Xanax Benzos Warning Signs & Side Effects

When it comes to learning the Xanax warning signs and side effects, this information could potentially save lives when it comes to individuals who have a Xanax prescription or those who may misuse and abuse the drugs. Knowing the warning signs of addiction can help a person recognize if they are becoming addicted, both physically and mentally, to a drug like Xanax. There are unfortunately side effects to every medication, some worse than others. For those who may be abusing a drug like Xanax, those side effects can be more serious and pronounced and even can result in major health issues including overdose and death. Keep reading to learn more about Xanax warning signs and side effects of a possible addiction to benzodiazepines (benzos) like Xanax.

What is Xanax and  how is it used?

Before we get into how Xanax is abused, warning signs of abuse and addiction and the side effects linked to both of those, let’s look at what Xanax is, how it is supposed to be used and why it is prescribed. Xanax is a brand name of a drug from the category of medicines known as benzodiazepines. These are drugs that are essentially a mild sedative used to help those who suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorders and panic attacks. When a panic attack comes on suddenly (or sometimes builds and is expected by the patient), the individual may need help calming down from the attack.

A drug like Xanax can help calm a person dramatically to help them cope with panic attacks and severe anxiety. Benzos contain certain properties to assist with a calming in a variety of ways including working as a sedative, hypnotic, anti-anxiety, anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant. Combined, these work to calm the body both physically and mentally. They work together to impact the body’s neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The GABA is responsible for reducing the neuron activities that tend to cause stress and anxiety.

Benzos are typically a short-term medical solution and should be used in conjunction with other therapies and medications. These drugs do impact the brain and body in a way that can be addictive. The body’s central nervous system builds a tolerance to the amount of drug needed in order to achieve a calming effect. The longer a person uses Xanax or a similar drug, the more drug they need to stay calm and combat anxiety. This is why other therapies like exercise, talk therapy, relaxing activities and others should be used in conjunction with a benzo, so the patient learns other methods of reducing anxiety without having to increase the dosage of their Xanax prescription.

However, for some, benzos are used as a crutch to help them deal with their anxiety and mental health issues rather than as a tool. Knowing the signs of Xanax abuse is important in helping someone recognize if they are headed toward a benzo addiction or if they may be using too much, too frequently.

Xanax Warning Signs of Abuse:

When it comes to abuse of any prescription drug, it is easier than one thinks to improperly consume the drug, whether it is intentional or not. Some of these warning signs to look out for to confirm if you or someone you know is misusing or abusing a prescription drug like Xanax includes:

• Taking a drug that was not prescribed for you. It does not matter if you seem to have the same symptoms as your friend or family member. If a doctor has not specifically prescribed the medication in question to you, use of that drug is considered abuse. Be sure to talk to your doctor or medical health professional if you feel like you may need Xanax or another anti-anxiety medication to help you cope with Generalized Anxiety Disorders or Panic Disorders.
• Taking a larger dose than what is prescribed to you is also considered drug abuse. With a benzo like Xanax, as the body physically and mentally grows accustomed to the effects of the initial dose, it may feel like you need more of the drug to achieve the same level of effect as before. Unfortunately increasing a dose without first talking to your doctor, can result in drug abuse for the user. This can quickly turn dangerous as it becomes a slippery slope toward severe Xanax addiction.
• If you take the drug in a different manner than how it is intended to be taken (usually ingested by tablet orally). If you crush, snort or inject the drug (as some abusers do to achieve a quicker, more intense high) this is considered drug abuse. Use only as directed.
• Intentionally using the drug to get high. This one should be an obvious Xanax warning sign of abuse. Intentionally misusing Xanax to achieve euphoria or to mix with another prescription drug is a behavior demonstrated by a drug addict and can have dire consequences, most of can result in death.

Xanax Side Effects:

If you or someone you know takes Xanax, it is important to be aware of the side effects that come with taking the drug and to recognize these side effects can be exacerbated or worsened if the drug is abused.

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Grogginess
• Poor coordination
• Feelings of depression
• Headache

In cases when the drug is abused or used alongside other drugs and meds that may not be compatible, it can present in a dangerous way in the drug that can result in extreme side effects including fatal overdose. If you or someone you know is struggling with a benzo addiction, or have an increased tolerance to your Xanax prescription, be sure to consult with your doctor right away to determine the next course of action to prevent a Xanax addiction. By watching these Xanax warning signs, you may be able to prevent a serious addiction to benzodiazepines.

Sources:
Medicalnewstoday.com
Drugs.com
Medlineplus.gov
teentreatmentcenter.com
recovery.org