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. After taking Xanax, the peak effects of the drug are typically felt within one to two hours. As an intermediate-duration drug, Xanax stays in a person’s system for 12 to 15 hours. Because Xanax is a CNS Depressant, common effects of the drug include slurred speech, loss of coordination, and anxiety.

Serious side effects

• Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy, or are not alert or able to see well.
• Prolonged use also increases the risk of withdrawal syndrome.
• Your doctor can assess your overall health by performing a physical exam.
• Research indicates that roughly 40% of people taking benzodiazepines for more than six months will experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms.
• Your loved one might refuse to admit they take drugs at all or refuse to undergo treatment.
• If you think you or a loved one may have a problem with benzodiazepine misuse, contact a doctor or a drug hotline.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. Reckless prescribing practices have contributed to thousands of cases of dependence and misuse. Natural Xanax Alternatives For Anxiety Research shows that in 2018, an estimated 5.4 million people over the age of 12 misused prescription benzodiazepines like Xanax. It eases anxiety by boosting the effect of GABA, a type of neurotransmitter in your brain. Taking the medication around the same times of day helps keep a steady level of the drug in your body.

What Is a Xanax Addiction?

Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some people who are prescribed benzodiazepines become dependent on them and end up misusing them. Others get them illegally and intentionally misuse them to get high. If you use them for a long time, you can build up a tolerance.

Mixing Xanax With Alcohol and Other Drugs

• To treat panic disorder in adults, the recommended starting dosage of Xanax is 0.5 mg three times per day.
• Do not take itraconazole (Sporanox®) or ketoconazole (Nizoral®) while you are using this medicine.
• The only safe way to quit is to slowly taper down your dose under the direction of a doctor.
• Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you.

Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms. How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication. Before approving coverage for Xanax, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide whether the drug will be covered. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Xanax vs. Ativan

You may be curious about how Xanax compares with other drugs that are prescribed for similar purposes, such as clonazepam. You may wonder how Xanax compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar purposes, such as Valium. There are special rules around prescribing and supplying Schedule IV controlled drugs.

Xanax Effects

If you suspect someone is experiencing a benzodiazepine overdose, or any other substance overdose, call 911 immediately. You may choose outpatient treatment, where you live at home and travel to a treatment center on a regular schedule, or inpatient treatment, where you reside at a rehabilitation facility for the duration of treatment. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law. A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. If you’re uninsured or under-insured, SAMSA can refer you to state-funded treatment programs, programs that accept Medicare or Medicaid, and those that charge on a sliding scale. If you have health insurance, your insurer can give you a list of providers and facilities covered by your plan.