Xanax, also called alprazolam, is a prescription drug in the benzodiazepine family. It is primarily prescribed for the purpose of managing anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Although it can help provide short-term relief it’s important to know the pros and cons of using it for quick relief, and how it fits into your overall treatment plan for managing these disorders.
What Is Xanax (Alprazolam)?
Alprazolam is the generic version of the brand-name drug Xanax. Alprazolam is a fast-acting drug that helps you relax by boosting the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity.
By doing this, it helps to minimize the symptoms of anxiety disorder and panic attacks. The Xanax pill comes in both regular and extended-release tablets, allowing for it to be dosed based on individual needs.
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What Is Xanax Used For?
What does Xanax do? Xanax is most commonly prescribed for the short-term treatment of anxiety and anxiety-related conditions, which offers fast relief when symptoms become too intense or overwhelming.
Xanax is in a category of drugs called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are medications that help calm the mind and the body down, make you sleepy, and help with anxiety and muscle tension. They can even help with seizures.
Unlike other medications that may take weeks to build up in the body, Xanax is fast-acting, usually within an hour, which is why it is often used for sudden anxiety or panic attacks. While it’s not a cure for anxiety, it can help in the short term, especially when combined with therapy and/or antidepressant medication.
Treatment areas for Xanax are:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Characterized by persistent and excessive worry about many different things
- Panic Disorder: Involving sudden, intense episodes of fear
Off-Label Uses
Sometimes prescribed for insomnia, depression-related anxiety, or premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but the FDA has not officially approved these uses.
Comparisons
Ativan vs Xanax: Both are benzodiazepines, but Xanax kicks in faster and only lasts 4-6 hours, while Ativan (lorazepam) can last up to 8 hours.
Xanax Dosages
Xanax dosages vary depending on the condition being treated and an individual’s response to the medication. It’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s guidance to minimize any risks.
Benefits of Xanax as an Anxiety Medication
One of the biggest advantages of Xanax is how quickly it can bring relief.
This medication can help people who struggle with anxiety or panic attacks function better in their daily lives. It’s especially helpful in the short term, during particularly stressful periods, or while waiting for other longer-term treatments, like therapy, to begin seeing the effects.
Xanax isn’t meant to be used as a stand-alone, long-term treatment, but when used carefully with a doctor’s help, it can be a helpful tool. For many people, it helps them fully participate in therapy, especially in approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), where being emotionally present and engaged is important.
FAQs
No. Xanax is only meant to be used for a short period, because it can lead to dependence and tolerance. Long-term management for anxiety disorders usually includes therapy and other medications, like SSRIs.
Effects are felt in about 30 minutes, peak around 1-2 hours, and last approximately 4-6 hours.
Both treat anxiety, but Xanax works faster, but doesn’t last as long. Ativan lasts longer, so it’s good for managing anxiety over a longer period.
Yes. Generic Xanax is known as alprazolam and is considered to be just as effective as the brand-name version.
You should contact your healthcare provider immediately. Do not stop taking the medicine abruptly as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Risks, Side Effects and Xanax Withdrawal
While Xanax can help with short-term relief for anxiety and panic, there are some downsides to be aware of. Understanding the potential risks of dependence and Xanax withdrawal symptoms can help you and your doctor decide if it’s the right option for your treatment. Just like any medicine, there are side effects of Xanax; some are mild, while others are more serious.
Common side effects of Xanax include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Memory problems
Xanax also has some serious risks:
- Dependence and Tolerance: Using Xanax for a long time can make you physically dependent and reduce its effectiveness.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Stopping Xanax suddenly may cause anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and in severe cases, psychosis.
How Long Does Xanax Stay in Your System?
Xanax stays in your system for about 11 hours but it can show up in drug tests for a few days, depending on how much you took and how quickly your body metabolizes it.
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Therapy and Xanax: A Combined Treatment Approach
Combining Xanax (alprazolam) with therapy can help create a more well-rounded, holistic approach to effectively manage anxiety and panic disorders. Taking medication may help with symptoms for a bit, but it won’t address and get to the root of the problem, like underlying emotions or stressors, that contribute to anxiety. That’s where therapy comes in.
Short-Term Relief
Xanax is incredibly useful for immediate relief from panic attacks or overwhelming anxiety as it kicks in quickly. This can be helpful at the beginning of treatment, when the anxiety symptoms are too overwhelming, or if someone is too anxious to fully participate in therapy. The calming effects of Xanax can make you feel calmer and more able to engage in therapy.
Long-Term Management
Xanax can help with anxiety symptoms, but it’s not meant for long-term use because it can be addictive and cause withdrawal.
That is why, if Xanax is being used, therapy is so important. Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and interpersonal therapy (IPT) can help people deal with anxiety by understanding it, changing negative thoughts, building resilience, and learning healthier ways to cope.
Research has shown that CBT, in particular, is effective in treating anxiety because it tackles the underlying causes of anxiety, getting to the root of the problem.
Holistic Care
Anxiety isn’t just a chemical imbalance, life experiences also affect it, relationships, trauma, and stress. A treatment plan consisting of both medications and therapy takes into account the complexity of all the factors that can contribute to having anxiety.
Therapists and prescribers can work together to create a plan that not only helps with symptoms but also creates real, long-term positive changes. This could include making some lifestyle changes, stress-reduction techniques, grounding exercises, and building supportive relationships to help you regain a sense of control and connection.
Ultimately, medication, like Xanax, can be a helpful bridge to therapy, which can build a long-term path toward healing and managing anxiety symptoms. Working closely with a doctor and therapist will help find the right balance and what works best for you.
If you’re struggling with anxiety, talk to your healthcare provider or a licensed therapist to explore what options are available for you.
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