The Hidden Dangers of Taking Xanax

Xanax Dangers
 

Prescription medications can be troubling.

While they have valid medical purposes that can help many people, they also come with a series of possible side effects for a select few. Xanax may provide relief for some, but it could cause big problems for others.

What Is Xanax?

Xanax is a brand name for alprazolam, a popular benzodiazepine. Xanax depresses the central nervous system and is often used to treat anxiety disorders. Because it can be addictive, Xanax is usually only prescribed for a few weeks as a temporary solution for anxiety. Unfortunately, some people will not follow prescription recommendations or will use this drug without a prescription. This type of misuse can lead to dependence and the user may need benzodiazepine addiction treatment.

Xanax Dangerous Side Effects

Like all prescription drugs, Xanax comes with its own set of possible side effects. People who take this medication as prescribed and stop when advised are less likely to put themselves in danger, but there is still always the possibility of side effects.

Some side effects of taking Xanax may include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Lethargy
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Slurred speech
  • Poor memory
  • Possible depression1

If you are taking Xanax and start to experience any of the side effects above, be sure to talk to your doctor immediately.

The Negative Effects of Xanax Abuse

Like many other benzodiazepines, Xanax is usually a temporary solution because of its addictive qualities, but some people will not take this drug as prescribed. While every drug comes with some possible side effects with regular use, the dangers of taking Xanax increase greatly when the drug is abused. Especially as time passes and abuse continues, the user is likely to experience bad side effects of Xanax that could negatively impact several areas of their life.

Some possible long-term side effects of taking Xanax may include:

  • Memory problems
  • Rebound anxiety once use stops that may be more severe than original anxiety problems
  • Decreased cognitive function that may be permanent
  • Withdrawal symptoms like sleep disturbances, depression, and delirium
  • Tolerance
  • Addiction1

One of the biggest dangers of taking Xanax is the possibility of addiction. Addiction can not only lead to serious damage to a person’s physical health, but it can also lead to problems in other areas of the user’s life. Many people addicted to drugs experience poor mental health, financial struggles, and relationship problems. Our PHP in Philadelphia could help keep these problems from getting worse.

Another big problem with Xanax is that while it is a prescription medication, people can overdose on this drug if they misuse it. Alprazolam, the drug name for Xanax, has also been found to be relatively more toxic than other types of benzodiazepines when it comes to overdoses.1

Our Philadelphia, PA drug rehab helps people with various substance abuse problems find lasting relief from their addiction. If you or someone you care about has a drug or alcohol problem, it is time to get help.




To get more details about our programming at Banyan Philadelphia or how we may be able to assist you, call us now at 888-280-4763.


Sources & References:

  1. NCBI - A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal

 
Alyssa
Alyssa
Alyssa who is the National Director of Digital Marketing, joined the Banyan team in 2016, bringing her five-plus years of experience. She has produced a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. Through strategic marketing campaign concepts, Alyssa has established Banyan as an industry leader and a national household name.