The Long Term Side Effects of Xanax
Xanax is a prescription drug of the benzodiazepine class. Because Xanax is a depressant of the neurological system, it has a tranquilizing effect. It is metabolized and eliminated quicker than other benzodiazepines. Its half-life is 12 to 15 hours, and its effects kick in after about 15 minutes. Xanax is FDA-approved for very short-term treatment--up to eight weeks, of panic disorder.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Paradoxical Reactions
According to Robert Chew, a psychiatric-pharmacist specialist in Sacramento, paradoxical reactions occur in 5 to 10 percent of users of benzodiazepines, and they are most often seen in children and elderly individuals. Paradoxical reactions are drug reactions that occur in the absence of the intended reactions. Paradoxical reactions of Xanax include:
- nervousness
- aggressiveness
- violent behavior
- phobias
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
- suicidal intentions
- hallucinations
- paranoia
Paradoxical reactions can occur after short-term or long-term use.
Physical Side Effects
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Physical side effects of Xanax include:
- dry mouth
- respiratory changes
- dizziness
- confusion
- drowsiness
- memory loss
- ataxia
- or slurred speech
- according to Dr
Chew. Mixing Xanax with alcohol or other neurological depressants can increase the risk of coma and death. Xanax can also cause psychomotor impairment that can result in road accidents, industrial work accidents, falls and fractures. Elderly individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing psychomotor side-effects. All of these effects can occur after short- or long-term use.
- Physical side effects of Xanax include: * dry mouth
* respiratory changes
* dizziness
* confusion
* drowsiness
* memory loss
* ataxia
* or slurred speech
* according to Dr Chew. - Mixing Xanax with alcohol or other neurological depressants can increase the risk of coma and death.
Psychological Side Effects
Short- or long-term use of Xanax can lead to personality changes such as narcissistic personality traits, carelessness and hyper-confidence. Jack Gorman, a New York psychiatrist and the author of "The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs," describes these effects as frequently occurring 3. The explanation is that Xanax has a depressing effect on neurotransmitters in the body, which are involved in producing empathy when others get hurt, and fear in socially or physically threatening situations. When these neurotransmitters are artificially depressed, people are not as worried about real threats or harm done to others.
- Short- or long-term use of Xanax can lead to personality changes such as narcissistic personality traits, carelessness and hyper-confidence.
- The explanation is that Xanax has a depressing effect on neurotransmitters in the body, which are involved in producing empathy when others get hurt, and fear in socially or physically threatening situations.
Tolerance
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Tolerance occurs when the dosage originally prescribed no longer generates the initial effects. The risk of tolerance is greater with more potent benzodiazepines, such as Xanax. When people no longer experience the desired effects of the drug, it is tempting to increase the dosage. This quickly can lead to drug dependence. According to Dr. Gorman, addiction to Xanax can be as difficult to quit as addiction to other potent drugs.
- Tolerance occurs when the dosage originally prescribed no longer generates the initial effects.
- When people no longer experience the desired effects of the drug, it is tempting to increase the dosage.
Brain Atrophy
According to Peter Breggin, an Ithaca-based psychiatrist and author of "Toxic Psychiatry," long-term use of Xanax and other benzodiazepines can result in cognitive impairment 4. Breggin makes reference to a letter to the editor in the July 1989 issue of "Archives of General Psychiatry," where Isaac Marks and colleagues cite studies showing that long-term use of small doses of Xanax can lead to an enlargement of the cerebral ventricular, which is a sign of a brain atrophy 4.
Related Articles
References
- Benzo.org.uk: Bristol and District Tranquilliser Project AGM
- "What Your Patients Need to Know about Psychiatric Medications"; Robert H. Chew et al.; 2009
- "The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs"; Jack M. Gorman; 2007
- "Toxic Psychiatry"; Peter Breggin; 1991
- DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Xanax—alprazolam tablet. Updated December 13, 2019.
- Ait-Daoud N, Hamby AS, Sharma S, Blevins D. A review of alprazolam use, misuse, and withdrawal. J Addict Med. 2018;12(1):4-10. doi:10.1097/ADM.0000000000000350
- U.S. National Library of Science. Alprazolam. Updated October 11, 2019.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 2118, Alprazolam.
Resources
- Science Daily: Long-Term Use of Anti-Anxiety Drugs Continues in British Columbia, Canada
- Science Daily: Drug Dials Down The Energy Within Cells, Researchers Find
- "Medication Madness"; Peter Breggin; 2008
Writer Bio
Dr. Berit Brogaard has written since 1999 for publications such as "Journal of Biological Chemistry," "Journal of Medicine and Philosophy" and "Biology and Philosophy." In her academic research, she specializes in brain disorders, brain intervention and emotional regulation. She has a Master of Science in neuroscience from University of Copenhagen and a Ph.D. in philosophy from State University of New York at Buffalo.