What Does Xanax Really Do To Your Body?

Xanax is one of the most prescribed psychiatric medications in the United States., It’s the brand name for alprazolam, a drug used to manage anxiety and panic disorders., It has also been used to treat depression, PMS, and chronic pain, When used as prescribed, it can be very beneficial. However, because of its calming effects, it is often misused to achieve a tranquil high. And taking more than the prescribed dose, taking it more frequently, or taking it with other drugs or alcohol can be fatal., In just the first half of 2008, this class of drugs accounted for the second highest amount of overdose deaths in the state of Florida. Of these 392 deaths, Xanax was responsible for nearly 300 of them. The number of people admitted to addiction treatment facilities in the U.S. for Xanax use has rapidly increased. From 2006 to 2012, this number went from around 5,000 to about 29,500. And according to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the abuse rate in those between the ages of 18 and 25 is nearly twice as high compared to people over 26. Xanax is a member of a group of medications called benzodiazepines., These drugs affect the central nervous system - the brain and nerves - to decrease abnormal excitement in the brain and create a calming effect., They do this by increasing the activity of a chemical, called gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA, that inhibits brain activity.,, This creates less of a restraint on the brain’s dopamine producers resulting in more dopamine, which controls the reward and pleasure centers in the brain.,,, This creates increased feelings of pleasure and decreased feelings of panic or anxiety. There are many potential side effects of this medication, ranging from headaches, drowsiness, and nausea, to more serious ones like hallucinations, loss of coordination, and suicidal thoughts.,, Prolonged use can lead to dependence, and if stopped abruptly, patients can experience withdrawal or seizures.,, Dependence occurs when your body builds up a tolerance for the effects of the drug, requiring a larger dose or an increased frequency of use to achieve the same effect it had when you started taking it. This can develop into a physical dependency where your body doesn’t function properly without it. Dependence can often lead to addiction or a substance use disorder, which is generally defined as compulsive drug use despite the harmful consequences.,, If you think you have an addiction, contact a treatment expert immediately. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides a free referral helpline that can connect you with treatment centers, support groups, and community organizers. Be safe and consult a doctor before taking any medication. This topic was highly requested by you guys, so you if you have any other drug that you want us to talk about, let us know in the comment section below.