Xanax is a medicine that is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression. It can act quickly on the body as compared to other drugs meant to deal with the same disorders.
Available Xanax Dosages
The market offers Xanax in various dosages to cater to the different needs of people. Some people experience hardly any effect with some dosages, on the other hand, there are also individuals who react too much in regular doses. The availability of various dosages seeks to address this problem.
It contains the active ingredient alprazolam, and comes in the following dosages/brands:
- Xanax tablets: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
- Xanax XR extended-release tablets: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg
- Niravam orally disintegrating tablets: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
- Alprazolam Intensol liquid (concentrate): 1 mg/ml
The drug works mainly on the brain and the whole of the nervous system and encourages the production of GABA, a “nerve-calming” drug. In turn, this manner of controlling bodily hormones results in a relaxing effect.
Although not treating the very roots of anxiety and panic, this helps the patient in battling the signs and symptoms of their illnesses. Today, it is seventh of the most prescribed drug in the United States, and the first most prescribed medication in treating anxiety.
What Is The Right Dosage For Me?
As Xanax contains a highly addictive ingredient, you must make sure that you are not taking more than what is recommended. The right dosage largely depends on your age, disorder, and tolerance. It is advisable that you consult with your doctor instead of determining the dosage yourself. (1)
Xanax And Overdose
As we have already mentioned, Xanax is naturally very addictive. It is also very easy to build up a tolerance, so it is not very surprising that the majority of the cases of overdose are accidental.
In fact, only 52.5 percent of deaths linked to this drug do not have documented cases of substance abuse. Those same casualties even have prescriptions for Xanax. However, there is also the possibility that patients with prescriptions have overdosed intentionally. (2)
Signs Of Xanax Overdose
Like on any other drug, overdose from Xanax is likely to display signs which can range from mild to severe, with the worst being death. (2)
Common signs of overdose include: (3)
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness
More serious signs that you should look out for are:
- Slurred speech
- Hypotension/ Low Blood Pressure
- Respiratory depression and unresponsiveness
- Weakness or fatigue
- Ataxia
- Reduced muscle strength
- Hallucinations
- Coma
What To Do If You See Or Know Someone Suffering From Xanax Overdose?
The best thing to do is help the person seek immediate medical attention or call the necessary emergency numbers. If possible, you should be the one to contact an emergency personnel.
You must also look for signs of decreased circulation such as bluish skin which may or not be cold to touch. Make sure to report any of these and other symptoms to the responding health provider.(2)
How To Treat Xanax Overdose
Depending on how quickly the treatment is sought, the treatment may vary. What is usually done is treat the symptoms as they appear. Also, there is the option of pumping out the undissolved Xanax by inserting a tube into the stomach. Only do these as a last result, otherwise, always wait for a trained professional before doing anything. (4)
