Author: Gary Jackson
Why is Xanax so addictive?
It’s even more dangerous to take Xanax that you buy on the street because it’s impossible to know exactly what you’re buying. A pill labeled Xanax could actually be a stronger benzodiazepine or a totally different drug. It can lower a person’s ability to make responsible decisions. They become vulnerable to sexual assault, theft and other transgressions. This is not all the information you need to know about Xanax (alprazolam) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
You might need to continue to meet with a therapist for months after your detox is complete, or even for longer. The purpose of therapy is for you to understand your addiction and to gain control so you can avoid misusing Xanax or another drug in the future. Additionally, some people are predisposed to substance addiction, possibly due to genetic factors and altered activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. Xanax overdose causes central nervous system (CNS) depression, which is a direct result of the drug’s effect on reduced neuronal excitability. CNS depression leads to impaired respiration and bradycardia (slow heart rate), which can cause coma or cardiac arrest (interruption of the heartbeat). Due to these risks, the FDA issued a black box warning in 2016 against the concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids.
How to recognize addiction in others
Moreover, some people using Xanax can develop drug tolerance. If you develop tolerance to Xanax, you may need to use higher doses to maintain a therapeutic effect. This can lead to excessively high dosing, intoxication, and, in some cases, drug-seeking behaviors. Benzodiazepines (also known as “benzos”) are commonly referred to as sedatives, hypnotics, or minor tranquilizers. They work by increasing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This reduces the excitability of neurons (nerve cells), resulting in decreased feelings of anxiety.
Taking these medications together for this purpose as prescribed by a doctor is not known to be harmful. Xanax has a boxed warning about the risk of severe harm or death if taken with opioids. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Xanax, as the reaction could become severe. It’s called Xanax XR, and it’s approved to treat only panic disorder. The dosage is based on a patient’s medical condition, age and response to treatment. A course of Xanax should not last longer than one or two weeks, but sometimes it is prescribed on an “as-needed” basis for panic attacks.
How to Safely Taper Off Xanax and Recover from Addiction
The active drug in Xanax is alprazolam, and the active drug in buspirone is buspirone. The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you.
Repeated misuse can lead to addiction that requires treatment. Quitting Xanax cold-turkey can cause seizures and other dangerous side effects. Behavioral therapy is an important component of recovery from drug addiction. While detox medications are focused on avoiding adverse effects of withdrawal, behavioral therapy is a process that is focused on maintaining recovery.