This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Xanax is also used to treat panic disorders with or without a fear of places and situations that might cause panic, helplessness, or embarrassment (agoraphobia). Taking more than the prescribed dosage or using Xanax without a prescription is considered abuse of the drug. However, even those who follow a prescription can fall victim to Xanax addiction and abuse. After taking Xanax, the peak effects of the drug are typically felt within one to two hours.
What happens if I miss a dose?
For instance, someone taking Xanax for anxiety is likely to have a reoccurrence of their anxiety symptoms during withdrawal. Even if you only take Xanax for a period of several days, you may develop a physical dependence on the drug. This means that you will likely experience Xanax withdrawal, or the uncomfortable physical and mental symptoms of discontinuing the drug. The intensity of your symptoms depends on your dosage, or how much Xanax you’ve been taking and for how long. Alprazolam is the most widely prescribed and misused benzodiazepine in the United States. It can be used safely and effectively when prescribed appropriately, after thoroughly evaluating the risks and benefits of treatment.
What Does Adderall Addiction and Abuse Look Like?
Benzodiazepine use can be apparent if someone appears intoxicated or there is drug-seeking behavior, but the problem can also be well concealed. Although treatment outcomes are comparable to that of other chronic conditions, recovery is an ongoing process that can take time. You might wonder if it’s drugs or something different, such as a demanding job or a stressful life change. When you have an addiction, you continue to use a drug regardless of any negative consequences. Physical dependence can occur with or without an addiction to the drug; however, it is a common feature of addiction.
- In general benzodiazepines are used to treat a variety of other conditions, such as alcohol use disorder, short-term use in insomnia, as a muscle relaxant (short-term), procedural (conscious) sedation, and seizures.
- If you suspect someone is experiencing a benzodiazepine overdose, or any other substance overdose, call 911 immediately.
- The intensity of your symptoms depends on your dosage, or how much Xanax you’ve been taking and for how long.
- Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed.
- Finally, Xanax is very risky because it is often mixed with other drugs.
THE TOLERANCE PHENOMENON
- Furthermore, there is some association of Xanax with an increased risk of suicide.
- Xanax, a benzodiazepine prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders, has risen in popularity over the years.
- Throughout this process, the brain is becoming more reliant upon the drug to feel normal.
- Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer after stopping this medicine suddenly.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Xanax can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. It is dangerous to purchase Xanax on the Internet xanax addiction or outside the United States. The sale and distribution of medicines outside the U.S. does not comply with safe-use regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These medications may contain dangerous ingredients, or may not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy.
Some people continue taking benzodiazepines throughout their pregnancy while others follow a dose tapering schedule. Switching from short-acting Xanax to its longer-acting cousin https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Valium will make it easier for you to quit. Once you are stabilized on a dose of diazepam, your prescribing doctor will help you slowly taper down a little bit at a time.
- If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
- You might need to continue to meet with a therapist for months after your detox is complete, or even for longer.
- People often recognize they are dependent on Xanax but cannot stop taking the drug due to the severe withdrawal symptoms, which they can experience if they don’t take the drug.
- Benzodiazepines were originally developed as a replacement for Barbiturates.
- Additional loose Xanax and Klonopin pills and cocaine were found in his car.