Xanax and everything we know about it
Xanax is a medication produced by the pharmaceutical company “Pfizer”. According to the pharmacological classification, it belongs to anxiolytics. The name of this group of medicines comes from the English word “anxiety”.
This indirectly indicates the range of application of such drugs — phobic, depressive, panic disorders, etc. But at the same time, Xanax is “famous” for its ability to quickly cause addiction, which, on the one hand, requires an increase in the dose to achieve the desired effect, and on the other, causes withdrawal symptoms when you try to give up the drug.
Besides, narcologists are increasingly facing the problem of dependence on this drug – it is sold quite legally (only on prescription, but it never stopped anyone), but its storage and use is not prosecuted by law. Can Xanax be considered a drug? How to recognize the signs of abuse and addiction in your loved ones? And how to deal with such kind of drug addiction?
What is Xanax? A bit of pharmacology
The main component of the drug is a substance from the benzodiazepine group called alprazolam. Its main therapeutic effects include:
Such range of therapeutic activity determines the main indications for its use. These are:
It is noteworthy that Xanax is often prescribed as a part of the complex treatment of drug addiction and alcoholism. At the same time, it is recommended to start the course of therapy almost immediately – during the period of withdrawal.
There were also reports of the appearance of suicidal thoughts against the background of the long-term use of Xanax. Foreign experts are very cautious in their conclusions. As a convincing argument, they cite the results of the clinical studies and data obtained over almost 30-year experience of practical use of Xanax. However, even the official instructions for the drug published on the FDA website (The United States Food and Drug Administration) indicate that the risk of suicide is increased in patients suffering from depression and panic attacks.
How addiction develops
The duration of addiction formation depends on the reason why the person is taking the pills. If Xanax was prescribed by the doctor, disappearance of symptoms of depression and improvement of mood and general well-being are considered as normal — that was actually the goal of treatment. In such cases (naturally, as long as the doctor’s recommendations regarding the dosage and prohibition of alcohol are followed), addiction is developing slowly and takes about a year.
However, if this anxiolytic is used to achieve emotional satisfaction and euphoria, addiction is forming much faster — a couple of months is enough.
It is important to remember that the whole course of Xanax therapy must be carried out under the constant supervision of a neurologist. You should adhere to the schedule of preventive consultations drawn up by a specialist, contact him/her in case of emergency and always report any changes in your well-being.
North Carolina Association for Hospital Central Service Professionals
Secretary – Sacha Galloway
813 Durwood Drive
Fayetteville NC 28311
Sgalloway.ncahcsp@gmail.com