LONG-TERM IMPACT Long-term symptoms of Xanax abuse include: Insomnia. Tremors. Brain fog.
If you've ever called on Valium, Xanax or another type of benzodiazepine to help you sleep or to find calm, you may have experienced the hung over, foggy feeling that lingers the next day. Research has found that regular and sustained use of these drugs might cause serious long-term damage.
Xanax can also cause cognitive impairment. The side effects of using Xanax over a long period of time can even cause a person to develop a shorter attention span. The development of dementia is another example of Xanax brain damage.
The most common adverse effects of alprazolam include impaired coordination, low blood pressure, difficulty speaking, and increased libido. Additional adverse effects of Xanax include: Decreased mental alertness. Confusion.
This benzodiazepine can cause temporary memory loss, feelings of hostility, irritability, and disturbing or vivid dreams. Someone who takes too much Xanax may experience: shallow breathing.
Avoid operating machinery, driving, or performing tasks that require mental alertness while taking Xanax. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. The lowest effective dose of Xanax should be used for the shortest time possible.
When benzodiazepine users cease long-term benzodiazepine therapy, their cognitive function improves in the first six months, although deficits may be permanent or take longer than six months to return to baseline.
Benzodiazepines like Xanax are central nervous system depressants that slow down brain activity by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This brain chemical is seen as a natural tranquilizer, producing a calming feeling in the mind.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Xanax for very short-term treatment for most conditions. Eight weeks is the maximum amount of time they should be taken, specifically to treat panic disorder. Most physicians or therapists will prescribe Xanax for “as-needed” treatment.
Benzodiazepines like Xanax work on a specific type of receptor in the brain ( GABA receptors) to inhibit neural activity and slow the user down. They provide the user with a sense of calmness, easing away those anxious feelings, or acting like a sedative or muscle relaxer.
The risk of overdose is particularly great when combined with sedative drugs such as opioids or alcohol. For these reasons, if used, benzodiazepines generally should not be prescribed continuously for more than one month. There are effective alternatives.
For people who take benzodiazepines for more than a few weeks, cognitive effects can continue long after daily use ends. They might even be permanent.
Are There Any Risks For Taking Alprazolam For Long Periods Of Time? Alprazolam is a safe and effective medication when used as directed. Benzodiazepines may produce emotional and/or physical dependence (addiction) even when used as recommended. Physical dependence may develop after 2 or more weeks of daily use.
Rebound anxiety is common and is often severe with alprazolam discontinuation because of its short half-life and the unique alpha-2 adrenergic effect.
Xanax is a medication commonly used for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. When taken to help treat symptoms of anxiety, Xanax can ease muscle or chest tightness, can reduce racing thoughts and shortness of breath.
Popular benzodiazepines to treat OCD include:
Xanax (Alprazolam) Ativan (Lorazepam) Valium (Diazepam)
Today, Xanax is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders including panic disorder, which is characterized by sudden episodes of intense fear or worry along with physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain and dizziness.
You should only be prescribed benzodiazepines for the shortest amount of time possible. Taking benzodiazepines regularly for a few weeks or more can lead to addiction. Doctors recommend that you only take them for 2-4 weeks. Intermittent use may help to avoid addiction.
Benzodiazepines are widely administered drugs to treat anxiety and insomnia. In addition to tolerance development and abuse liability, their chronic use may cause cognitive impairment and increase the risk for dementia.
1 Benzodiazepines possess anterograde amnesic properties, disrupting both short-term and long-term memory function. 2 The amount of amnesia is systematically related to dose effects and half-life differences among the benzodiazepines. 3 Memory deficits are found for episodic, semantic, and iconic memory function.
Drugs with a shorter half-life are linked with higher potential for addiction and dependence because the effects wear off faster. That is one reason why doctors are typically hesitant to prescribe Xanax for long periods of time.
Adults—At first, 0.5 milligram (mg) 3 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 10 mg per day. Older adults—At first, 0.25 mg 2 or 3 times a day.