Consider The Side Effects of Xanax Before You Start the Treatment
It is common to hear names like Xannies or Zanies, Handlebars, Bars, Blue footballs, Benzos, French fries, Ladders, or Sticks. But what exactly are they? They are a medication called Xanax, which is frequently in the news for its side effects or misuse and abuse. So how should we approach this situation? We need to educate ourselves about the dangers of Xanax and follow our doctor’s advice when using this medication to treat our health condition.
Your doctor may prescribe Xanax or Alprazolam to manage anxiety and panic disorder (sudden attacks of extreme fear and stress). Alprazolam belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. It works by reducing abnormal chemical activity in the brain.
Side effects of Xanax:
Medications like Xanax, which is a sedative and belongs to the benzodiazepine family, can increase the risk of death. It is important to be aware of the side effects and interactions of this medication in order to minimize the risk. Some common side effects include:
- Anterograde amnesia and concentration problems
- Ataxia, slurred speech, and disinhibition
- Drowsiness, dizziness, light-headedness, fatigue, impaired coordination, and giddiness
- Dry mouth and rare hallucinations
- Rare cases of jaundice and seizures
- Skin rash, respiratory depression, and constipation
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
- Infrequent urinary retention
- Muscle weakness
The FDA has required manufacturers to include a boxed warning for all benzodiazepines. This warning informs people about the risks of abuse, addiction, misuse, physical dependence, and withdrawal reactions associated with these medications.
Although rare, there can also be some paradoxical side effects, such as:
- Episodes of aggression
- Mania, hyperactivity, agitation, and restlessness
- Rage and hostility issues
- Cramps and tremors
Xanax Interaction:
Before starting Xanax treatment, it is important to discuss with your doctor if you are taking any other medications. This