But some people crush them and smoke, snort, or even inject the drug. One type of benzodiazepine that’s legally manufactured in other countries but illegal in the U.S. is flunitrazepam (Rohypnol). Often called “roofies,” it’s well known as a date rape drug. Some people may be better suited for a harm reduction approach, in which the taper leads to a maintenance dose rather than abstinence. Protracted withdrawal is a prolonged withdrawal experience marked by waves of mild psychological symptoms that come and go over the course of several months.

Would my doctor prescribe Xanax for depression, sleep problems, or other conditions?

The active ingredient in Xanax is alprazolam, while the active ingredient in Valium is diazepam. Taking Xanax with the herb St. John’s wort may lower the level of Xanax in your body. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods. Agoraphobia is an intense and irrational fear of situations where you think you might have difficulty leaving or getting help if you have a panic attack. For example, you may be afraid of being in a crowd or in open or enclosed spaces. You may also be afraid of using public transportation or leaving your home alone.

Is dependence the same thing as addiction?

• These changes can last even after a person has stopped taking a substance.
• As you navigate this challenging terrain, remember that you’re not alone.
• Following detox, someone fighting a Xanax addiction might be referred for rehab or inpatient treatment.

If you feel like you’re becoming dependent on Xanax or are taking it more than what your healthcare provider has prescribed, seek help as soon as possible. With dependence, your body becomes reliant on a drug to function as usual. If you suddenly stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on, you could experience side effects known as withdrawal symptoms. Panic disorder is a common mental health condition that can affect your daily life and impact your relationships with others. Xanax is FDA approved for the short-term treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults.

Xanax and other medications

• They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may concern or bother you.
• Xanax is a high-potency drug, which makes its withdrawal symptoms more intense than symptoms of withdrawal from other types of benzodiazepines such as Valium (diazepam).
• Risk factors for developing a Xanax dependency are as varied as the individuals who fall prey to it.

So consuming alcohol with Xanax can lower the activity further. If you have questions about consuming other foods with Xanax, talk with your doctor. Here’s some information about herbs, supplements, and Xanax treatment. Be sure to talk with your doctor before taking any herbs or supplements with Xanax.

The doctor should work with the person to optimize their safety and wellness during treatment. Keep reading to learn more about Xanax addiction, how people can treat it, and how to reduce the risk of misusing the medication again in the future. If you or a loved one has been prescribed Xanax, it is vital to alert your physician to what medications you are already taking before using Xanax to prevent any potentially adverse combinations. Overcoming an addiction to Xanax isn’t easy, but people do it every day.

Unlike many other withdrawal syndromes, benzodiazepine withdrawal can be complicated and, occasionally, life-threatening. Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist that can be given intravenously (IV) as an antidote in the emergency setting to help reverse the effects of a benzodiazepine overdose. Call your healthcare provider, xanax addiction go to the nearest hospital emergency room, or call for emergency medical help (call 911 in the US) right away if you get any of these symptoms. Xanax is addictive because of how it works in the brain, its short duration of action, and the potent calming and anxiety-relieving effect of the medicine that some people may abuse.

The Body on Drugs

It’s unknown whether Xanax is safe or effective in children. You can reach out to your doctor or pharmacist if you have additional questions. You should take Xanax with Adderall only if your doctor has prescribed them.

The signs of https://ecosoberhouse.com/ can be subtle at first, easily mistaken for the very symptoms it’s meant to treat. You might find yourself needing higher doses to achieve the same calming effect, or experiencing anxiety between doses. Sleep becomes elusive without that little white pill, and thoughts of Xanax start to dominate your day. It’s a slippery slope, and before you know it, you’re sliding down fast. Benzodiazepines are a controlled substance, which means it’s illegal to have them without a doctor’s prescription. Legally manufactured forms of benzodiazepine are classified as schedule IV drugs in the U.S.

Xanax Abuse: Short- and Long-Term Effects of Xanax

Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine drug widely prescribed to treat anxiety disorder. Benzodiazepine addiction is a growing concern in the United States, with around 30% of opiate overdose deaths also involving drugs like Xanax. Xanax is approved to treat only generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. However, your doctor might sometimes prescribe Xanax off-label for certain other uses. Off-label drug use is when a drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it for.

• Yes, Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine prescription drug and is classified by the DEA as Schedule IV controlled substance.
• Due to these risks, the FDA issued a boxed warning in 2016 against the concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids.
• This means it takes about 2.5 days for Xanax to be fully removed from your body.
• If you don’t have insurance, visit a community health center.

Talking with your doctor

It’s like having a first-aid kit for your brain chemistry. The acute withdrawal phase, typically lasting from one to seven days, is where the rubber meets the road. This is when those physical symptoms hit hardest, and your body feels like it’s been put through a wringer. It’s a bit like having the flu, a hangover, and a panic attack all rolled into one delightful package. Symptoms could start a few hours after you last take a short-acting benzodiazepine. With long-acting benzodiazepines, it might take up to 3 weeks to notice withdrawal symptoms.