Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences, but when panic and anxiety symptoms escalate into anxiety attacks and panic attacks, it may be an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders may include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and panic disorder. Medication and psychotherapy are used to treat these disorders. One medication that works particularly well is Xanax.
What is Xanax (Alprazolam)?
Alprazolam, used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines which act on the brain and nerves (central nervous system). The effect is a calming one that works by enhancing GABA, a natural chemical in the body.
According to a 2004 Insight Wellness article, Xanax was approved by the FDA in 1981 for the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), panic disorder with or without agoraphobia and anxiety associated with depression (but it was not indicated for the treatment of depression alone).
The drug acts fast — the body completely absorbs swallowed pills in under two hours — and can be taken for about four months before its effects start to decrease. This makes alprazolam good for treating both chronic anxiety and acute panic attacks that arise suddenly.
How to Take Xanax
HealthSquare.com notes that Xanax may be taken with or without food but should be taken exactly as prescribed. Patients should not chew, crush or break Xanax tablets.
If a patient misses a dose but is less than one hour late, she should take it as soon as she remembers; otherwise she should skip the dose and go back to a regular schedule. Patients should never take two doses at the same time.
What are the Side Effects of Xanax?
According to WebMD, dizziness or drowsiness may occur when taking Xanax so patients should report this to their doctor or patient if symptoms persist or worsen. It's also important for a patient to tell his doctor immediately if he experiences any unlikely or serious side effects, such as mental/mood changes, slurred speech, clumsiness, trouble walking or decreased/increased interest in sex.
A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely but should be handled with immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat), severe dizziness or trouble breathing.
Patients may report other side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What to Know Before Taking Xanax
PDRhealth notes that if patients take more than 4 milligrams (mg) of Xanax per day, they are at risk of extreme physical or mental dependence.
Many physicians feel that even if a patient takes Xanax for a short period of time, she may become mentally or physically dependent. Physical dependence could put her at risk for experiencing withdrawal symptoms if she stops taking Xanax. Withdrawal symptoms include seizures or a worsening of anxiety and associated symptoms.
Since Xanax binds to certain receptors in the brain that may cause patients to become drowsy or sedated, patients should not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until they know how they are affected by this drug.
Patients should also avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medications that cause drowsiness (such as sedatives and tranquilizers) while taking Xanax. This medication will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants.
What to Avoid When Taking Xanax
When taking Xanax, patients should avoid using other medicines that make them sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). These can increase some of the side effects of alprazolam.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with alprazolam and lead to potentially dangerous effects so patients should discuss the use of grapefruit products with a doctor.
Who Should Not Take Xanax
Patients who have glaucoma, depression, liver disease (including liver failure or cirrhosis), kidney disease (including kidney/renal failure), lung problems or breathing problems, any allergies or a history of drug or alcohol abuse should tell their doctor before taking Xanax.
Xanax is Effective for Treating Anxiety but Caution is Urged
Xanax is most often prescribed to people who suffer mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety or panic disorders, or Social Anxiety Disorder(SAD), a condition which makes social interactions very difficult. Others may take Xanax to sleep comfortably without intrusive thoughts, or to counter the effects of general depression.
Xanax is also a highly addictive medication, and is considered a schedule IV controlled substance in the United States, so therapeutic use of Xanax® is limited to those patients who demonstrate a bona fide need for a powerful central nervous system depressant. To learn more, visit Xanax.com
Sources:
http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/xan1491.htm
http://www.anxiety-and-depression-solutions.com/articles/conventional/pharmaceutical/xanax.php
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-9824-Xanax+Oral.aspx?drugid=9824&drugname=Xanax+Oral
Amanda Griffith - Amanda Sina Griffith, principal of Bumble PR, has planned and executed media relations and PR campaigns for more than 10 years. ...
Join the Conversation