Health, “Xanax, in particular, is abused because it has a fairly quick uptake into the system, and many people get a buzz from it.”
The symptoms exhibited by those who abuse Xanax as a recreational drug include difficulty concentrating, confusion, memory loss, as well as decreased respiration and heartbeat. These symptoms can be dangerous alone, but many recreational users combine "Xannies" with alcohol, cocaine or other drugs that literally create a life-and-death game of "Russian Roulette" in the pursuit of a rush.
Even in patients who are using Xanax under a doctor's prescription would be risking side effects that range from unpleasant to lethal if they were to suddenly stop taking the drug. Physicians will carefully monitor a patient during a period of slowly decreasing dosages, to avoid respiratory failure, seizure or "bounce back" (the sudden onset of the original panic-related symptoms).
Withdrawal symptoms of Xanax abuse include:
- Anxiousness
- Shakiness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Sleeplessness
- Loss of appetite
- Seizures
For help dealing with prescription drug addiction-for yourself or someone you care about-contact the caring, professional representatives at (000) 000-0000, who can help you find a treatment program in your area. Help is available, recovery is possible, and life without addiction is the goal you can achieve.