Xanax Addiction

Xanax is in the benzodiazepine family of drugs and alters the brain chemicals that cause a person to become unbalanced and experience anxiety.  The drug is used in the medical treatment of anxiety disorders and anxiety which is depression-related.  Xanax can also be used in the treatment of other medical conditions as determined by a licensed medical professional.

A person should always take Xanax as prescribed and never in excessive amounts.  The drug should also never be shared with others or given to someone who has a past history of addiction to drugs or alcohol.  A person who has breathing difficulties, kidney or liver problems, and a history of depression or suicidal thoughts should also not take Xanax without prior consultation with a medical doctor.

A person with a Xanax addiction should never try to purchase the drug from an outside vendor or on the internet.  Internet Xanax prescriptions have been found to contain Haldol which is a potent, anti-psychotic medication which can have potentially dangerous side effects when misused. 

There are side effects which can be directly associated with the use of Xanax which include but are not limited to the following:

• Lowering of inhibitions
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Agitation
• Hostility
• Hallucinations
• Fainting
• Seizures
• Jaundice
• Mental confusion
• Excessive sleeping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Appetite changes
• Loss of balance
• Amnesia or forgetfulness
• Dry mouth
• Profuse sweating
• Constipation

There are also several other side effects which can occur, because Xanax effects each user differently.  Xanax can also produce dangerous side effects if used in conjunction with other central nervous system depressants and alcohol.

Because chronic use or a Xanax addiction can result in a user experiencing a physical and psychological dependence on the medication, it is common for a user to experience withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing the drug.  Such symptoms include:

• Heart palpitations
• Memory loss
• Depression
• Seizures
• Panic attacks
• Fever
• Body aches
• Insomnia
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Tension
• Tremors
• Mental confusion
• Aggression

The most dangerous of all withdrawal symptoms are seizures, which are likely to develop if the medication is stopped abruptly.  Seizures can also result if the drug is not discontinued slowly enough and tapered off correctly.  Even failing to take one dose of Xanax can result in a person experiencing withdrawal symptoms.  As a users body becomes accustomed to the drug, a person can encounter withdrawal symptoms between scheduled doses of Xanax.

To avoid the severe withdrawal symptoms associated with Xanax addiction, a healthcare practitioner will likely want to use the “step-down” method of tapering off the drug slowly.  Do not be frightened to ask healthcare provider or drug rehabilitation facility for help when trying to combat an addiction to Xanax, even if the medication is being taken without a prescription.  The withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and dangerous and require monitoring by a team of drug rehab specialists and medical professionals.

If you or someone you love is experiencing a Xanax addiction and are seeking help, please contact us today for further information.