Contents
- 1 Does Xanax calm you immediately?
- 2 Will Xanax make you sleepy during the day?
- 3 Is 25 mg Xanax enough for anxiety?
- 4 Is Xanax worth it for anxiety?
- 5 Do people with anxiety take Xanax everyday?
- 6 Is Xanax better at night or morning?
- 7 What is the dark side of Xanax?
- 8 What is better for anxiety than Xanax?
Does Xanax calm you immediately?
Withdrawal from Xanax – Xanax works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain that people who experience anxiety suffer from. As a Benzodiazepine, Xanax acts on the brain and central nervous system to produce a calming effect and ease anxiety symptoms.
It is fast-acting, which is helpful for someone who is suddenly experiencing anxiety and needs relief quickly. However, this fast-acting euphoric effect can often become abused and addiction can occur. When someone has been abusing Xanax for a period of time and suddenly stops taking it, the body can begin to suffer from withdrawal symptoms.
This is because the brain and body have become chemically rewired to depend on the drug, so readjusting back to normality can be uncomfortable. Some withdrawal symptoms from Xanax can include:
Tremors Diarrhea Headaches Blurred vision Muscle pain Trouble sleeping Anxiety Paranoia Seizures Heart palpitations Sweating Sensitivity to light and sound Loss of appetite
What is the speed of action for Xanax?
– Xanax is taken by mouth and is readily absorbed into the bloodstream. You should start feeling the effects of Xanax in under an hour. The medication reaches peak concentrations in the bloodstream in one to two hours following ingestion. People who take Xanax will often build up a tolerance.
Is it easy to get Xanax for anxiety?
Xanax medication is only available through prescription. This means you cannot get the medication in any pharmacy without a verified prescription from your doctor. While the drug is deemed effective for anxiety, it has serious side effects and it is addictive, especially if it is misused.
Will Xanax make you sleepy during the day?
Precautions – It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for any unwanted effects. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- Using this medicine during the later pregnancy may cause problems in your newborn baby (eg, sedation or withdrawal symptoms).
- Tell your doctor right away if your baby has an abnormal sleep pattern, diarrhea, feeding problems, a high-pitched cry, irritability, low muscle tone, restlessness, shakiness or tremors, sluggishness, trouble breathing, weight loss, vomiting, or fails to gain weight.
If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away. Do not take itraconazole (Sporanox®) or ketoconazole (Nizoral®) while you are using this medicine. Using any of them together with this medicine may increase the chance of serious side effects.
- This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness).
- Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, allergies, or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine, prescription pain medicine or narcotics, barbiturates or seizure medicines, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics (numbing medicines), including some dental anesthetics.
This effect may last for a few days after you stop using this medicine. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine. If you develop any unusual and strange thoughts or behavior while you are taking alprazolam, be sure to discuss it with your doctor.
Some changes that have occurred in people taking this medicine are like those seen in people who drink alcohol and then act in a manner that is not normal. Other changes may be more unusual and extreme, such as confusion, worsening of depression, hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there), suicidal thoughts, and unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability.
Alprazolam may cause some people, especially older persons, to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy, or are not alert or able to see well.
Do not change your dose or stop taking this medicine without checking first with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are using before stopping it completely. This may help prevent a worsening of your condition and reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms including changes in behavior, discouragement, feeling sad or empty, irritability, lack of appetite, loss of interest or pleasure, nausea or vomiting, seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear, seizures or tremors, stomach or muscle cramps, sweating, thoughts of killing oneself, trouble concentrating, trouble sleeping, unusual movements, responses, or expressions.
This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions. Symptoms of an overdose include: change in consciousness, confusion, dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position, drowsiness, hallucinations, lack of coordination, loss of consciousness, loss of strength or energy, muscle pain or weakness, shakiness and unsteady walk, sleepiness, trouble in speaking, trouble sleeping, unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination, unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability, or unusual weakness.
Is 25 mg Xanax enough for anxiety?
The recommended starting dose of Xanax is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg three times a day for anxiety disorders.
Is Xanax worth it for anxiety?
Solutions for Treating Anxiety or Insomnia Without Xanax – Taking Xanax for anxiety can be helpful for some people who need to take the drug regularly for certain panic disorders, with a doctor’s oversight. But finding ways to manage and understand anxiety can also help people suffering from these conditions.
General restlessness. Agitation or tenseness. Consistent, intense nervousness.
Again, a medical professional will only prescribe a benzodiazepine like Xanax for anxiety after speaking with their patient to understand the symptoms, and they will only prescribe these drugs for a short time. Other drugs, like Z-class drugs (e.g., Ambien, Lunesta) have been developed to replace benzodiazepines in some short-term treatments for sleep problems.
Sticking to a set schedule of waking up and going to bed at the same time. Restricting the bed to just sleep. Avoiding stimulating entertainment, food, or devices before sleeping.
Anxiety disorders require more complex treatment, but working with a talk therapist using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or a similar evidence-based approach provides a solid foundation for managing anxiety on a long-term basis. Complementary treatments may help manage more immediate responses to anxiety or sleep disorders. These treatments can include:
Mindfulness meditation. Yoga. Visualization. Exercise. Nutrition.
