Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the United States, affecting roughly 30% of adults at some point in their lives?
Anxiety disorders are certainly not uncommon, including here in Arizona where 16.1% of people reported symptoms of anxiety between August and September 2024. The side effects can be intense and include panic attacks, sudden episodes of intense fear or anxiety that triggers physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, racing heart, and rapid breathing. To combat these symptoms, some doctors prescribe the benzodiazepine Xanax.
People who take Xanax often see a significant reduction in symptoms, though this medication is not without risk. Not only are there many immediate effects of Xanax, but also there are long-term concerns, such as tolerance, dependence, and respiratory depression. Let’s explore Xanax side effects, how they present themselves, and how a treatment center like Wolf Creek Recovery can help you overcome a more serious problem.
Xanax Side Effects Over Time
Xanax is a fast-acting prescription benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. While it can be effective for short-term use, long-term use or misuse can lead to a range of side effects that affect physical and mental health. If you have been using Xanax long-term, talk to a medical professional about alternatives or tapering strategies. It’s important that you handle this process safely, as any type of benzodiazepine use can lead to distressing and even life-threatening withdrawal effects.
Short-Term Side Effects of Xanax Use
Because Xanax is particularly fast-acting, there are dozens of significant short-term effects that can occur, even when taken as prescribed. These include:
- Drowsiness, sleepiness, or fatigue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Memory impairment
- Impaired coordination
- Slurred speech
- Reduced focus and concentration
- Mood changes, such as euphoria, irritability, or agitation
- Paradoxical reactions, like anxiety
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Muscle weakness
The short-term effects of Xanax are typically manageable, but understanding and monitoring them can help ensure safe use of the medication. Seek medical attention if you experience severe side effects like extreme drowsiness or confusion, breathing difficulties, or fainting or unresponsiveness.
Long-Term Side Effects of Xanax Use
The long-term use of Xanax can lead to a wide range of physical, psychological, and social side effects. Here’s what to look for over time:
- Dependence and tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly
- Rebound anxiety
- Respiratory depression
- Digestive issues
- Memory impairment
- Difficulty concentrating
- Worsened mental health
- Overdose risk
- Liver and kidney strain
- Immune system suppression
- Compulsive use
- Social isolation
- Irritability and mood swings
Seek professional treatment if you notice dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal symptoms and cannot stop or reduce Xanax on your own.
How Xanax Affects the Mind and Body
Doctors prescribe Xanax because it suppresses the central nervous system (CNS), reducing the fight-or-flight response and the symptoms that occur as a result. While effective in the short term, its impact on the brain and body can lead to various effects, both therapeutic and adverse. To decrease the risk of complications, it’s important to follow your prescriptions, avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants, and consider alternatives, such as non-drug therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to address anxiety.
Behavioral Signs of Xanax Use
Behavioral signs of Xanax use can vary depending on whether the person is using the medication as prescribed or misusing it. Recognizing these behaviors can help identify potential misuse or dependence. Common behavioral indicators of Xanax use include changes in daily activities, such as sleep, neglecting responsibilities, and difficulty getting things done.
Changes in social behavior are also common, with individuals often withdrawing from family and friends, hiding medication or being evasive about their whereabouts, and associating with new groups. You may also notice “drug-seeking behavior,” which refers to visiting multiple doctors to obtain additional prescriptions, using Xanax without a prescription, or asking for early refills or claiming lost prescriptions.
Physical Signs of Xanax Use
Physical signs of Xanax use vary based on the dose, frequency of use, and how it’s being used (as prescribed or misused). Common physical signs of Xanax use include sedation and sleepiness, slurred speech, impaired coordination, relaxed appearance, constricted pupils, blurred vision, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal problems. Most of these effects wear off once the medication does, but it’s important to be aware of respiratory effects, such as slowed or shallow breathing, as this can be life-threatening.
Psychological Signs of Xanax Use
Psychological signs of Xanax are often related to the effects on the brain’s central nervous system. These signs can range from mild mood changes to more severe cognitive and emotional disruptions. Emotional changes include calmness, relaxation, and euphoria, especially at higher doses. It’s also possible to experience mood swings, cognitive impairments, anxiety and rebound effects, compulsive use, denial, impaired judgment, and an obsession with Xanax.
Treatment for Xanax Use Disorder in Prescott, AZ
Rehab for Xanax addiction focuses on safely discontinuing the substance, managing withdrawal symptoms, and addressing the psychological and behavioral aspects of your disorder. Xanax withdrawal can be severe or life-threatening, so you should always detox under medical supervision. The medications and support provided during detox will manage severe effects, such as seizures, severe anxiety, and hallucinations. You can expect a gradual reduction of Xanax to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Following detox, you can start a treatment program in a residential or intensive outpatient setting where you will receive access to evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These therapies work by helping you identify negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with Xanax use. Other therapies that may help you recover include support groups, treatment for mental health disorders, triggers and coping strategies, lifestyle changes, aftercare programs, and medication management. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your needs and the progress you are making.
Wolf Creek Recovery provides specialized care for individuals who are recovering from benzodiazepine use. We build a strong support network around individuals, ensuring they receive the support and guidance they need to overcome their substance use issues. With staff in recovery, evidence-based therapies, and access to outdoor therapy where we play games like basketball and pickleball, you have everything you need to confront your substance use disorder and change your story. To start your recovery, contact our team at 833-732-8202. Build a life you love.
FAQs About the Side Effects of Xanax
When is Xanax prescribed?
Xanax is prescribed to help manage the symptoms of anxiety and panic disorder. The medication produces a calming effect on the brain, which helps to reduce symptoms and increase relaxation.
What are the behavioral signs of Xanax use?
The behavioral signs of Xanax misuse include changes in daily activities, withdrawing from friends and family, hiding medication or being evasive about what they are doing, and attempting to gain additional prescriptions by visiting multiple doctors or taking from others.
What are the physical signs of Xanax use?
The physical signs of Xanax misuse include drowsiness, slurred speech, constricted pupils, dry mouth, blurred vision, and gastrointestinal problems like nausea and vomiting.
What are the psychological signs of Xanax use?
Psychological symptoms can occur with Xanax misuse, including mood changes, cognitive impairments, anxiety and rebound effects, compulsive use, and an obsession with obtaining and using Xanax.
Is Xanax use disorder treatable?
Yes, Xanax use disorder is a treatable condition. Supervised detox is crucial, as Xanax can produce severe and life-threatening side effects. After detox, you’ll want to participate in a treatment program that offers evidence-based therapies, holistic practices, peer support, and medication management.
