The Side Effects of Xanax

Table of Contents

Why is Xanax Used?
What is Xanax?
Dosage for Xanax
What Are the Side Effects of Xanax?
What Substances Interact with Xanax?
Xanax, Pregnancy, and Lactation

Why is Xanax Used?

There are many reasons why one might be using Xanax. It is often prescribed in the treatment of panic and anxiety disorders, as well as seizures sometimes, but it doesn’t come without side effects. In 2017, over 25 million prescriptions were filled for the drug. 

What is Xanax?

Xanax, or alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine, which means that it increases the effect of GABA in the brain. GABA is responsible for inhibiting activity in the brain cells, which means your responses to things are slowed down and your blood pressure drops. As a result, this drug is quite helpful for anxiety and panic disorders, where an observed decrease in GABA signals has been linked to increased brain activity in the emotional processing portion of the brain.

However, as Xanax is a short-acting drug that has a high potential of becoming addictive, caution must be taken when using it. Its desirable calming effects can lead to overuse.

Dosage for Xanax

How much Xanax should you take? As always, it is best to follow doctor recommendations. Typically, doses between 1-6mg/day have been prescribed, with greater potential for abuse to occur at the high end of the range.

If you are addicted, withdrawal symptoms can be severe, and it is crucial to get the help of a medical professional. A slow and careful taper is required, and a taper should not be more than 0.5mg every 3 days.

What Are the Side Effects of Xanax?

While one is on Xanax, there are certain side effects that may occur. If they become severe, medical attention should be sought out to assist in weaning off the drug to minimize risk of harm.

The most common side effects are:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Irregular Heartbeats
• Headache
• Memory Impairment
• Depression
• Light-Headedness
• Muscle Weakness
• Confusion
• Loss of Balance
• Impaired Coordination
• Fainting
• Dry Mouth
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Aggressive  or Hostile Behavior
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Tremors
• Blurred Vision
• Double Vision
• Change in Appetite
• Weight Loss or Weight Gain
• Change in sex drive
• Incontinence
• Low Blood Pressure

The more serious side effects of Xanax are: 

• Peeling & Blistering Skin (Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis)
• Liver Failure
• Kidney Toxicity
• Low Count for White/Red Blood Cells and/or Platelets
• Throat Swells Up, Trouble Breathing (Laryngeal Edema)
• Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
• Excess Ammonia in Blood (Hyperammonemia) Causing Brain Damage

As you can see, the side effects can be very severe, and if you are not careful in your dosing, you could be on the road to a lot of pain, despite the comfort it may bring in the short term.

Accidental falls and injury can happen, which is especially dangerous for more elderly patients. 

At New Choices, we have trained medical staff who know how to give you the care you need if the side effects are becoming too much.

What Substances Interact with Xanax?

There are a number of things that can interact with Xanax. Try to avoid these when taking Xanax, and make sure you talk to a medical professional before changing things.

• Alcohol
• Other Meds for Anxiety, Seizures, and Depression
• Medication Causing Drowsiness (Sedatives, Sleeping Pills, Cold, Flu, and Allergy Meds)
• Narcotics & Other Pain Medication
• Muscle Relaxants
• Birth Control
• Antibiotics
• St. John’s Wort
• Valerian
• Heart or Blood Pressure Meds
• HIV Meds

The above is not an exhaustive list, and any medication or substance you take should be checked with a medical professional, as drug interactions can cause severe side effects.

Xanax, Pregnancy, and Lactation

If you are taking Xanax while pregnant, there are potential risks to your baby developing congenital abnormalities, especially with the larger doses. 

However, if you are dependent on Xanax, then suddenly stopping could also hurt the baby, and lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures.

Xanax is present in breast milk at least 40 hours after exposure in the mother. Thus, caution is advised and a medical professional should be consulted if you are with child.