Xanax® Abuse
Xanax® (Alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, insomnia, and acute stress reactions. It is prescribed to therapeutically produce sedation, induce sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and to prevent seizures. In simple terms, it is used to help the body relax.
While Xanax® is prescribed by a doctor to treat real physical and psychiatric disorders, it is only safe when taken exactly as directed by a doctor, healthcare provider, or as indicated on the packaging. This includes following directions on dosages, how often to take these drugs, and never taking any drug that is not prescribed for you.
Use of Xanax® in ways other than prescribed can have a variety of adverse health consequences, including overdose, toxic reactions, and serious drug interactions leading to life-threatening conditions, such as respiratory depression, hypertension or hypotension, seizures, cardiovascular collapse, and death.
How to Know if Someone Is Abusing Xanax®
You might need help if you or a loved one:
- Take a higher dosage than what is prescribed by your physician
- Use Xanax® for a longer time period that prescribed by your physician
- Develop an increased tolerance for Xanax®
- Experience withdrawal signs and symptoms when you don’t take Xanax®
- Continue use of Xanax® to avoid withdrawal
- Demonstrate overall loss of control or obsessive-compulsive drug seeking behavior
- Continued use of Xanax® in spite of clearly adverse consequences
The withdrawal syndrome for Xanax® is similar to that of alcohol and may require hospitalization. Abrupt cessation of Xanax® is not recommended. Instead, dosages should be tapered down under the supervision of a doctor.
Information provided by the National Institutes of Health