Xanax is a drug taken that millions of Americans use. Often, Xanax can be extremely helpful for individuals going through difficult times in their life. However, the side effects of Xanax can be extremely dangerous. Below, we’ll outline what the side effects of Xanax are and how to watch out for them. We’ll also discuss overdoses from Xanax and how to get help for recovery.
What Is Xanax and What Is Xanax Addiction?
Most people associate drug addiction with street narcotics like meth, heroin, or cocaine. That’s what you hear most about in police reports and on TV, after all. However, even legal prescription drugs like Xanax can be addictive.
Xanax is a form of benzodiazepine. Often, medical professionals prescribe it to assist patients in dealing with anxiety. As a rule, benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and can cause side effects that are even worse than initial symptoms.
Xanax is addictive because it creates a chain reaction of responses in the brain. Particularly, it affects receptors called GABA receptors, which are in control of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine makes you feel good. The brain sees this hormone as a reward signal.
What Are the Side Effects of Xanax?
Xanax may be effective at lowering anxiety and helping individuals in certain social situations. However, it can cause numerous undesirable side effects as well. These include:
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Muscle weakness and poor coordination
- Changes in mood
- Stuffy nose and dry mouth
- Swelling in the feet and hands
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Blurry vision, dizziness, and headache
- Memory problems and trouble concentrating
- Slurred speech
- Increased sweating
Can You Overdose on Xanax?
Yes, a Xanax overdose is possible. Most of the time, an overdose from Xanax happens when someone combines Xanax with other drugs. Often, these other drugs are depressants such as alcohol.
Also, if an individual takes more Xanax than he or she is supposed to, this can cause an overdose. Most of the time, this form of overdose is the result of a heart rate that slows so much that it stops. Serious breathing problems can also become too much for the individual and result in an overdose.
Get the Help You Need at Crestview Recovery
If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you don’t have many options for professional recovery. Fortunately, Crestview Recovery can help.
At Crestview Recovery, we offer state-of-the-art treatments and the best therapists and addiction specialists in the industry. Our programs can help you or your loved one recover from an addiction to Xanax. We offer:
- Programs for men and women
- Intensive outpatient and standard outpatient programs
- Extended recovery treatment and ongoing care
- Dual diagnosis therapy
- Partial hospitalization treatment
Don’t wait until the side effects of Xanax become overwhelming. Get the help you need for Xanax addiction today by calling Crestview Recovery at 866.262.0531.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
