Xanax belongs to a group of drugs which is known as benzodiazepines. And it is a schedule 4 controlled substance. This means substances with a significant potential for addiction, minimal public health danger, and a high therapeutic value. It is currently the most commonly prescribed anxiety drug in the US. This drug is very safe and effective if it is taken correctly. Using this medicine people can feel the result. Within an hour you will see the effects of it & in 3-4 hours it will give you full relaxation. It is occasionally used for various purposes. We’ll discuss Xanax in detail, to get the full information read on.
Why Is Xanax Prescribed For?
This drug is used to treat two main disorders. Anxiety disorders, which can affect both adults and children, are among the uses. The second type of anxiety condition is panic disorder. When used as directed, Xanax (Alprazolam) can help halt episodes of intense, irrational dread or anxiety.
Both the extended-release and normal forms of Alprazolam act immediately on the CNS. And produce calming effects on the brain and nerves by increasing GABA levels in the brain. As a central nervous system depressant, it also slows down vital functions like breathing and heartbeat. Misuse of Alprazolam without a prescription can lead to oversedation, overdose, and even death. Like other benzodiazepines, it can cause dependency and addiction when taken for non-medical purposes.
A doctor may prescribe Xanax to help with anxiety symptoms. You or a loved one suffering from anxiety or panic disorder can use it with a doctor’s approval. But how it functions varies from person to person.
How Long Does Xanax Take To Work?
Xanax usually starts working within one to two hours for most people. These additional treatments, however, may take a few weeks to take effect. As a result, Alprazolam and other benzodiazepines are occasionally used as a “bridge” medication until other treatments may take effect. The most popular and effective anxiety medicine is prescribed by doctors more than 20 million times a year.
Available Forms Of Xanax
Xanax comes in a variety of dosages. It is available in round, oval, and five-sided shapes with strengths of 0.25 mg, 1 mg, 0.5 mg, and 2 mg. The doctor also prescribed a Blue Xanax bar, Red Xanax, Green Xanax, Yellow Xanax, and XR 3 mg. It comes in many colors and shapes. Please have a look at the colors & shapes for the forms we’ve listed below. It may help you recognize.
| Xanax Dosage | Colors & Shape | Imprinted |
| 0.25 mg | White Color, Oval Shape. | XANAX 0.25 |
| 0.5 mg: | Peach Color, and an oval shape. | XANAX 0.5 |
| 1 mg | Blue Color, Oval Shape. | XANAX 1.0 |
| 2 mg | White Color, an oblong shape | XANAX 2 |
| White Xanax | White Color, rectangular shape | XANAX 2 |
| Blue Xanax | Blue color, rectangular shape | B707 |
| Green Xanax | Green color, rectangular shape | S903 |
| Yellow Xanax | Yellow color, rectangular shape | R039 |
| Red Xanax | Red color, rectangular shape | XANAX R666 |
| XR 3 mg | White color, triangle shape | X 3 |
The dosages depend on your medical health. And only doctors will decide which dose of Xanax is prescribed for you
Getting A Xanax Prescription
A doctor will decide if it is safe for you to begin taking it for anxiety or panic disorder. The right drug for you may be Alprazolam if you’ve been suffering for a long time.
It’s essential to only get this drug from a doctor and not from a third party, as there may be extra substances added or the dosage may be off. To take a medication that you received from someone else could perhaps be dangerous. Taking Alprazolam alongside other drugs can be harmful to your health and should only be done under a doctor’s or physician’s care. It is not recommended to use Xanax without a prescription. It may cause side effects.
Which Is The Most Secure Way To Take Xanax?
You must only take Xanax under the guidance of a medical professional because of the serious side effects, misuse, and dependence risks. If you and your doctor determine it is the best option for you, take the lowest dose of Alprazolam for short time.
You have to avoid alcohol and Specific drugs like opioids (Vicodin, Oxycontin), when using Alprazolam. These drugs have cumulative effects on the brain and have similar properties. They can cause major health issues, like breathing issues, and occasionally even death. These drugs all have a significant risk of abuse and dependence. That’s why it is available only for a prescription.
Before Starting Xanax
Before going with Xanax, read the below Important List which may help you to get helpful tips:
- If you ever had breathing issues, drug or alcohol addiction, depression, mood swings, or suicidal thoughts.
- If you are a pregnant woman or breastfeeding mother don’t go ahead with Xanax. It may affect your to-be-born baby with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
- As a breastfeeding mother, if you experience any side effects from it, contact your doctor’s office immediately.
