Long Term Xanax Side Effects

How To Recognize Xanax Side Effects

What is Xanax, and why is it dangerous? Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam, which is an addictive medication from the family of benzodiazepines. Xanax is a controlled drug because of its addictive properties and requires a doctor’s prescription for legal use. There are unpleasant and risky Xanax side effects individuals need to know for themselves or a family member taking the drug.

Xanax Side Effects

Individuals prescribed Xanax should be aware of side effects that may need medical attention right away. The following list of Xanax side effects includes those that should be reported immediately to your doctor. It is unlikely anyone would experience all of these effects, but if any occur it’s important to call your doctor. If ignored they can have serious consequences.

• Memory problems
• Speech pattern changes
• Feeling unsteady on feet
• Coordination problems
• Feeling depressed or discouraged
• Feeling sad
• Frequent drowsiness
• Lightheaded
• Easily irritated
• Unsteady walking
• Slurred speech
• Constantly tired
• Lack of concentration
• Insomnia
• Jaundice
• Weakness
• Trembling
• Problems with muscle weakness and lack of coordination

Don’t take chances with any of these side effects as they can cause serious problems if medical help is not sought.

Xanax Long-Term Effects

Xanax is highly addictive, and people using it as prescribed can become tolerant of the drug in just a few weeks. Once that occurs, greater amounts of the drug will stop being effective in the prescribed dose. The abuse of this drug leads to dangerous Xanax long term effects, which can include the following:

• Balancing problems
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Depression
• Lethargy
• Inability to concentrate
• Confusion
• Forgetfulness
• Turbulent mood swings
• Difficulty with speech
• Dependence
• Hallucinations
• Paranoid delusions
• The brain is damaged
• Increased risk of developing dementia

Inhibitions are decreased when using Xanax, and individuals often engage in reckless behavior. They may become agitated, irritable, argumentative, and have suicidal thoughts. These dangerous side effects cause many to go to the emergency room when their behavior becomes aggressive or they are suicidal. The number of people treated in emergency rooms for serious reactions to Xanax increased 172 percent from 2004 to 2011. Many times the person loses their temper without provocation, which can be threatening to another person. Sometimes the person on Xanax becomes physically dangerous to another person.

If you have a family member of friend who is taking Xanax, and you notice any symptoms of dependency, talk to them about getting help. It is not safe to stop Xanax at home as seizures and other medical problems can occur. WhiteSands Addiction Treatment Centers in Tampa and Fort Meyers have helped many patients recover from Xanax addiction. Call WhiteSands at (877) 855-3470, and talk to an addiction counselor.

Xanax Addiction Recovery

It’s necessary for Xanax addiction recovery to begin in a facility that provides medical detox. There are life-threatening dangers for people who try to stop taking Xanax at home. WhiteSands Addiction Treatment Centers in Tampa and Fort Myers FL have board-certified doctors, psychiatrists, nurses, and addiction specialist on staff. Medical detox is conducted under the supervision of doctors after completion of a physical and mental health assessment. This assessment gives the staff the information they need to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient.

Following detox, each patient’s program will include group and individual therapy as well as counseling and learning sessions. Alternative therapies make it possible for WhiteSands to treat the whole patient. Yoga and meditation, art therapy, and biofeedback are just a few of the alternatives offered at WhiteSands.

Don’t wait until your health or that of a loved one is compromised by the drug Xanax. Call WhiteSands today at (877) 855-3470, and speak to a counselor about inpatient detox and rehab.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.