Xanax, Niravam, and Xanax XR are some of the trade names for the drug alprazolam. They are incredibly powerful drugs that control anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and anxiety caused by depression. (1)
Currently the eighth most prescribed medicine on all of United States, Xanax is the most widely-known and most consumed drug in treating such disorders because of it fast-acting ability. It acts on the brain and the whole nervous system by encouraging the production of GABA, a hormone produced by the body that gives you a calming effect.
This, in turn, alleviates the signs and symptoms observed in the patient, and temporarily help the patient. However, it should be stressed that this is not a permanent solution. In fact, doctors do not recommend its continuous intake for more than a few months so as not to develop a dependency on the drug. (2)
Different Ways Xanax Can Affect The Body
The side effects of Xanax can range from mild, to severe, to life-threatening. Even with the informed recommendation of Xanax by your doctor, you may still experience some of the listed side-effects. This is why it is important to divulge your medical history as well as allergies to the doctor upon consultation. (1)
Common Side Effects Of Xanax
These side effects are harmless. However, extra precaution must be taken by the patient to avoid harming themselves as most of these can worsen if ignored.
Common side effects may include but are not limited to the following:
- Drowsiness or feeling tired
- Slurred speech
- Lack of balance or coordination
- Memory problems
- Feeling anxious early in the morning.
- Absent or irregular menstrual period
- Sleep talking
- Nightmares
Dangerous Side Effects Of Xanax
Some of the items on the list below are not dangerous themselves. However, if your tolerance for the drug is extremely low or if you are in a situation that any of these side effects can endanger you, then it is best to avoid taking Xanax.
However, once you exhibit one of the following, you must inform your doctor immediately:
- Depression
- Thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself
- Racing thoughts
- Increased energy
- Unusual risk-taking behavior
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Hostility
- Hallucinations
- Uncontrolled muscle movements, tremor, and seizure
- Pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest.
Food And Drug Interactions With Xanax
Aside from Ethyl Alcohol, you are allowed to consume whatever food you want while taking Xanax. However, you must inform your doctor on your current medication. (3)
At least 138 drugs have major and potentially deadly interactions with Xanax. 678 more are considered to have moderate interactions with this medicine, while 104 only mildly reacting to Xanax. (4)
Having this information, anyone who wishes to take Xanax should avoid taking certain medications to prevent complications and amplified side effects. After taking Xanax, try to monitor and take note of how it affects your actions and body. At the same time, avoid driving and performing any rigorous tasks to prevent injuring or hurting yourself.
Side effects are inevitable, and failure to comply with these cautions and the recommendations of your doctor may result in bodily harm. Especially in driving, impaired senses combined with memory problems might lead to devastating vehicular accidents.
