Xanax, a benzodiazepine
Here are some Xanax Information. The name “Xanax” is a trademark for alprazolam. It is a drug of the benzodiazepine group. It is used for short-term relief of anxiety and to treat generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, etc.
It is one of the more addictive benzos on the market due to its short half-life of 3 hours (Half-life is how long it takes for the body to get rid of half of the dose) and its quick-acting effect. The pills are available in 0.25 to 2 mg strength, abusers can consume up to 14 mg per day. Also, Xanax users may develop a tolerance; meaning the need for a higher dosage to get the same initial effects.
When attempting to counter-balance tolerance to the drug with higher dosages; overdosing becomes a clear threat.
Xanax Information and Over-prescription
What sets this drug apart from all the other benzodiazepine medications in the medicine cabinet is its ability to make the user blackout, its high potential for addiction, and its serious withdrawal symptoms. Stopping this drug “cold turkey” is not recommended.
Here are some of the street names given to the drug:
- Xannies (or Zannies)
- Xanbars, Handlebars, Bars, Z-bars, Totem Poles (referring to the bar shape of 2mg pills)
- Zanbars.
- Blue Footballs (referring to blue oval “football”-shaped Xanax pills of varying strengths)
Xanax Information, Signs of Abuse
- Drowsiness
- Sedation
- Headache
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Memory problems
- Lack of focus
- Insomnia
- Swollen hands or feet
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Lack of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Dry mouth or throat
- Tremors
- Confusion
- Loss of interest in sex
Other Serious Symptoms of Abuse
More serious signs of abuse can occur
- Suicidal thoughts,
- Thoughts of harming oneself,
- Depression,
- Hostility,
- Hallucinations,
- Chest pain,
- Uncontrolled muscle movements,
- Seizures,
- Hyperactivity,
Xanax Information on Withdrawal Symptoms
When stopped or reduced severe withdrawal symptoms may be experienced. Reducing the dose gradually with a medical detox can prevent or decrease significantly these symptoms.
The symptoms and their peak depend on several factors. These are:
How long and heavily the medication was used or abused. Also, the individual’s body type, chemistry and genetics can influence the process.
Was the individual having anxiety issues before they started taking it? And are medications used to assist in detox
- Anxiety,
- Difficulty concentrating for weeks after it is stopped,
- Depression,
- Hallucinations, (rare cases)
- Insomnia,
- Memory problems,
- Mood swings,
- Nightmares,
- Suicidal thinking,
- Psychosis,
- Heart palpitations,
- Muscle pain,
- Nausea,
- Sleep troubles,
- Sweating,
- Tingling sensations,
- Vomiting.
Xanax Addiction Help
Many Xanax users that do not become compulsively addicted to it can become physically dependent over time. As already mentioned, they can experience intense withdrawal symptoms when their prescriptions run out.
Medical detox is necessary for people who want to get off of Xanax. This should be followed by a >long-term residential drug rehabilitation program.
If you need help with Xanax addiction, contact our referral counsellor for an affordable private detox and residential treatment center.
Carole Pelland
Substance Abuse
Digital Marketing Administrator
& Author
