Alprazolam Xanax: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Misuse is more common among younger adults (18-35), while older adults (65 and above) have higher prescribed use of Valium and Xanax both. Blood tests also detect Xanax and its concentration in the bloodstream. When taken, Xanax is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches peak effects within an hour, creating feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and reduced anxiety. This rapid onset xanax addiction and intense effect make it highly reinforcing, leading individuals to misuse it to replicate these feelings. The prevalence of Xanax addiction has surged, with emergency room visits related to recreational abuse rising from 57,419 in 2005 to 124,902 in 2010. Misuse for non-medical reasons, such as getting high or coping with stress, accounts for a large portion of the Xanax addiction cases​.

What Does It Mean To Have a Substance Abuse Problem?

• This side effect was reported after the drug’s initial studies were completed.
• They may recommend certain treatments to help relieve your withdrawal symptoms.
• You can write the date on the bottle the day you open it as a reminder.
• You may also experience swelling under your skin, often in your lips, eyelids, hands, or feet.

By that point, your body will eliminate half of the dose from your bloodstream. Everyone metabolizes medications differently, so the half-life is different from person to person. Likewise, if you experience signs of withdrawal, you should contact your doctor immediately. Xanax is a potentially habit-forming drug, so some people may develop a dependency or addiction without realizing it. Keep reading to learn more about what Xanax is, what substance abuse looks like, and the available treatment options for Xanax addiction. Dependence is a physiological adaptation that occurs due to chronic substance use, which results in withdrawal symptoms after you abruptly stop or cut down your dose.

• Taking it with other CNS depressants can make you too sleepy.
• They’ll ultimately prescribe the lowest dosage of Xanax that you need to relieve your anxiety symptoms.
• The effects of Xanax addiction are harmful to both mental and physical health.
• Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

What to do if you think a loved one has an addiction

Most people will feel the strongest impacts from the drug for one to two hours. However, the lingering effects or “fuzzy feelings” may stretch out for around six hours. Xanax is taken by mouth and absorbed quickly by the bloodstream. Research suggests you may feel the effects of xanax in as little as 30 minutes. This goes for everyone, from first-time users all the way up to people who’ve used Xanax for many months or years as prescribed by their doctor.

Causes & Risk Factors

Medical supervision ensures safe withdrawal, and ongoing therapy supports long-term recovery by addressing the root causes of Substance abuse both addictions. The effects of Xanax addiction impact both the physical and psychological aspects of a person’s health. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

• Its purpose is to educate, support, and empower people in their pursuit of well-being.
• The first step is detoxification, where the body gets rid of Xanax.
• Withdrawal symptoms can last from a few weeks to more than 12 months, depending on factors like dosage and length of use.

The side effects of Xanax addiction are drowsiness, confusion, and memory problems, among others. These effects significantly impair physical and mental health, leading to long-term consequences. While Xanax can calm racing thoughts, repeated or escalating consumption may signal that the medication is no longer serving strictly therapeutic goals. Instead, it can become a means of coping with stressors or masking underlying mental illness.

Taking alprazolam during the later stages of pregnancy can result in withdrawal and the following symptoms, in newborns. Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose of liquid alprazolam. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device. Do not share alprazolam with other people, even if they have the same condition as you.