How Does Xanax Make You Feel?

Many medications are abused and consumed in excess to achieve a high. Xanax, a brand name for alprazolam, is one such widely abused medicine. Xanax is a strong benzodiazepine that is widely prescribed for treating symptoms of anxiety and panic disorders and abused recreationally for its ability to create sedative or calming effects. This article will explain how Xanax can make you feel and why it has gained so much popularity in clinical and recreational settings.

Xanax is a short-acting medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the short-term treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorders, with or without agoraphobia, in adults. This medication belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs, which includes chemical compounds that slow down the central nervous system. It is also used off-label for treating insomnia and alcohol withdrawal. Since Xanax is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, it isn’t recommended for long-term use. Xanax abuse could lead to addiction and serious side effects related to withdrawal, including seizures.

Xanax enhances the effects of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a natural chemical in the body that slows brain function and lowers heart rate and blood pressure. It affects dopamine levels in the brain, resulting in a high. Although the drug’s sedative effects make it the go-to benzodiazepine for treating anxiety disorders, its short half-life, and rapid absorption encourage misuse, leading to addiction.

Misusing Xanax increases the risk of developing an addiction to the medication and potentially overdosing if not taken as prescribed or experiencing dangerous withdrawal symptoms if suddenly discontinued.

Despite Xanax being an extremely effective anti-anxiety medication, it does come with a list of potential side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Memory problems
• Slurred speech
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Stuffy nose
• Poor coordination
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Excessive sweating
• Headaches
• Appetite or weight changes
• Dependence
• Tolerance of the medication
• Allergic reaction

Seek medical attention if you have an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

However, not everyone who takes Xanax will experience side effects. Many factors influence whether people will have side effects from a medication, such as a dosage, medical conditions, and the use of other CNS depressants, including alcohol.

When Xanax is taken as directed, you may feel calmer and more in control, with improved mental clarity and decision-making abilities. When used as directed, Xanax may also cause the following effects:

• Ease of muscle tension
• Ease of chest tightness
• Reduced racing thoughts
• Reduced feelings of fear
• Better sleep
• Relief from symptoms associated with a panic attack, such as racing heart, trembling, and difficulty breathing.

You won’t necessarily notice any extreme effects if you use Xanax at prescribed doses.

Unfortunately, Xanax is also popular among those with no legitimate need for it and take it in higher doses or more frequently than prescribed. In these situations, Xanax is popular because it can produce euphoric feelings, especially at larger doses. Xanax begins to work fast after it’s taken, with the euphoric effects typically appearing within an hour.

Misuse of Xanax can have serious adverse effects and harmful outcomes in a person’s life, including blacking out and memory loss if taken in high doses. In addition, combining benzodiazepine medications like Xanax with alcohol or opioid drugs can result in severe respiratory depression, heart problems, loss of consciousness, extreme sleepiness, lack of coordination, and an increased risk of dangerous accidents.

Generally, counterfeit alprazolam tablets offered on the black market contain fentanyl and, in some circumstances, etizolam, which are known to induce adverse effects. Individuals who consume fake Xanax may report persistent drowsiness, unilateral weakness, and paresthesia. In addition, they have a high potential for overdose.

Sometimes, when Xanax treatment is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur when the drug’s effects begin to wane. There may be physical manifestations resembling those of an alcoholic hangover. For example, symptoms may include headaches, nausea, and vomiting. It’s also possible to experience psychological symptoms such as increased anxiety or irritability.

If you have been using Xanax for a long period or at a high dose, you are more likely to have withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuing treatment. However, similar symptoms can occur in anyone who abruptly discontinued Xanax, even when used as prescribed.

When you stop using Xanax, your doctor will gradually reduce your dosage to reduce your risk of withdrawal symptoms. Consult with your healthcare provider if you experience hangover-like symptoms after discontinuing Xanax. They can propose methods for alleviating the symptoms.

Because Xanax depresses the brain chemical, prolonged and increased use can cause memory impairment. While the individual may be alert and coherent, they may not recall the time when they were high. This increases the risk of injury or death, especially because Xanax misuse lowers inhibitions and causes people to act in ways they normally wouldn’t. This includes driving while intoxicated or combining Xanax with other drugs or alcohol, which can be fatal.

Those who become addicted to Xanax need it to produce GABA. People are prone to chasing that first high. It is the ultimate “chill pill,” allowing the user to relax completely. Withdrawal symptoms from Xanax addiction are unpleasant, painful, and even fatal. Many users will continue to abuse to avoid them.

Getting off Xanax can be as difficult as breaking any other drug habit for people who develop a dependence on it. Taking Xanax for as little as three weeks can lead to dependence, and withdrawal symptoms may occur when the drug is discontinued, or its dosage is reduced. People who use more than 4 mg of Xanax daily for more than 12 weeks have the highest chance of developing dependence and eventual withdrawal.
Symptoms of withdrawal may include:

• Concentration impairment
• Loss of the sense of smell
• Increased sensory perception
• Brain fog
• Tingling
• Weight loss
• Muscle cramps
• Muscle aches
• Diarrhea
• Double vision
• Blurred vision
• Decreased appetite
• Breathing difficulties
• Insomnia
• Rebound anxiety and panic attacks
• Suicidal ideation

After the acute withdrawal symptoms have subsided, patients may experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms that may last longer.

Abruptly discontinuing Xanax use has been linked to fatalities in certain users. The worst possible withdrawal symptoms include hallucinations, delirium, and seizures. For this reason, individuals struggling with Xanax addiction should get help from a qualified treatment center. Two of the most fundamental objectives of addiction treatment are detoxing under medical supervision and learning to avoid relapse. Medical professionals within these facilities can help you get through this process, find effective anxiety treatment alternatives and help you return to living a full, happy, and sober life.