What People Should Know about Xanax Side Effects

Xanax is among the group of drugs called benzodiazepines. Some doctors prescribe the medication for the relief of anxiety. The drug may also be useful in treating panic and anxiety disorders. Xanax slows down the brain, so the person will feel more calm and relaxed. These people may also feel elated and euphoric because they hardly feel any pain or psychological issues.

The dosage recommended by doctors is usually low, and it only increases when necessary. Patients should take only the required dosage that meets their needs, so they could avoid experiencing severe sedation and impairment of their motor functions.

Xanax may be addictive when a person takes it for a long period. Those who have been taking the medication for over a month should not stop immediately without notifying their doctor. They should reduce the intake gradually, so they would avoid experiencing withdrawal symptoms. It is necessary for patients to take Xanax as prescribed by their health care provider. When a person misses a dose, he or she should take it immediately and resume with the recommended schedule. It is also important that a patient does not take double dosages just to make up for the missed one.

Facts about the Different Xanax Side Effects

Any medication is likely to cause side effects. Some of these conditions may be tolerable and mild, while others may affect the person's ability to perform daily routines. These side effects may even become worse when people abuse or take more than the prescribed dosage. The side effects may also be temporary or permanent, so individuals should contact their doctor when they experience negative conditions that affect their physical or psychological health.

A doctor may advise the patient to take low dosages of the drug, which can prevent the severity of the side effects. At least one percent of those who take Xanax suffer from serious side effect. Others undergo mild and temporary health conditions that are quite tolerable. The following are among the different side effects that some patients who take Xanax tend to experience

• Abdominal pains, cramps, stomach upset
• Blurred vision or impaired night vision
• Decreased libido or sexual activity
• Poor coordination, loss of balance, clumsiness
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Lightheadedness, drowsiness, fainting spells
• Dry mouth and throat
• Increased thirst and hunger
• Feeling of euphoria, elation, or sudden rush
• Excessive salivation or watering of the mouth
• Muscle spasm or tightness of the limbs
• Vomiting or nausea
• Difficulty in urinating
• Slurred speech, slow gait
• Tremors, trembling, muscle twitching
• Frequent fatigue, exhaustion and malaise

While these side effects do not manifest in all patients who take Xanax, these conditions can lead to adverse problems. Those who suffer from such effects should consult their doctor regarding the ideal solution to reduce these symptoms. There are also emergency cases due to Xanax side effects. Among the severe effects of the drug include:

• Delusions, disorientation, inability to make some sense of reality
• Nervousness and agitation
• Anxiety and confusion
• Changes in behavior such as aggression, decreased inhibition, and sudden outbursts of anger
• Pounding and fluctuating heart rate or pulse
• Visual or auditory hallucinations
• Sudden loss of short-term memory
• Very low blood pressure
• Muscle weakness
• Itching or skin rashes
• Insomnia
• Seizures or tremors
• Fever, sore throat and chills
• Ulceration in the mouth
• Uncontrollable body movements
• Severe tiredness or weakness
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Irritability and nervousness without any logical reason
• Jaundice or yellow skin and eyes

A few people may experience additional side effects aside from the ones listed. Those who are worried about a certain symptom should seek prompt medical attention. Doctors can recommend the ideal solution to that will put an end to the discomfort caused by these side effects.

Dependence and Withdrawal from the Drug

Studies have shown that some people have developed tolerance and dependence on the drug even after the period of medication. When they stop taking the drug, they experience withdrawal symptoms that include irritability, sleep disturbances, diarrhea, vomiting, memory problems, tremors, restlessness, and muscle pains. However, a gradual reduction of the dosage can help a person overcome the difficulties caused by Xanax side effects. They should seek advice from their doctor regarding the ideal treatment option or therapy for the withdrawal effects of the drug.