Xanax is often prescribed to manage anxiety and panic disorders and can be life-changing for those who need it. When taken correctly and under a doctor’s guidance, Xanax helps ease overwhelming feelings of anxiety, providing a sense of calm and stability. While the medication can be effective for symptom management, it’s a powerful Schedule IV drug that must be used carefully [1].
This page is intended for anyone prescribed benzos like Xanax. It addresses issues like how does Xanax make you feel, is Xanax safe, and what to know about the side effects and risks. You will also discover where to get compassionate and effective treatment for Benzo addiction.
Are You Addicted to Xanax?
Xanax is effective for treating anxiety when used correctly, but it can lead to dependence and addiction with sustained use. For this reason, the drug is typically prescribed short-term.
Tolerance to Xanax effects builds, meaning more is required to deliver the initial effects. Ongoing Xanax use can lead to physical dependence, where the person needs Xanax to feel normal [2]. Addiction to Xanax involves compulsive use of the benzo, even when it’s causing problems in all areas of life. Look out for the following signs of Xanax addiction:
- Needing higher doses: Tolerance forming and finding that your regular dose doesn’t work as well is one of the early indicators of addiction developing.
- Withdrawal symptoms upon quitting: When someone dependent on Xanax stops taking the drug, they might experience withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating, insomnia, and increased anxiety. This reaction can make stopping the drug feel extremely difficult.
- Intense cravings: A powerful urge to take Xanax—especially if it feels like you can’t manage daily life without it—is a common warning sign of addiction.
- Losing control over use: If you try to reduce your dose or quit but can’t seem to follow through, this is another sign of addiction to benzos.
- Ignoring responsibilities: Addiction often leads people to neglect core areas of their personal and professional lives.
If you notice these signs in yourself or a loved one using Xanax, reach out to a healthcare provider or addiction specialist. They can help create a personalized plan to reduce your use safely and support your recovery journey. Addiction is a chronic condition, but it can be treated effectively with evidence-based therapies.
How Should I Use Xanax?
Taking Xanax as directed by your doctor is key to getting its benefits without the risks. How does Xanax make you feel, then? It works by calming the brain and CNS (central nervous system), which can dramatically reduce anxiety symptoms. That said, benzos like Xanax are potent and habit-forming, so it’s essential to follow the prescribed dose and timing.
Here’s how to use Xanax safely:
- Follow your prescription carefully: Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how much Xanax to take and how often. Never take more than prescribed, even if you feel very anxious, as higher doses can provoke dangerous side effects or addiction.
- Avoid taking Xanax longer than recommended: Xanax is usually recommended only for short-term use, as the body can get used to it over time, reducing its effectiveness and increasing the risk of addiction. Your doctor might suggest lowering the dose gradually if you need to stop taking it.
- Don’t mix Xanax with alcohol or certain drugs: Alcohol and some medications like opioids can interact adversely with Xanax, raising the risk of side effects like drowsiness, slowed breathing, or overdose [3].
- Store Xanax safely: Keep your medication in a secure place away from others, especially children. This can prevent accidental misuse.
Using Xanax the right way helps minimize risks and ensures you get the anxiety relief you need without triggering unintended harm. If you have questions about your dosage or notice changes in how Xanax makes you feel, your doctor can offer guidance.
What May Interact with Xanax?
If you mix Xanax with other addictive substances, this may intensify the effects, cause unexpected side effects, or lead to dangerous reactions.
- Alcohol: Mixing alcohol with Xanax is risky because both are depressants that slow the central nervous system. Combining them can increase drowsiness, slow your breathing, and lead to overdose. Avoid alcohol while taking Xanax.
- Opioids: Painkillers like hydrocodone, oxycodone, and morphine can have dangerous effects when combined with Xanax. Both types of drugs can cause sedation, which can slow breathing and may cause life-threatening complications. If you are prescribed opioids, inform your doctor that you take Xanax.
- Anxiety medications and sleep aids: Drugs like Ativan or Ambien—also used to treat anxiety or sleep issues—can intensify the calming effects of Xanax. This combination can increase drowsiness and make it hard to stay alert, which could be risky if you need to perform tasks requiring focus, like driving.
- Antibiotics and antifungals: Medications like ketoconazole or erythromycin can disrupt how Xanax is broken down in the body. This can cause Xanax to build to unsafe levels, raising the risk of severe side effects. If you need antibiotics, make sure your doctor knows you’re on Xanax.
- Antihistamines: Medications for allergies like Benadryl can make you feel extra sleepy when taken with Xanax. Since both drugs have sedative effects, they may intensify each other’s effects, so talk to your healthcare provider about any allergy medications you use.
- Grapefruit: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may impact the way Xanax is absorbed, causing more of the drug to stay in your system. This can heighten its effects and may increase drowsiness or other side effects.
By keeping track of what may interact with Xanax, you reduce the chances of side effects and stay safer while taking the medication. Always discuss any new medications, supplements, or dietary changes with your doctor to ensure they won’t interfere with your Xanax treatment.
Xanax Side Effects
Like any medication, Xanax has side effects that may impact some people more than others. Most people who take Xanax as prescribed experience only mild effects, but more serious side effects are possible, especially if the medication is not taken properly.
Common side effects include:
- Dizziness: Some people feel dizzy or lightheaded on Xanax, making it hard to focus or maintain balance. Getting up slowly from sitting or lying down can help prevent dizziness.
- Drowsiness: The calming effects of Xanax can make you very sleepy, especially soon after taking it. This can make tasks like driving or operating machinery dangerous, so avoid these activities until you know how Xanax affects you.
- Fatigue: Feeling extra tired or run down is a frequent side effect of Xanax. Get enough rest and avoid pushing yourself too hard while adjusting to the medication.
- Memory problems: Short-term memory problems can happen with Xanax use, particularly at higher doses. This is often temporary but can be noticeable for some people.
Severe side effects include:
- Trouble breathing: Xanax can slow breathing, especially when mixed with other CNS depressants [4]. If you experience any breathing difficulties, get medical help right away.
- Mood changes: Xanax may sometimes cause irritability, mood changes, or thoughts of self-harm. If you or someone else notices changes in your mood or behavior, talk to a doctor immediately.
- Loss of coordination: Some people experience difficulty with coordination, increasing the risk of falls or other accidents. For seniors, this risk is especially concerning, as falls are not only more likely but also more prone to causing serious injuries.
- Allergic reactions: Although rare, some individuals have allergic reactions to Xanax. Symptoms can include a rash, itching, or swelling. Seek emergency help if you notice these symptoms.
Stopping Xanax suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may include increased anxiety, sweating, shaking, or trouble sleeping. Tapering off the medication slowly under a doctor’s guidance can help reduce these effects.
How to Get Effective and Compassionate Treatment for Xanax Addiction in California
If you or someone you love needs help getting back on track from Xanax Addiction, reach out to California Detox. We treat benzo addictions in an immersive inpatient setting at our rehab in Laguna Beach, CA.
Our medical detox program will help you taper off Xanax and address physical dependence with 24/7 clinical and emotional care. You can then transition to ongoing inpatient treatment to tackle the psychological side of benzo addiction.
All treatment plans at California Detox are personalized to reflect the unique aspect of every addiction. Therapies may include:
- Counseling
- Motivational therapies
- Talk therapies
- MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
- Group therapy
- Holistic therapy
- Family therapy
- Aftercare
Start dealing with Xanax addiction right away by calling 888-995-4208.
Sources
[1] https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8583742/
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7217068
[4] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-warns-about-serious-risks-and-death-when-combining-opioid-pain-or
