Xanax is a drug obtainable by prescription for the use of treating panic disorders and anxiety. By stimulating a calming chemical in the brain, the medication is able to reduce the effects of seizures and anxiety, as well as acting as a muscle relaxant. Xanax is usually consumed three times per day in the form of a tablet. Drowsiness, problems with coordination, and fatigue are common side effects when taking this medication.
What Exactly Is Xanax?
The tranquilizer, Xanax, belongs to a group of drugs that are known as benzodiazepines. This chemical affects other chemicals that are found in the human brain that are known to cause anxiety when they get out of balance. Xanax is most often prescribed only for short-term use.
Xanax medication is used as a treatment for the following:
* Anxiety
* Panic disorder
* Generalized Anxiety disorder (GAD)
How Does Xanax Work?
Xanax belongs to the benzodiazepines group of medications.
These drugs induce many effects including:
* Reduction in anxiety
* Causing sleeplessness
* Relaxing muscles
* Managing seizures
* Short term memory impairment
Medications within the benzodiazepines category can have create these effects in varying degrees according to what type of benzodiazepine is taken. They effect a natural calming chemical within the brain which is called gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA. GABA has the ability to slow down or even stop specific signals within the brain. For this reason benzodiazepines including Xanax are considered mild tranquilizers, nervous system depressants, or sedatives.
Xanax Indications
The indications for the use of this drug are many. Some of the more common indications for Xanax include:
* Treatment of panic attacks or panic disorders. It has been clinically shown and proven that Alprazolam can be a very effective drug for preventing and even treating panic attacks. Many psychiatrists, however, will not prescribe it due to it having dependency issues.
* Severe generalized anxiety disorders long-term treatment The drug Alprazolam is sometimes used as a long-term treatment option for anxiety when other medications and therapies have not worked or when other meds are contraindicated. The drug therapy duration for this medication is often at least four months. It can be longer. The use of Alprazolam must be made carefully and only by specialized psychiatrists, who must take into account the level of suffering, quality of life issues, dependency risks, and decreased social performance.
* Combination treatments for depression. Alprazolam may, at times, be used with other types of medications. These might include: paroxetine, sertraline, or fluoxetine which are known to lessen the symptoms associated with depression. It should be noted that these drugs may have side effects such as sexual dysfunction. When this happens, the use of tricyclic antidepressants should be considered.
How and When You Should Take Xanax
Here are some general considerations on how and when Xanex should be taken:
* Available in tablet form, Xanex is usually taken orally approximately three times a day.
* Take Xanax either with meals or without your meals. Note: if it causes an upset stomach consume it only with food.
* The drug dosage must be followed as per the prescription for it to work properly. Serious problems can occur when you are exposed to Xanex in high doses for extended periods of time (see Xanax Addiction).
Xanax Side Effects
The side effects of Xanax cannot be anticipated. Persons taking this medication should be on the lookout for changes in the drug's intensity. Should that happen, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor is the only one who can determine whether or not it is safe to continue using Xanax. In addition, your doctor will most likely periodically reassess your need for this medication.
Most people will suffer no ill effects at all. Typically, when side effects occur the symptoms are usually minor and do not require any treatment. Severe side effects are even less frequent. Any side effects are easily remedied by a physician
Typical side effects can include some of the following:
* Feeling drowsy
* Feeling fatigued
* Problems with coordination
If you have any side effects report them to your healthcare provider immediately.
Xanax Drug Interactions
Xanax has the potential to interfere with many other drugs (see Xanax Drug Interactions).
Before Taking Xanax What Should My Healthcare Provider Know?
If you suffer the following conditions you must consult your physician prior to taking the medication:
* Glaucoma
* Previous history of alcohol or drug abuse
* Depression
* Liver failure or liver disease
* Kidney failure or kidney disease
* Any breathing or lung problems
* Allergies, including food, preservatives or dye sensitivities.
In addition, consult your doctor if you are:
* Currently pregnant or planning a pregnancy
* Breastfeeding
Also, if you are taking non-prescription or prescription drugs, herbal supplements, vitamins or any other types of medications be sure to inform your healthcare provider.
What Will Happen If I Overdose?
Get emergency medical attention as soon as possible if you believe that you have taken too much medicine. Overdosing on this drug can be deadly.
When too much medication is taken Xanax overdose symptoms can occur. These can include:
* Feeling confused
* Feeling drowsy
* Problems with coordination
* Coma
* Slow reflexes
* Problems breathing
* Death
Immediate medical attention must be sought should an overdose occur.
Are There Generic Forms of Xanax Available?
At present, both generic and brand-name Xanax versions are available and licensed for sale. (refer to Generic Xanax).
Xanax Safety Information
This medication should not be taken if the patient is allergic to Xanax. It should not be taken if the patient is allergic to other benzodiazepines, like lorazepam (Ativan), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene), or oxazepam (Serax). This medication has been shown to cause birth defects. Pregnant women should not take Xanax.
Tell your physician if you have any type of respiratory problems before you take Xanax. Also, if you have glaucoma, liver, or kidney disease, or if you have a history of substance addiction, depression, or suicidal thoughts, tell your doctor.
Xanax: Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, that it when you remember you missed it, unless the next scheduled dose is close at hand. If this happens, skip the dose that you missed and take only your next regular dose at its scheduled time. Do not ingest extra doses hoping to make up those that you missed. This can be very dangerous.
Xanax Issues with Addiction
According to the Food and Drug Administration, Xanax is a habit forming drug. Xanax addiction treatment must be supervised and guided by trained doctors. This is important because abruptly withdrawing from this drug may cause serious health problems. After the immediate detox takes place, a Xanax rehab program is recommended. This will often include individual counseling along with supervised group sessions.
Free Website Traffic
No comments:
Post a Comment