Often at Project Swole we think about the effects of mental health on physical health. Without proper mental health, we are unable to lead a healthy lifestyle, possibly even ignoring fitness altogether. Today we would like to discuss one method of camouflaging mental health issues and mental distress – using the prescription drug Xanax – how and why you might use it, and a brief explanation of the risks involved.
Studies reveal that more people are taking medication to deal with stress, anxiety, mental disorders, and insomnia among other discomforts. A huge chunk of this population consists of people who do not bother getting prescriptions for the right drug and the right dose.
Are you one of those individuals who take drugs based on your friend’s ailment?
That is wrong and creates a serious risk to your health!
Antidepressants and Benzodiazepines are medical drugs that are used to relieve some mental glitches and illnesses. The fact that they target your brain and how it sends transmissions throughout your body makes it a dangerous affair to self-diagnose and self-medicate. Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin are popular benzodiazepines that are used to produce a calming effect once they act on your nerves and brain.
Xanax is the most potent drug among the benzodiazepines. If you are suffering from anxiety or panic disorders, your doctor may prescribe you low doses of Xanax tablets to calm you down and improve your life. Due to its strength, the dosage you receive relies heavily on your age, condition, and how well you respond to the treatment. Though this medication can help a lot of people, it can also cause addiction.
Most people who experience Xanax withdrawal are those who have been using the drug for a long while or at high doses. Your doctor will start you off on a low dose and gradually increase it once you start developing tolerance towards it while still recovering, which is why it is very important for you to follow the instructions seriously. Stopping your Xanax intake suddenly after using it for a while will cause Xanax withdrawal symptoms, some of which are mild while others, like seizures, are extreme.
Precautions And Warnings
Some people are allergic to some drugs and substances, and this is no different with Xanax. Xanax and any other benzodiazepines that your doctor prescribes may contain some active ingredients that can flare up an allergy you may have or cause a negative reaction. If you are self-medicating, you run a great risk of doing more harm to yourself than any good since there is a high chance you will not keep this in mind. Doctors will have a look at your medical history as well as your family’s to make sure no problem may create drastic issues later.
Xanax is also not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women because the drug can pass into your baby’s system and have negative effects in the womb or after breastfeeding a newborn baby. Other important information includes: if you have been or will go through surgery, and your genuine age (especially for the individuals who lie about their age). Older age means you may incur more risks with sensitivity to Xanax’s side effects.
Marijuana and alcohol enthusiasts will have to lay down these pastime activities as long as they are on this medication. Since alcohol and marijuana already affect your balance and coordination, Xanax can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Alcohol, especially, can interact negatively with Xanax. Since your coordination and judgment will suffer some impairment, stay away from driving or operating machinery or doing any tasks that require a clear mind.
Other medication, when taken together with Xanax may cause harsh reactions, side effects, and even death. Your doctor can determine whether small doses of Xanax may be appropriate with other medication or not. Similarly, if you are already on Xanax and in need of medical attention that requires more drugs, make sure you let the doctor know you are taking Xanax.
Xanax Side Effects
Most prescription drugs for mental relief come with side effects. Xanax tablets, when used to treat anxiety and panic attacks, will provide you a near-instant calm, but not without side effects. Some of the side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, and feeling drowsy. They are quite normal so try and minimize them by rising slowly after lying down or sitting.
However, if you experience mental or behavioral changes, memory and alarming coordination and communication problems, hallucinations or suicidal thoughts, get medical assistance immediately. Side effects are not usually serious, and your doctor prescribes Xanax after outweighing the benefits over the side effects.
Allergic reactions are usually rare, and your doctor will dig up as much of your medical history to avoid these reactions. If you notice any extreme dizziness, swollen throat or face, rashes, and difficulty breathing after taking the Xanax tablets, do not panic. Seek medical help.
Xanax Overdosing And Withdrawal
Due to its potency and short half-life, it is wise to adhere to the prescribed dosage and taking Xanax at the required time. Like most medication, do not attempt to take an extra tablet once you miss a dose. Overdose symptoms are similar to some extreme side effects, such as hallucination and suicidal feelings. Having seizures is another sign of an overdose. Xanax short half-life is responsible for developing tolerance and dependency – if you notice Xanax withdrawal symptoms when you suddenly halt your Xanax intake, it is proof of dependency.
When taking Xanax for an extended period on prescription, your doctor will prolong future dependency by starting you off on the lowest dose that is effective and increasing it gradually with tolerance. Tolerance happens when you get used to your current Xanax dosage, and it is not as effective as before, presenting Xanax withdrawal when your body doesn’t get its usual relief. Addicts seeking help from dependency and overdose from high dosage levels go through Xanax detox that involves flushing the drug out of their system.
For patients who adhere to their Xanax prescriptions but have reached doses that doctors deem as a limit, the best Xanax detox method used is tapering off of Xanax. Here, your doctor will slowly wean you off of Xanax until you are completely off it. Withdrawal symptoms are unavoidable, but at least they will not be life-threatening.
Final Thoughts
Once you start taking Xanax, do not get carried away and assume you are immune to addiction possibilities. If anything, try the best you can to find other ways to handle your anxiety or panic attacks without relying on Xanax. However, putting more pressure on yourself will not help, try talk therapy to see if it may help you find a solution.
Tags: depression, drugs, health, medicine, mental health, prescriptions, side effects, xanax
