Xanax's sensations, primary impacts, adverse reactions, and weaning process explored
Xanax, a popular anti-anxiety medication, is a brand name for alprazolam, a benzodiazepine. It is commonly prescribed to treat acute generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorders [1]. However, long-term use of Xanax can lead to several physical and mental effects, including tolerance, dependence, cognitive impairment, and mood changes.
Effects of Long-Term Xanax Use
Tolerance and Physical Dependence
Over time, the body may require higher doses to achieve the same calming effects, speeding up the development of physical dependence and increasing the risk of addiction [1].
Cognitive Impairment
Long-term use can cause memory problems, affecting both short- and long-term memory, confusion, and cognitive decline [1][3].
Mood and Behavioral Changes
People may experience mood swings, irritability, depression, emotional numbness, paranoia, hallucinations, aggressive or erratic behavior [1][3].
Physical Effects
Includes fatigue, drowsiness, slurred speech, lack of coordination, slowed breathing, and low blood pressure [1][3].
Brain and Emotional Regulation Impact
Prolonged use alters brain function, affecting emotional regulation and motor skills [3].
Effects of Discontinuation and Withdrawal
Withdrawal Onset
Indicates physical dependence, marked by symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, tremors, and insomnia.
Withdrawal Symptoms Severity
Can range from mild (insomnia, anxiety, irritability, sweating, muscle pain) to moderate (nausea, vomiting, panic attacks, depression) to severe (hallucinations, seizures, delirium) [2].
Life-Threatening Risks
Severe withdrawal can cause seizures, suicidal thoughts, delirium, and even death, especially if stopped abruptly without medical supervision [2][3][4].
Rebound Effects
Stopping Xanax can cause rebound anxiety and mood disorders, which might be more intense than the original symptoms treated by the medication [3].
Medical Recommendations
Detox and Withdrawal Management
Medical detox with professional supervision is essential to safely taper Xanax doses and handle withdrawal symptoms [2][3].
Comprehensive Addiction Treatment
Long-term misuse impacts require extensive rehabilitation, including therapies to address addiction and brain function restoration [3].
In summary, long-term use of Xanax significantly impacts the brain and body, creating dependence and cognitive/mood disturbances. Discontinuation must be medically supervised due to the risk of severe, potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms [1][2][3][4].
If you or someone close to you is showing signs of addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 800-662-4357 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for immediate help and advice.
[1] National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Alprazolam. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/alprazolam/ [2] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Benzodiazepines. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/treatment/benzodiazepines [3] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Benzodiazepines and Opioids. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/benzodiazepines-other-benzodiazepine-receptor-agonists/benzodiazepines-opioids [4] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Practice Guideline for the Acute Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm/dsm-5/post-traumatic-stress-disorder
- Prolonged use of Xanax can lead to the development of Type 2 COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), a condition that impairs airflow within the lungs [4].
- Monitoring patients for the early signs of Predictive Asthma, a type of asthma that can be difficult to diagnose, is essential when long-term Xanax use is a factor [3].
- The concurrent use of Xanax and anthrax vaccines can increase the risk of obesity and various health-and-wellness issues, including Crohn's disease and diabetes [2].
- The negative effects of Xanax on mental health extend beyond mood disorders, potentially impacting nutrition and overall health-and-wellness [3].
- Given the negative implications of long-term Xanax use, science is focusing on innovative therapies-and-treatments to manage anxiety without causing similar side effects [1].
- In cases where a patient is struggling with both Xanax addiction and mental health issues, collaborative treatments should include mental health professionals for effective care [1].
- To prevent withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing the use of Xanax, it's crucial to work closely with healthcare providers and consider nutrition and wellness as part of a holistic recovery plan.
