Xanax is a medication used to treat anxiety disorders. It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines and works by increasing the effects of a brain chemical called GABA, which helps calm nerves.
This medication has been around since the 1960s, but it’s still one of the most prescribed drugs today. The main reason for its popularity is that it’s effective at treating many types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder and social phobia.
Xanax can help with other conditions as well, including insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and certain phobias. In fact, Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for PTSD patients in the U.S., according to Medscape.
One of the most common side effects from Xanax is sedation—typically mild drowsiness or fatigue that goes away over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Other common side effects include dizziness, headaches and nausea.
But it’s not just at work; it happens everywhere. Maybe you’re at home watching a movie with your family, and suddenly, your mind starts racing with thoughts of all the things on your to-do list, who’s going to take care of the kids when they get older and how will we afford it? Or maybe you’re out with friends, but instead of engaging in conversation or enjoying yourself, all you can think about is how much money you’ll need to get through this month until your next paycheck arrives.
For many people, these thoughts are normal—but for some people, they are debilitating. That’s why there are medications like Xanax prescribed by doctors: to help alleviate anxiety symptoms like these so that patients can continue living their lives without being held back by overwhelming feelings.
How to Use Xanax for Beginners
First things first: Xanax is a prescription drug, so you should not take it unless you have been prescribed it by a doctor. It’s also important to remember that Xanax comes in two forms—a tablet and a liquid—and they work differently in your body, so make sure you get the right one!
If you want to try Xanax but don’t want to see your doctor yet, we recommend starting with a low dose: just 0.25 mg taken every 4-6 hours as needed for anxiety or panic attacks. After taking Xanax for about a week, ask your doctor if it’s possible for them to increase your dose or make any changes to your prescription. If so, ask them about increasing your dosage or changing the frequency of doses (for example: instead of taking 0.25 mg every 4-6 hours as needed for anxiety or panic attacks, maybe try 0.5 mg twice daily).
How much should I take?
Xanax works best when taken in small doses, so it’s best to start with a low dose and see how that feels for you. You can always increase the dose later. It’s also important to note that everyone reacts to medications differently, so your experience may vary from what we list here.
The most common way people take Xanax is by swallowing it whole with water or another drink (like coffee). You could also chew the pill up and swallow it without water—this method has worked well for many users, but some people find it difficult to chew up an entire pill in one sitting. If this is the case for you, try taking half of your dose now and then taking the other half later on if needed.
Xanax Facts You Should Know
- Xanax is a benzodiazepine that can be used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia.
- It works by increasing the amount of GABA in your brain (GABA is an amino acid that has calming effects).
- Xanax comes in pill form, as an extended-release tablet that dissolves under the tongue, as well as in liquid form.
- Some common side effects of Xanax include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, fatigue and muscle weakness—all of which can be reduced or eliminated by taking smaller doses at first.
- The drug should not be used for more than two weeks at a time without consulting with your doctor first; extended use can cause dependency on the drug and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation (such as seizures).
Can Xanax Cause Depression?
Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the world. It’s also one of the most popular drugs for treating anxiety and panic disorders. But what about its potential side effects?
One of the most common questions that people have about Xanax is whether it can cause depression. The answer is yes—but it’s not as simple as that! In fact, there are a number of different ways that Xanax can cause depression. Let’s take a look at what they are and how they work.
Why Does Xanax Cause Depression?
There are a few different ways that taking Xanax can cause depression in some people. The first is simply by reducing anxiety, which leads to fewer symptoms of depression over time (it’s important to note that this happens in some people but not all). Another way is by causing side effects like sleepiness or memory loss—these things can make you feel depressed by themselves, even if they aren’t making your anxiety worse! And finally, some people experience emotional numbing when they take Xanax—that means that their emotions don’t feel as intense as usual and can lead to depression.
Is Benzodiazepine addiction common?
There are nearly 30 million benzodiazepine prescriptions written each year, and experts estimate that between 10% and 15% of those who take them for anxiety end up abusing them. Benzodiazepines can be addictive for many reasons, but one of the most pressing issues is that they are frequently prescribed to people who suffer from chronic pain.
Benzodiazepines can be addictive for many reasons, but one of the most pressing issues is that they are frequently prescribed to people who suffer from chronic pain. This means that many people who take these medications do so because they need them to function normally—and when they stop taking them, they are left with intense withdrawal symptoms that can make it very difficult for them to function normally again.
Because benzodiazepines are so commonly prescribed and used recreationally, it’s important for everyone who takes them to understand their risks and be prepared for any potential problems that may arise as a result of using these drugs over time.”
What Are The Most Common Side Effects of Xanax?
Xanax is a medication that can be used to treat anxiety and panic attacks. It is a benzodiazepine, which means it has a sedative effect and can help you relax. Unfortunately, like many other medications, there are side effects associated with Xanax use.
But there are side effects to using Xanax, including drowsiness, dizziness, and headache. Some of these side effects can be serious if left untreated.
Xanax should not be taken for more than four weeks at a time without talking to a doctor first. If you take Xanax for longer than this, you could become dependent on the drug. In addition, some of the common side effects of Xanax include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Double vision or blurred vision