Sometimes, working with a therapist on exposure therapy for more intense panic disorders is beneficial.
Do people with anxiety take Xanax everyday?
Alprazolam may be taken every day at regular times or on an as needed (‘PRN’) basis. Typically, your health care provider will limit the number of doses you should take in one day. Your health care provider will determine the dose and method of taking the medication that is right for you based upon your response.
Is Xanax better at night or morning?
How long does Xanax XR take to start working, and how long does it stay in your system? Xanax XR maintains constant levels 5 to 11 hours after dosing.It takes around 6 days to be totally eliminated from your system. Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine and is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression.
Xanax XR Tablets are usually prescribed once daily, preferably in the morning. Xanax XR is absorbed at a slower rate than regular Xanax with constant levels maintained from 5 to 11 hours after dosing. Food has a significant effect of the bioavailability of Xanax XR. A high-fat meal given up to 2 hours before dosing can increase drug levels by about 25%.
Xanax XR is absorbed quicker in the morning compared with night time dosing. The mean plasma elimination half-life of Xanax (much the same as Xanax XR) is reported to be 11.2 hours. The full range is from 6.3 to 26.9 hours in healthy adults. For a drug to be totally eliminated from your system it takes 5.5 times the half life which equates to around 6 days.
Why do I fall asleep after taking Xanax?
Xanax is the brand name of alprazolam, which is a type of benzodiazepine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not approved Xanax as a treatment for insomnia. An alternative treatment for insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The FDA have only approved Xanax for the treatment of panic disorders and anxiety.
- If a person is taking Xanax, they may be at a greater risk of an opioid overdose, as many people have a prescription for both drugs.
- People should also seek guidance from a doctor if they plan on stopping Xanax or reducing the amount of Xanax they are taking.
- This is important, as they could experience severe withdrawal effects, which in some cases are fatal.
Xanax is an addictive medication, so if a person feels they are becoming dependent on it, they should reach out to an addiction center or talk to their doctor. Learn more about addiction here. This article will discuss how Xanax works, alternative options, and when to see a doctor.
- Benzodiazepines help a person fall asleep by enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
- GABA is a neurotransmitter that calms brain activity, which can help a person relax and fall asleep.
- Benzodiazepines work differently depending on the type a person uses.
- For example, there are fast- and slow-acting benzodiazepines.
In some circumstances, a doctor may prescribe fast-acting benzodiazepines if a person struggles to fall asleep. Fast-acting benzodiazepines exert their effect quickly, and a person will feel this effect less the next day. However, doctors prescribe these only in special circumstances, as a person could experience rebound insomnia or amnesia.
- Xanax is a fast-acting benzodiazepine, and a person may take it before bed to help with their anxiety and to fall asleep.
- Xanax is an addictive medication.
- If a person uses Xanax regularly, they may develop a dependency on it to reduce their anxiety.
- The American Addiction Centers note that when a person tries to stop taking Xanax, they may experience withdrawal symptoms that are similar to their initial anxiety.
This can result in the person taking the medication for longer than the recommended duration, which is up to 6 weeks, In addition to addiction, a person may also experience side effects. Common side effects may include:
slurred speechconfusionweight lossdisorientationdecrease in coordinationdepressing the respiratory system coma, serious injury, or death (when combined with alcohol)
Please note that this is only a partial list of possible side effects. A person should speak with their doctor before taking Xanax, as it can interact with other types of medication. Alternative treatments may include not only different medications but also therapy.
Is it OK to sleep on Xanax?
FAQs About Alprazolam For Sleep – Is Alprazolam a good sleeping aid? Alprazolam has been shown to be a helpful sleep aid when used as needed as opposed to daily. Always make sure to use your medication within the recommendations of your doctor. How bad is it to take Alprazolam if you can’t sleep? Depending on what other medications you’re on and what’s been discussed with your medical provider, alprazolam can be a helpful sleep aid for some.
When should I take Xanax before an event?
What Conditions Qualify for Xanax? – Xanax is approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia ) and to reduce symptoms of anxiety short-term. It works by depressing the function of your central nervous system (CNS) and quickly bringing on a sedative effect.
- It can be used short-term as a way to offer people immediate relief from their symptoms or as part of a long-term management plan for GAD or panic disorder.
- Xanax is often prescribed for panic attacks, which can occur as part of SAD.
- It might also be used in the case of specific phobias for situations that infrequently occur; for example, a doctor might prescribe Xanax to someone with a fear of flying ahead of an upcoming trip.
Xanax is helpful for panic-inducing situations as it can be used as needed before an event. In the case of SAD, Xanax is more commonly prescribed for cognitive symptoms like worrying about performance or the judgment of others. Xanax can be taken about an hour before a performance event.
What is the dark side of Xanax?
