Freelance Writing Jobs | Today's Articles | Sign In

 

Side Effects of Xanax Addiction

Drug Abuse and Withdrawals from Benzodiazepines

Jun 11, 2009 Jennifer Marsh

Xanax addiction causes many side effects that are difficult during withdrawals and recovery.

Xanax is part of the benzodiazepine family that sedates and calms patients during panic attacks or severe anxiety. The drug is a white powder that dissolves in methanol or ethanol. Many Xanax addicts will dissolve the pill in an ethanol solution. Normal doses of the drug for an intolerant person are .25mg to .5mg. However, Xanax comes in an oval, bar form consisting of 2mg of the drug. These are the popular pills available on the streets since they can be cut up into .25mg doses.

Uses for Xanax

Xanax is prescribed by physicians and psychotherapist to control panic and anxiety attacks. For people who are unable to control the sudden dizziness, nausea, increased heart rate, and blood pressure, Xanax offers a solution to lessen symptoms. However, Xanax addiction is easily obtained after several days of use.

Drug addicts also use Xanax as a way to suppress the anxiety and increased heart rate from stimulant drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamines. Xanax is a drug that is commonly used to control opiate withdrawals. Used properly, Xanax is an effective drug for stress relief.

Side Effects from Xanax Addiction

Because Xanax is a sedative, common side effects are dizziness and weakness. Increased use such as with addiction leads to respiratory problems, headache, lack of concentration, and anorexia. Xanax addiction happens quickly. People who use the drug begin to become physically and emotionally addicted to the drug. Many people have difficulties sleeping after Xanax withdrawals, and they have a difficult time dealing with stress without the drug. Excess panic episodes and increased anxiety occur after cessation from the drug. Additionally, heavy use of Xanax addiction with abrupt cessation can lead to seizures. If you decide to quit using Xanax, the safest measure is to taper off the drug slowly.

Xanax Addiction and Interaction with Other Drugs

When taking Xanax, it’s important to avoid drugs that are contraindicated. Any other central nervous system depressants should be avoided. That includes opiates, alcohol, and sleeping pills. Using Xanax in conjunction with these other drugs can lead to severe respiratory depression, causing the person to be unable to breathe and even lead to death.

Xanax Recovery

If you or your loved one is addicted to Xanax, the best way to get through Xanax withdrawals is through a tapering method. Every few days, lower the dose that you take. Keep lowering the dose until you are at about .25mg a day. Once you get to this dose, there is more safety in quitting the drug altogether.

The copyright of the article Side Effects of Xanax Addiction in Abuse is owned by Jennifer Marsh. Permission to republish Side Effects of Xanax Addiction in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Xanax Chemistry, RxList Xanax Chemistry
   
What do you think about this article?

NOTE: Because you are not a Suite101 member, your comment will be moderated before it is viewable.
post your comment
What is 0+1?

Related Topics

Reference


;