Xanax withdrawal symptoms
Xanax withdrawal symptoms can be rather severe. But as with any medication, if used as directed by a medical professional, it can really take the edge off and help restore balance and sanity in one's life. It can make life manageable again, allowing a person to carry on without the sometimes horrid symptoms.
Xanax, which is sometimes referred to as Alprazolam, is a drug that is sometimes prescribed by GPs for the treatment of anxiety, but can also be used to manage depression and other anxiety or panic-related disorders. Some people also take it to enable them to sleep better without disturbing thoughts. This powerful drug, which is taken orally, falls into the 'benzodiazepines' division of drugs and works by acting on the brain and then depressing the central nervous system. It is in essence a short-term, fast-acting sedative that provides relief for the symptoms of anxiety.
Effective as a Short-term Solution
The drug itself works really well and has been used successfully since the early 80s, but is highly addictive and hence, very dangerous. In the States, Xanax is classed as a schedule 4 drug and is only available by prescription. Zanax can be tough to come by, and is normally only prescribed if the doctor sees a genuine need for the drug as a potent therapeutic solution. While this drug can undoubtedly serve as a very effective medicinal treatment, it can also be hazardous to one's health, especially when used over a long period of time. This drug should be taken exactly as prescribed.
Not taking the drug as directed can have dire consequences. Withdrawal symptoms when on Xanax include: seizures, tremors, hallucinations, enhanced anxiety, panic, nausea, insomnia and more. The most serious symptom is possibly the seizures, as these can be potentially fatal, but rest assured the others are nasty enough. As mentioned, the drug is highly addictive, mainly because it gives the user a euphoria-like feeling; a kind of 'high.'
This is how it works: Xanax acts by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid levels in the brain, which relaxes the anxious mind, but it's normally just a matter of time before the brain reacts to this by actually reducing the GABA accessible. By this time, the user will need larger quantities of Zanax to experience the same effects, eventually prompting one to stop; this is when the withdrawal symptoms will kick in. And they can very uncomfortable.
Xanax is fast-acting, and upon trying to quit the drug, withdrawal symptoms present themselves just as quickly; normally within a period of twelve hours. The symptoms will normally peak within a couple of days, with other less serious effects lasting up to a year.
How to Get Off Xanax
It is strongly recommended that one not stop taking this medication suddenly. The way to come off the drug is to firstly, visit a medical professional. The next step, depending on his direction, would probably be to reduce the dosage gradually over time, which he or she would monitor. You could go the 'cold turkey' route, but this is a lot more risky and very unpleasant. You decide, just be safe.