Xanax Effects – When taken orally, Xanax is rapidly absorbed. Thus, effects can be experienced within 30 minutes and can last up to roughly 6 hours.3 The most common adverse effects of alprazolam include impaired coordination, low blood pressure, difficulty speaking, and increased libido,5 Additional adverse effects of Xanax include: 1,3
Decreased mental alertness. Confusion. Trouble concentrating. Memory impairment. Drowsiness, fatigue. Light-headedness. Dizziness. Muscle weakness. Poor balance/coordination. Slurred speech. Blurred vision. Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach. Worsening depression.
Can too much Xanax make you angry?
Intervention And Next Steps – Many people who develop an addiction to Xanax are unaware they have a problem. Others may suspect they are becoming dependent on the drug, but are in denial about the severity of their dependence. It is important to approach someone about their Xanax addiction carefully, so they will be responsive to your concerns and not become defensive.
- Xanax can cause aggression, rage and agitation in the user, making it very important that you do not confront them out of anger or while alone.
- A successful intervention relies on a calm, professional approach and results in the Xanax user agreeing to get help for their addiction.
- It may be best to enlist the services of a professional interventionist who can guide you in the process of confronting a loved one about their drug problem.
Interventionists are trained in dealing with the addicted mind. They know the typical responses of addicts, so they can prepare family members for various outcomes. An intervention should be well planned in advance, with the interventionist doing research into the family dynamics to help determine the next course of action.
How long after drinking can I take Xanax 25 mg?
How Long After Drinking Can I Take Xanax? – Alcohol has an average half-life of 4 to 5 hours, It refers to the amount of time that our body can rid half of the substance. Therefore, it may take 4 to 5 half-lives to clear up to 97% of the body off alcohol. To be safe, it’s best to wait until 1 or 2 days after drinking alcohol before taking Xanax.
Why won t the doctor give me Xanax?
The Basics about Benzos – First, the scientific explanation: benzos are a class of anti-anxiety medications, or anxiolytics, that increase the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps brain cells (or neurons) communicate with each other and reduces anxiety by enhancing GABA inhibitory function.
In layman’s terms, benzos slow a person’s brain activity, which brings feelings of relaxation and calmness. In addition to Xanax, other drugs in the benzo family include diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), and lorazepam (Ativan). Most benzos have similar effects, but they differ in strength (how long it takes them to work) and half-life (how long the drug stays in your system).
Drugs with a shorter half-life are linked with higher potential for addiction and dependence because the effects wear off faster. That is one reason why doctors are typically hesitant to prescribe Xanax for long periods of time. After taking Xanax in pill form, peak levels are found in your blood just 1-2 hours later.
What is better for anxiety than Xanax?
Alternatives to Xanax – While Xanax can be an effective route for treating the immediate symptoms of anxiety, there are safer alternatives to benzodiazepines that can be used to help with conditions like anxiety or panic disorder. It’s important to remember that the best type of anxiety medication is the one that works for you.
You will want to discuss all of your options with your psychiatric provider, who can make recommendations and adjustments based on your unique needs. Generally, antidepressant medications are just as effective and can be more effective in the long term. These medications can treat depression and anxiety, which is helpful since symptoms of both commonly occur at the same time, making them a good substitute for Xanax.
Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), work by blocking the absorption of released serotonin across neurons. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate things like mood, sleep, and emotional response. By stabilizing levels of serotonin passed across neurons, these medications may help decrease feelings of anxiety and regulate mood swings—making them effective in managing symptoms of depression.
Commonly prescribed Alprazolam alternative antidepressant medications used to help with anxiety include Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), or Lexapro (escitalopram). It’s worth noting that while antidepressants usually take a few weeks before noticeable results, they are much safer to take in the long term compared to benzodiazepines.
Another type of medication used for anxiety is buspirone, in a class of medications called anxiolytics. Sometimes, Xanax is used as a sedative to help with sleep problems. If you have insomnia, you may want to talk to your provider about a Xanax substitute like trazodone to help aid in sleep.
How do I ask my doctor for anxiety medication?
How Do I Get My Doctor to Prescribe Anxiety Medication? How to Ask Your Doctor for Anxiety Medication – The first step in getting anxiety medication is meeting with your provider, whether that be your primary care doctor or a mental health professional.
- Talk to them about your symptoms in depth, and discuss what options could be best for you.
- They will assess your anxiety levels, and may refer you to a specialist if they feel they need an expert opinion.
- However, if you don’t feel that your provider is taking your concerns seriously and isn’t giving you the help you need, consider getting a second opinion from another doctor.
Your health and well-being are top priority, and your concerns should be valued. Once you connect with a doctor or specialist, then you can start working with them to create treatment plans and try different prescriptions to see what works for you and what doesn’t.
- Whatever decision you make regarding medication, talk therapy is another important part of getting the most out of your medication.
- Anxiety medication can take your anxiety symptoms from overwhelming to manageable, but therapy addresses the root causes of your anxiety.
- In order to deal with your anxiety over the years, you likely had to rely on coping skills to help yourself manage your symptoms.
However, these coping skills can sometimes be as hurtful as they are helpful. You and your therapist will work together to unlearn any habits that don’t serve you, while learning new ones that are sustainable in the long run. Another important part of therapy is learning to work with your anxiety rather than against it.