Signs of overdose usually develop within four hours of a dose, which is the time when the drug concentration is highest in the body. The symptoms of an overdose may persist for 12 to 36 hours. Long-term Xanax abuse can result in cognitive impairments, memory problems, and increased risk of accidents or overdose. Those suffering from Xanax addiction and abuse frequently combine the substance with alcohol or other pills — particularly opiates — to get a better high.
- Those with anxiety will see a return of symptoms and may feel inclined to up their dose in order to keep symptoms at bay.
- Since Xanax can cause serious side effects and has a high potential for addiction on its own, it is extremely dangerous to mix Xanax with alcohol or other drugs, particularly opioids.
- The half-life of alprazolam (Xanax) is about 11 hours in adults.
- The rest are oval shaped and colored white (0.25 mg), orange (0.5 mg), or blue (1 mg).
- This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
- The manufacturer does not provide information on taking Xanax this way.
What To Know About Taking Xanax When Sick
Benzodiazepine drugs are also sometimes used as “date rape” drugs because they impair the functions that normally allow a person to resist sexual aggression or assault. The drug is usually added to alcoholic drinks or even soft drinks in powder or liquid forms and can be hard to taste. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, finding the right treatment is an important first step towards making positive changes in your life. Our caring admissions navigators are available free of charge 24/7 to talk on our hotline.
How to Recognize and Treat Xanax Addiction
The severity of the disorder can be classified as “mild” if two to three criteria are met, “moderate” if four to five are met, and “severe” if six or more are met. These classifications may help direct the most appropriate course of treatment. Xanax is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and insomnia. The drug is extremely addictive and should only be used under a doctor’s supervision. If you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. If you or someone you know is addicted to Xanax, seek help before the addiction worsens.The Recovery Villagehas trained teams of medical experts who understand the difficulties of living with Xanax addiction.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Xanax to treat certain conditions.
- We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals.
- To find out how the cost of alprazolam compares to the cost of Xanax, see this article.
- Recovery from Xanax addiction is possible, and with proper treatment, you can begin to live a happier, healthier, and drug-free life.
Does alprazolam interact with foods or drinks?
You may also have an increased risk if you take Xanax for a long period of time. However, these problems are also possible with lower doses and after taking the drug for a short time. Xanax is approved to treat only generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. However, your doctor might sometimes prescribe Natural Xanax Alternatives For Anxiety Xanax off-label for certain other uses. Off-label drug use is when a drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it for. Misusing alprazolam can lead to serious side effects like coma or death.
The guidelines recommend other options for first-line treatment of this condition. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Xanax to treat certain conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for. To treat panic disorder in adults, the recommended starting dosage of Xanax is 0.5 mg three times per day. Serious side effects from Xanax are not common, but they can occur.
The best way to try to lessen the severity of your Xanax withdrawal symptoms is by slowly tapering down your dose of Xanax. Tapering means taking progressively smaller doses over the course of several weeks. It is not recommended to taper without the assistance and recommendations from your prescribing doctor. Xanax is a high-potency drug, which makes its withdrawal symptoms more intense than symptoms of withdrawal from other types of benzodiazepines such as Valium (diazepam). Xanax can help people who are in acute distress, but it is not intended for long-term use. The long-term use of benzodiazepines like Xanax can potentially create problems with dependence and withdrawal.