Xanax: a brief guide on a powerful tranquilizer
Xanax is a popular medicine that belongs to the benzodiazepine tranquilizers. It possesses pronounced sedative and hypnotic properties and is prescribed as a sedative for the therapy of depression, nervous tension, insomnia, neuroses, etc. It has become one of the most popular medicines of this category due to its high availability and relatively low price. Still, it requires an accurate and cautious attitude to avoid certain adverse reactions.
| Drug Name: |
Xanax (Generic) |
| Tablet Strength: |
1mg |
| Best Price: |
$3.00 |
| Payment: |
Visa, MasterCard |
| Shipment: |
International Delivery Service |
| RX: |
Not Required |
| Where to Buy Xanax? |
Visit Store |
The mechanism of action and main indications
This medicine has wide pharmacological properties in the treatment of anxiety. It has a complex calming effect on the body. The mechanism of action is based on the activation of the inhibitory effect of endogenous gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an increase in the sensitivity of GABA receptors in the central nervous system, and an overall decrease in brain activity. Another important aspect of Xanax’s action is its mild hypnotic effect. It allows you to reduce anxiety, relax, and fall asleep. However, if the recommended dose is exceeded, the medicine gives the opposite effect. A person feels euphoric and carefree, the mood improves significantly, and depression or other problems are forgotten. Long-term uncontrolled use leads to addiction and mental disorders, so the overall mental health of a person is disturbed. That is why all tranquilizers, including Xanax, should be utilized according to the prescription and with the control of the specialist. Self-medication can cause addiction and combination with other sedatives can cause severe side effects. The main indications for usage are as follows: • depression accompanied by sleep disturbance, mood swings, apathy to the surrounding world, decreased cognitive function, and suicidal thoughts; • neuroses and a state of anxiety with insomnia, irritability, and somatic disorders; • panic and fear attacks.
Rules of utilization
The medicine comes in tablets that should be taken with a glass of pure water and swallowed without crushing or breaking. The doctor based on considerations of minimum effective amounts prescribes doses. Observation and correction of the chosen dose are carried out based on the results observed during the first weeks of the therapy. If it is necessary to increase the dose, it’s better to do this in the evenings. The initial dose is 250-500 mcg three times per day. The increase should not exceed 4.5 mg per day with clear recommendations from the doctor. For the elderly or sick and weak patients, the initial dose is no more than 250 mcg two to three times a day. The maintenance dose is 500-750 mcg per day. Discontinuation of administration and reduction of dosage should be carried out gradually, reducing the dose by no more than 500 mcg once every three days or even more slowly.
Possible adverse reactions and contraindications
Despite the high effectiveness of Xanax as a sedative, its use can cause several adverse reactions that must be considered by the doctor when prescribing it, as well as by the patient when using it. The possible side effects include: • dizziness, headache, deterioration of concentration, hallucinations, impaired coordination of movements, etc.; • diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, and liver dysfunction; • decrease in blood pressure, tachycardia, leukopenia, or anemia. Some changes in the work of the hematopoietic, genitourinary, and endocrine systems are possible. The type and nature of adverse processes depend on the individual characteristics of the patient’s body. However, the main side effect is the gradual formation of addiction. That is why the usage of this medicine should be strictly controlled and only the specialist must select the dose suitable for the patient. As for the contraindications, the list is as follows: • increased sensitivity to the main or auxiliary ingredients; • coma and shock; • closed-angle glaucoma; • myasthenia; • chronic obstructive lung diseases; • alcohol poisoning and intoxication with psychotropic drugs; • pregnancy and breastfeeding period; • night apnea; • severe depression; • age younger than 18 years.
Conclusion
Altogether, one should be careful with Xanax given its high activity and powerful influence on the brain. Still, if used according to the prescription, it can quickly solve such pressing issues as panic, anxiety, and depression, and bring a patient back to a normal life.
