This means discontinuing the drug after supervised decreases by a medical provider. The process of reaching abstinence may involve detoxification (often referred to as “detox”) and behavioral therapies. Even if a person tries to stop taking Xanax, the fear of withdrawal and rebound can be so strong that the adverse consequences of stopping seem to outweigh the benefits. Xanax addiction is specifically part of a subcategory of substance use disorder known as sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder. However, even after the symptoms of a Xanax overdose wear off, the consequences to the body may persist, potentially with lasting effects.
Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms & Signs
Head-to-head benzodiazepine comparison studies in general have been scant. Two clinical studies of participants with benzodiazepine dependence revealed a significant preference for alprazolam over diazepam in equipotent doses (Schmauss et al., 1988, 1989). However, in another study of recreational drug users without physical dependence, alprazolam was found to have less misuse liability than diazepam (Orzack et al., 1988). Carbamazepine is also known to enhance catecholamine function and therefore may improve symptoms of sleep disturbance, anxiety, and mood instability, which are common in withdrawal. This explains its positive effects in general for the treatment of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. It is also consistent with open-label reports and a double-blind study supporting the use of carbamazepine in benzodiazepine withdrawal (Björkqvist et al., 1976).
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Xanax could increase your risk of side effects from Xanax. It’s best to avoid consuming grapefruit products while taking Xanax. Here is a list of medications that can interact with Xanax. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Xanax. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works.
Why does Xanax cause addiction?
Upon leaving the Natural Xanax Alternatives For Anxiety treatment center, many people will pursue a 12-step recovery program to maintain abstinence or stabilization and maintenance. A number of different types of therapy are used in the treatment of substance abuse disorders. In the treatment of Xanax addiction, abstinence is often a goal.
- When it comes to the long-term management of getting off benzodiazepines, there are two directions you can go.
- You can write the date on the bottle the day you open it as a reminder.
- However, even after the symptoms of a Xanax overdose wear off, the consequences to the body may persist, potentially with lasting effects.
- Some pharmacies offer labels that have large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech.
Health Conditions
Xanax, even at recommended doses, has a risk of overdose and death, especially when combined with opiates like heroin or oxycodone, alcohol, street drugs or other central nervous system depressants. This can lead to severe drowsiness, breathing problems (respiratory depression), coma and death. Individuals battling mental illness may be on Xanax to treat symptoms or simply abusing it in attempts to self-medicate, and this abuse can often cause mental health conditions to worsen. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports around half of all people with severe mental illness also have co-occurring substance abuse problems, so this issue is a common one.
- For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works.
- Alcohol and Xanax can reduce the activity of your central nervous system (CNS).
- Xanax is also used to treat panic disorders with or without a fear of places and situations that might cause panic, helplessness, or embarrassment (agoraphobia).
- In addition to its pharmacological properties which may contribute to its increased misuse potential, alprazolam uniquely affects the dopaminergic function in the striatum similarly to stimulants.
It is thought females account for more benzo addictions than males, but this may merely be due to women being more likely to receive a prescription for the drugs. Erowid notes two times as many women are using these drugs as men. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.