Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Xanax

Xanax: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Xanax?

Xanax contains the prescription medicine Alprazolam, prescribed for anxiety. It comes under the category of drugs called benzodiazepines. 

Xanax functions by slowing down the abnormal stimulation or excitement in the brain. It also inhibits the movement of abnormal brain signals. This, in turn, reduces stress and anxiety and produces a calming effect.

What are the uses of Xanax?

The primary use of Xanax is to treat anxiety disorders. It helps relieve the symptoms of anxiety. It also helps in the treatment of panic attacks. It results in the inhibition of certain brain functions and an overall slowdown of multiple bodily functions.

Xanax works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter synthesised in the brain. This helps to regulate abnormal and excessive nerve cell activity in the brain and thereby imparts a sense of relaxation and calm.

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    What are the side effects of Xanax?

    The side effects of Xanax may be felt at the initial stages of medication. However, it completely subsides once the medication is stopped. Drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, confusion, muscle cramps, and increased salivation are common side effects. It may also cause loss of libido (sexual desire), muscle spasms, skin rashes, blurred vision, menstrual disorders, etc.

    Weight fluctuations, falls, slowing of heart rate, and breathing problems may also be noticed while using Xanax. Your doctor can help you with the precautions to limit the side effects.

    What is Xanax

    Uses of Xanax

    Side effects of Xanax

    References

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Xanax

    Xanax makes you feel calm, drowsy, and sedated. It relaxes and calms you significantly. Thus, it gives you a pleasant and uninterrupted sleep. Memory loss or blackouts for some time have been noticed after using Xanax. However, it may vary from person to person and depends on the doses.

    Xanax makes you calmer when taken in the absence of anxiety disorders. It also imparts a pleasant sense of euphoria. This effect encourages the misuse of Xanax for recreation. Thus, it contributes to abuse. Moreover, it depends on the doses you take. The results may be intense for higher doses.

    Xanax is a prescription drug with a high potential for abuse and addiction. Do not take this medicine without a doctor’s prescription.

    Yes, it makes you talkative. It is a symptom of long-term abuse of Xanax. It is likely noticed in some individuals who are addicted to Xanax. Other symptoms of Xanax misuse and addiction include confusion, disoriented speech, and anger.

    Prolonged abuse of Xanax may result in weight gain and loss of energy, causing weakness and lethargy.

    Yes, long-term use of Xanax may lead to dementia. It is a side effect of drugs in the benzodiazepine group. They are used for the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders. However, they show a higher risk of dementia, especially in older adults. It is a significant concern in Alzheimer’s patients.

    Yes, Xanax causes falls, especially in elderly patients. Prolonged use of Xanax may affect body balance. A significant risk of imbalance resulting in falls and fractures is linked with Xanax use. Therefore, long-term use of Xanax may be avoided.

    No, Xanax does not worsen your anxiety. It is a medicine given for anxiety and panic disorders. It relaxes and calms you when taken in prescribed doses. It relieves anxiety symptoms and soothes your body's response to panic attacks or stress.

    Xanax may be used as a drug of choice for the treatment of severe anxiety associated with depression. It helps suppress certain impulses in the brain. This imparts a feeling of euphoria and contentment. However, discontinuation of Xanax may cause a relapse in depression symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended to be taken only with a doctor’s prescription.

    Xanax may not keep you awake. However, it calms and relaxes you. It may make you tired and sleepy. However, it is not a medication to treat insomnia or sleep disorders. Nonetheless, there is no clear association between Xanax and staying awake.

    Yes, Xanax slows down your heart. It may lower your heart rate and blood pressure temporarily. Your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure shoot up with anxiety—Xanax functions by slowing down overall body functions. However, as you relax, your body's functions normalise.

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