- If you have any allergic issues with the Xanax.
Xanax Complication:-
Alprazolam can stop or slow your breathing if you recently took an opioid medication or drug/alcohol.
- Dizziness
- Breathing issues
- Seizure
- Suicidal thoughts
- Loss of confidence
- Jaundice
- Trouble speaking
- Trouble sleeping
- Hallucination
Go to your doctor & get medical service if you notice any above side effects. If you observe any swelling on your face, lips, tongue, or throat or notice any rash/ itching consult with your medical pharmacist/doctor.
Some drugs, when used with Alprazolam, can reduce or speed up the time it takes for Alprazolam to exit the body. Alprazolam, on the other hand, can sometimes slow or speed up the time it takes for other drugs to leave the body.
Xanax Drug Interaction
Remember, Alprazolam may interact negatively with some other medications. Such as alcohol and other medicines that help in the induction of sleep or the relaxation of drowsy moods. These substances should not be combined. If you are on any kind of drug first ask your doctor. Look into the following drugs that may interact with Alprazolam:
- Medication for colds and allergies
- Sleeping pill
- Opioid analgesic
- Relaxants for the muscles
- Birth control
- Antibiotics
- Antidepressants
- Barbiturates
- HIV/AIDS medications
- Blood pressure and cardiac medication
Many medicines can interact with Alprazolam, and some shouldn’t be taken together. Any additional drugs you are taking should be discussed with your doctor. The FDA has discovered that benzodiazepine drugs, such as alprazolam, are dangerous when used with opioids or other medications. The FDA issued a boxed warning on it.
Why Did The FDA Issue a Black Box Warning Xanax?
Xanax, as a benzodiazepine, has the risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction. Physical dependence on this drug can develop with prolonged use. When quitting alprazolam, a withdrawal reaction may occur; but, this risk can be decreased by gradually reducing the amount of alprazolam. Do not stop taking alprazolam abruptly. And do not make any changes to your therapy without first consulting your doctor.
What Are The Withdrawal Symptoms?
If a person who has been taking Alprazolam for a while, suddenly stops there may be harmful and even fatal side effects. Because seizures and other dangerous side effects are possible, it is never a good idea to stop using Alprazolam suddenly. It’s critical to get expert help for Alprazolam addiction. Because these symptoms can also develop after the medicine is taken off.
Withdrawal from Alprazolam and other benzos may be extremely challenging. Several of the signs include
- Headaches
- Twitches
- Muscle aches and pains
- Dizziness
- Tremors
- Stomach problems
- A lack of cooperation
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Irritability
- Delusions and hallucinations
- Anxiety
- A change in perception
- Unreliable senses
- Unusual dreams
- Inability to pay attention
As we already discussed, this medication is used to treat anxiety problems. But in recent years, it has grown in popularity as a substance that people misuse and are dependent on. And all the above symptoms indicate drug dependence.
Recognizing The Dependence Of A Loved One
Recognizing the signs of a loved one’s dependence on Xanax is the first step in knowing how to help them. Each person will suffer symptoms in accordance with their specific conditions. But, Xanax users’ symptoms are extremely similar to one another. Here are some noticeable symptoms of addiction:
- Mood shifts
- Behavioral alterations
- Appearance changes
- Health problems
- Social evolution
If you or someone you care about is addicted to Alprazolam, get professional treatment to completely detox and recover.
How To Reserve?
Store it at room temperature. Don’t store it in the refrigerator. Keep away from moisture, heat & light. Store away from drug abuse people who have a drug abuse history. Keep it in a safe place where children cannot reach it.
Popular FAQs
Is Alprazolam an opioid (narcotic) drug?
No, Alprazolam is not a narcotic. Alprazolam is a prescription medicine that belongs to the benzodiazepine(benzos) drug class. When you take Alprazolam along with opioids, the medication is riskier because it can become addictive.
How do you feel after taking Xanax?
Alprazolam, the active ingredient in Xanax, relieves anxiety disorders and panic attacks in patients when taken as directed. Don’t riving or operate machinery, until you understand how Xanax affects you. If you are taking it since it can also make you feel sleepy, lightheaded, and less intellectually aware.
Can I use painkillers while taking Xanax treatment?
While taking Xanax, it’s usually okay to take a light painkiller like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. But, not all painkillers are secure to use with Xanax. For example, taking the pill with painkillers that include opioids might cause serious side effects and, in rare instances, death. Opioids include substances like Codeine, Hydrocodone, and Oxycodone.