Xanax is a well-known benzodiazepine that is taken by millions of people worldwide, with the risk that the drug can cause withdrawal symptoms. Typically prescribed for treating anxiety disorders, doctors around the globe prescribe Xanax for other problems like panic disorders and even depression as it is highly potent. However, the prescription medication Xanax can cause drug dependence and produce withdrawal symptoms if it is taken for quite some time. The dosage strength also plays a role in how soon the user develops drug dependence. It is administered as it can definitely help treat the anxiety disorders, but the withdrawal symptoms produced by the drug are also treatable.
How does Xanax withdrawal occur?
To understand how Xanax withdrawal occurs, it may be useful to see how exactly the drug works. It helps to balance the unbalanced chemicals in the brain that are causing the health condition by enhancing the effects of GABA. This helps tremendously well in controlling the symptoms of anxiety and calming the person. Withdrawal usually begins to occur when the user has developed tolerance to a particular Xanax dose and requires high doses in order to feel its effects.
Eventually, the body becomes completely dependent on the drug and it becomes difficult to stop taking the drug. The person is likely to experience both psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms while trying to discontinue the medication. Continuing to take the medicine for longer and in higher doses can make this problem very severe and all the more difficult to treat.
Symptoms of Xanax withdrawal
The following are some of the symptoms that someone undergoing Xanax withdrawal is likely to experience:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Paranoia
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Rebound anxiety
- Depression
- Racing thoughts
- Seizures
- Dizziness
Overcoming the Xanax withdrawal
The first step to treating the Xanax withdrawal symptoms is to seek help for the problem and use professional guidance. Do not try to overcome withdrawal on your own. If the prolonged use of the medicine has resulted in any side effects then address these problems first. Under medical supervision, commence the proper Xanax withdrawal treatment by gradually tapering the dose.
The healthcare provider would also be able to form a treatment plan that addresses your psychological withdrawal problems. Eventually, the doctor may switch you on to other drugs by discontinuing the pill completely. Address the problem of Xanax withdrawal as soon as you suspect that you have it. Ensure that your treatment for the anxiety condition does not get derailed in this process.
Apart from seeking the doctor’s help for overcoming the Xanax withdrawal, make sure that you practice other techniques that help relieve the anxiety symptoms without any medical intervention. With the right treatment plan you should be able to overcome the Xanax withdrawal without any hassles.
References:
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- Medscape. (2016). Withdrawal Syndromes.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015). Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment.
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- Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. (2013). Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association.
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- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2012). Well-known Mechanism Underlies Benzodiazepines’ Addictive Properties.