Xanax/Alprazolam is the second most prescribed medicine and is recommended for treating symptoms of anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.
It’s also important to know and understand how Xanax affects the body for anyone who is thinking about using it, as this can help patients and medical professionals to manage expectations and to be aware of the risks.
It acts directly on the brain’s neurotransmitters, Xanax can bring about a feeling of calm and relief from symptoms that can be painful or frightening, such as anxiety and panic, for a number of users. This article looks at how Xanax works, its effects on the body, the risks of Xanax, and much more.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is a prescription drug from the benzodiazepine family of drugs. It is often prescribed for anxiety and other mental health conditions that require a calming or sedative effect.
The active ingredient in Xanax, Alprazolam, changes brain levels of a few key neurotransmitters that affect mood and stress. One of the most frequently dispensed drugs in the United States, Xanax is frequently used as an easy solution for people who experience anxiety or panic attacks.
It may work great for short-term relief, but you should only take it under medical guidance for the purpose of reducing the dangers of abuse, dependence, and withdrawal.
How Xanax Affects the Brain?
Xanax acts by binding to a type of receptor in the brain called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors. GABA is a natural neurotransmitter that suppresses or slows the normal firing of the brain’s neurons. When Xanax is consumed, it amplifies the activity of GABA and leaves the user with lower brain activity overall.
The calming effect is especially beneficial for those with anxiety or panic attacks due to the fact that it can be used to decrease the overactivity of nerves that cause these situations.
The drug depresses the central nervous system (CNS) by binding to a subset of the GABA receptor, the benzodiazepine receptor. Xanax works by increasing the inhibitory effects of GABA, which is responsible for causing relaxation, lowering tension and assisting in the treatment of an overactive brain.
The net effect of this is sedative and may help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, stress, and panic. Also, the Xanax works so quickly, so the relief these symptoms offer is usually about an hour.
The medication also works as a muscle relaxant, and has anticonvulsant properties which means it can be beneficial for someone that has generalized anxiety or who suffers from panic attacks including physical symptoms such as muscle stiffness.
While it is effective for short-term symptom management, Xanax’ soothing effects do not provide continued relief as long as other medications, which is why it is commonly prescribed for situational stress and never intended for long-term management.
Effects on the Brain and Body
The tranquillising effects of Xanax occur very rapidly after taking the pill, in as little as 15–20 minutes, because it’s absorbed quite easily. When it stimulates GABA activity in the brain, it creates a sedative and muscle-relaxing effect that may help people feel more chill. This is helpful for anyone who has an anxious mind that never slows down and is coupled with tension and physical symptoms of anxiety.
For individuals suffering from anxiety disorders, Xanax can offer the kind of relief people want to live their lives free from constant anxiety. It is also often recommended for individuals who suffer from panic disorder, as it can alleviate the severe and overwhelming episodes of panic that can make a person feel powerless. Xanax is also soothing to the body, as it assists in calming the physical symptoms of anxiety, which include an elevated heart rate, difficulty breathing, and strained muscles.
As well as treating the symptoms, Xanax is considered to be among the very best of the benzos for relief. The drug has a sedative effect, which may alleviate sleep problems due to anxiety. But due to its short-lived effect, one has to swallow a second pill as soon as symptoms reappear, something that could increase the danger of dependency if the pill is used over the long haul.
Duration and Onset of Action
Xanax works very rapidly — users regularly experience its effects after just 15 to 30 minutes of popping it. Xanax reaches peak levels in the blood within 1–2 hours, which means taking it even casually can make withdrawal more likely after you stop. The drug is out of the system in about 11 hours, with the effects gradually diminishing throughout the day.
One reason is that Xanax has a relatively short duration of action, which is ideal for the immediate relief of anxiety or panic symptoms. “It’s short-acting, so while we can do this maybe three times a day, it’s also metabolised very fast, so people can have that return of symptoms before the next dose is due, and you get potential overuse if you’re not careful.” This short-acting action, however, is also responsible for the potential for tolerance to develop, especially when a person ups the dose when it takes the pill longer to work.
Safety Issues and Side Effects
While Xanax is an effective treatment for anxiety and panic disorders, it can also have a number of side effects. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, and unsteadiness. People often have trouble remembering and concentrating, and are confused. These side effects are more likely to occur in elderly people, who are more susceptible to the dangers of misuse and falls.
Slurred speech, lack of coordination and confusion may also occur. In some instances, individuals may have allergic reactions, such as skin rash, itchiness and/or swelling. Chronic Xanax use can cause addiction and dependence (especially if it’s used long-term and medical assistance isn’t sought). Seizures can also occur from the abrupt discontinuation of the drugs.
A healthcare provider can closely monitor your usage of Xanax for long-term use and make changes to your dosage or treatment as necessary. It is crucial to never combine Xanax with alcohol or with any other drug, as this may heighten the risk of very severe side effects such as respiratory distress and overdose.
Conclusion
Don’t take Xanax (Alprazolam)! This drug is a potent prescription meant to mitigate anxiety and panic attacks by boosting the effects of GABA (neurotransmitter) in the brain. Its rapid onset and sedative effects are useful for managing acute presentations of anxiety.
Nonetheless, because it can lead to dependence and withdrawal, Xanax should only be taken as directed by a doctor. Used responsibly and under the care of a doctor, Xanax can provide relief for those who need it, but it is also important to understand how it works and its potential side effects to be sure you are taking it safely. Be sure to talk with a healthcare provider about the appropriate way to address anxiety and use medications such as Xanax.
