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What You Need to Know About Xanax
by Stephen Price
A review of the literature
in Germany showed Xanax to be the most effective
benzodiazepine (or anti-anxiety agent) for panic disorder
with agoraphobia (Bandelow, 1999). In other words, there
were more controlled studies on the treatment of agoraphobia with positive results for Xanax
published than other anti-anxiety agents.
Because it has been proven effective for panic and
agoraphobia in studies since it was
approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration
in 1981, I thought I would write a little about Xanax, what
it is and how to use it correctly to treat agoraphobia so it will help you and not
hurt you.
First of all, what is Xanax?
Xanax (Alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine, or anti-anxiety
agent, prescribed mainly for temporary relief of mild to
moderate anxiety, nervousness, or tension associated with
anxiety disorders lie agoraphobia. It has also been used effectively for
panic attacks. In some cases, it has been used to treat
stress-related illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS).
Xanax comes in two forms - Xanax and Xanax XR. What's the
difference? Xanax XR is just the extended release version of
the original Xanax which, if you are taking Xanax daily,
lets you just take one dose per day rather than three or
four.
What's the best way to use Xanax for panic disorder
with agoraphobia?
Since Xanax, like most anti-anxiety agents, cause the body
to develop tolerance and can be addictive, the best way to
use it for panic disorder with agoraphobia is to keep it in
your pocket. Take it only as needed to get through rough
spots, times of unusually high anxiety, or when you are
practicing desensitization or exposure therapy.
It's important to remember that no pill will cure
agoraphobia. Not even Xanax. Pills only work as long as you
are taking them. That's why Xanax is best used as part of a
larger recovery plan for agoraphobia that includes a
long-term solution like psychotherapy.
So how fast does Xanax work?
Xanax offers pretty quick relief for most anxiety
patients. In healthy adults, it may take an hour or two to
take effect.
Is there anything you shouldn't eat or drink when
taking Xanax?
Yes. Tell your doctor about any other medications you are
taking so he or she can make sure you won't experience a bad
interaction. Also, you shouldn't mix alcohol with Xanax or
any other benzodiazepine because it amplifies the effects.
Can you take Xanax if you are pregnant or nursing?
It's not recommended. You should definitely not take Xanax in
the first twelve weeks of pregnancy under any circumstances.
How will Xanax effect your daily routine?
It may make you really drowsy, so don't be driving or
operating dangerous machinery on Xanax until you test it out
and see how it effects you.
If you feel Xanax stops working, should you just
take more?
Never. under no circumstances should you increase your dose
without talking to your doctor, even if you think it's not
working and you need more. This is because even when used as
recommended, Xanax can cause emotional and/or physical
dependence. In other words, you can get extremely addicted
to it.
Can you just stop taking Xanax if it's not working?
No again. It is not safe to just stop taking Xanax cold
turkey. Do not even decrease your dose without talking to
your doctor. If you stop taking Xanax or decrease your dose
too abruptly you are likely to experience serious withdrawal
symptoms. Many of the withdrawal symptoms are similar to the
panic and anxiety you probably started taking Xanax for in
the first place. In the worst case, you can have a seizure
if you try to stop taking Xanax too suddenly.
What about side effects?
If you are going to have side effects from Xanax, you will
probably have them right when you start taking it. In many
cases, initial side effects subside if you keep taking it.
Most common side effects are drowsiness, fatigue, impaired
coordination, irritability, light-headedness, memory
impairment, insomnia, and headache.
Hopefully after reading this, you can use Xanax to help you
and not hurt you if you have panic disorder with
agoraphobia.
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