Drug Addiction - Xanax

The prescription drug Xanax, also known as alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine used to treat panic disorder and anxiety attacks. By promoting action from neurotransmitters in the brain, Xanax produces a calming effect throughout the body. The calming effect sparks dopamine, which is the body�s gratification hormone. Similar to street drugs like heroin, the euphoric alleviating result of Xanax is extremely addictive. Xanax addiction occurs when an individual keeps taking the drug long after their anxiety has been relieved. They build a tolerance to the drug and become dependent and they need to take more Xanax it to produce the same effect. Xanax is the fifth-most commonly prescribed drug in America, according IMS Health. In the last five years, the number of prescriptions filled has gone from 29.9 million to 39.5 million.

Xanax can cause vision difficulties, seizures, mental confusion, depression, irritability, nervousness, sleep problems, stupor, nausea, muscle spasms, palpitations, tachycardia, incontinence, rashes, and unstable blood sugar levels. Some of the most common side effects associated with Xanax include dizziness, drowsiness, slurred speech, and clumsiness. Other side effects are stomach or abdominal cramps, blurred vision, dry mouth, diarrhea, headache, and nausea or vomiting. Inform your doctor if any of the side effects listed above persist or worsen. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects: yellowing eyes or skin, rash, trouble breathing, or sever dizziness. Some of the warning signs that your loved one is abusing the prescription drug Xanax include fatigue, drowsiness, slurred speech, short term memory problems, rage, aggression and hostility.

Some individuals that take the drug may develop a preoccupation with the drug, with constant thoughts about taking Xanax. There may be a compulsion to use Xanax, even while trying to stop taking it. This compulsion may lead the patient to obtain the drug Xanax through any possible means. Xanax addiction may lead to a lack of personal responsibility towards tasks, relationships and career. Xanax use may become the focus of life rather than duties or goals. Addiction to Xanax may impede motor skills. This drug, a central nervous system depressant, may impact the ability to drive safely. Excessive Xanax use may damage the brain's ability to hold onto memories and create short-term and also longer-term memory loss. Xanax addiction may cause "emotional blunting." Xanax use may cause a lack of emotional range that deeply changes the personality.

As with all medicines, it is possible for a person to overdose on Xanax. The specific effects of an overdose will vary depending on a number of factors, including how much Xanax was taken and whether it was taken with any other medicines, alcohol, or street drugs. Overdoses of Xanax are much more common in situations where addiction is present. When a person builds a tolerance over time, the effect of the drug is greatly diminished. As the Xanax addiction progresses, the user increases the dose chasing that first time high. This is a dangerous process, and many people have overdosed in the context of this exact scenario. If a person takes too much Xanax, the symptoms can vary. Some commonly reported symptoms of a Xanax overdose include: drowsiness, confusion, coordination problems, slow reflexes, coma, breathing problems, and even loss of life. Life threatening overdose symptoms are much more likely to occur.

When Xanax is taken for a period of time and then stopped, withdrawal symptoms can lead to seizures. Without the help of professional supervision, seizures from Xanax withdrawal can result in death. Obviously, this is not the kind of drug that you can detox from by yourself. Individuals abusing the drug Xanax find it difficult to live without it. That combined with the fact that Xanax withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and in some cases deadly, it is difficult to kick this addiction alone. Stopping any pharmaceutical drug abruptly without professional input is never recommended. It�s only after detoxification that an individual can then be treated for the psychological aspect of their addiction. A drug rehab center will provide a safe medical detox along with a drug treatment program for those struggling with addiction. Find a treatment center that has a proven track record in treating Xanax addiction.