SAMHSA Releases Annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health

The FDA has found that benzodiazepine, such as alprazolam, when used in combination with opioid medications or other sedating medications can result in serious adverse reactions including slowed or difficult breathing and death. With Xanax, the effects of drug withdrawal can xanax addiction be severe and even dangerous, so detox is often a gradual process, especially if it had been used in high doses and/or for a prolonged period of time. For example, to reduce the risk of seizures, the Xanax dose is gradually tapered over weeks under medical supervision.

Common Xanax Drug Combinations

• Checking with a medical expert can reveal any potentially dangerous effects from mixing substances, and this could protect you against severe injury and dependence on Xanax.
• It also binds to brain receptor sites for calmness and relaxation.
• Start by visiting a primary care doctor or urgent care center and tell them that you are in or are planning to be in benzodiazepine withdrawal.

Alprazolam is a high-potency triazolobenzodiazepine that is US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. Alprazolam is biotransformed by hepatic microsomal oxidation, yielding 4 and α-hydroxyalprazolam as its principal metabolites, and is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 (Greenblatt and Wright, 1993). The National Alliance on Mental Illness notes that a person can become physically dependent on Xanax after 2 or more weeks of daily use. Research from 2015 suggests that 20⁠–50% of people experience withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing high dosage benzodiazepines. Although some people can take benzodiazepines without complications, some individuals may develop dependence, and others may misuse the medication. If you or someone you know uses Xanax, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the short- and long-term effects of alprazolam, the dangers of overdose and drug mixing, and various treatment options.

VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS CENTER

It’s part of the benzodiazepine family, which is a group of psychoactive drugs that affects the central nervous system. The drugs slow brain activity, causing relaxation and drowsiness. Xanax is one of the most popular anti-anxiety medications in the United States. The drug has legitimate medical uses, but many people abuse Xanax to feel relaxed or carefree. Quitting Xanax cold-turkey can cause seizures and other dangerous side effects. Alprazolam is a safe and effective medication when used as directed.

Xanax Addiction Symptoms & Signs

Nonmedical use of opioids and benzodiazepines like Xanax has been a serious and risky feature of the opioid addiction and overdose epidemic. More than 30 percent of opioid overdoses involve benzodiazepines, according to https://ecosoberhouse.com/ NIDA. Drinking alcohol on top of these drugs is even more harmful and too common. People who take prescription opioids to treat pain may mix these drugs with Xanax, which increases their risk of accidental overdose.

Before taking this medicine

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness notes that a person can become physically dependent on Xanax after 2 or more weeks of daily use.
• Xanax is a short-acting drug, which means your body metabolizes it very quickly.
• These classifications may help direct the most appropriate course of treatment.

• While monitoring clients, treatment centers slowly taper them off Xanax by gradually reducing their daily dosage.
• After a period of regular use, it is best to slowly stop the medication under your doctor’s direction.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially loss of coordination and drowsiness.
• Take our free, 5-minute substance abuse self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with drug addiction.
• Alprazolam can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.

THE TOLERANCE PHENOMENON

What are Xanax Overdose Symptoms?