Xanax (Alprazolam) is a drug from the group of benzodiazepine tranquilizers which is prescribed for some neurotic disorders. Its close relatives are phenazepam and diazepam, but unlike them, alprazolam causes drowsiness to a lesser extent, and to a greater extent - a decrease in anxiety. Such features of the drug provide it with high popularity, and today it is one of the most frequently prescribed drugs in the world.
Like other tranquilizers, Xanax can cause drug addiction if the recommended dosages are exceeded and with prolonged uncontrolled use.
| Tablet Strength | pills | Pricev | Per pill Price | |
| 1mg | 200 | $520.00 | 3.00 |
Features of the effect of Xanax on the human body
Xanax has all the properties of traditional tranquilizers, and has an anti-anxiety, sedative, anticonvulsant, hypnotic effect. The therapeutic effect of the drug is associated with its influence on various classes of "inhibitory" neurotransmitters - GABA receptors, as well as on the functions of the opioidergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic, and cholinergic systems. The drug is prescribed mainly during the therapy of:
- acute stress, panic, generalized anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder;
- phobic disorders;
- somatic diseases against the background of anxiety syndrome;
- depressive states;
- alcohol, drug withdrawal syndrome;
- severe premenstrual syndrome.
The drug easily penetrates the blood-brain barrier, so the therapeutic effect occurs very quickly.
Compared to analogs, Xanax has less pronounced side effects and less often causes severe inhibition, mood swings, and drowsiness during the day. That is why the drug is often prescribed for outpatient therapy. At the initial stages of treatment with Xanax, the patient may have various side effects (fatigue, general malaise, drowsiness, loss of appetite, bowel disorders, intolerance to physical activity). As a rule, they gradually disappear over time.
Contraindications to the use of Xanax
Due to the high risks of intoxication, Xanax 1mg is prescribed with special caution in chronic liver and kidney pathologies. Contraindications to taking any dose of the drug are:
- chronic diseases of the respiratory system, lungs;
- respiratory failure;
- pregnancy (taking the drug increases the risk of developing congenital defects in the child);
- severe depression with a tendency to suicide;
- individual intolerance, allergy;
- patient's age - the drug is prohibited for persons under 18 years of age.
In addition, taking Xanax cannot be combined with a course of antiviral, antiulcer, antifungal, and a number of antibacterial medications, sleeping pills and sedatives, and alcohol.
Xanax overdose
The main reason for an overdose is the dependence formed on Xanax Generic. In an attempt to enhance the feeling of drug intoxication, a person uses it in very large quantities. But there may be other factors:
- suicide attempt;
- failure to follow the doctor's recommendations on the amount and duration of treatment with the drug;
- combining it with psycho-sedatives and alcohol.
The likelihood of an overdose of Xanax is low in people undergoing treatment with it and strictly adhering to the doctor's instructions. Most deaths are recorded in drug addicts using the drug to get euphoria, especially when mixing it with ethanol, barbiturates, and other central nervous system depressants. In mild poisoning, symptoms typical of side effects are observed:
- an irresistible desire to sleep;
- slowed reaction, decreased reflexes;
- a sharp decrease in blood pressure and pulse;
- fatigue, apathy;
- slow breathing, a feeling of lack of air;
- absent-mindedness;
- decrease in body temperature;
- quiet and slurred speech;
- impaired coordination when moving;
- trembling of the hands;
- unsteadiness of gait.
The lack of timely assistance ends in death as a result of cardiac arrest or respiratory depression.
Dependence and withdrawal syndrome when taking Xanax
Alprazolam can cause drug dependence (especially if treatment lasts more than 4 weeks), therefore, during therapy, the doctor prescribes strictly limited doses of the drug, and at the end of the course, a slow, gradual withdrawal with a gradual decrease in the daily dosage is mandatory. If for some reason the patient suddenly stops taking the drug, he develops a withdrawal syndrome, the following symptoms appear:
- nausea, vomiting;
- general weakness, "fatigue";
- muscle pain;
- decreased concentration;
- inhibition;
- depression, apathy, irritability;
- tremor of the tongue and hands, convulsions;
- increased sensitivity to external stimuli (sounds, smells, light);
- tinnitus;
- hallucinations, delusional states;
- depersonalization;
- a feeling of fear and anxiety arises again;
- psycho-emotional disorders become worse;
- insomnia develops, and panic attacks appear.
