You may be wondering, what does Xanax do to your brain? Here are some facts to know. This medication acts on specific neurons in the brain. These neurons are like wires that send messages throughout the body. However, unlike wires, molecules inside neurons do not carry electric charges. Xanax disrupts the balance of electrical charges inside neurons, which means that it affects the activity of brain cells that regulate fear and anxiety.
Short-term effects
Despite being a popular medication for anxiety, Xanax has several negative side effects. For instance, it can lead to difficulty with speech and balance. It can also impair concentration, leading to reckless behavior, and it may cause sexual dysfunction or relationship issues. Addicts may also experience depression or suicidal thoughts.
Xanax can also increase your risk for seizures. About one-fifth of users developed seizures after discontinuing the drug, according to a study published in JAMA Neurology. The majority of these users took the drug for three months or more. This is way above the usual prescribing rate, and could potentially be dangerous for people who have an addiction to Xanax.
Long-term effects
Xanax is an anti-anxiety drug, which affects the GABA and glutamate systems in the brain. It stimulates the GABA receptors in the brain, which helps people feel calmer. However, repeated use of Xanax can result in dependence, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms that can be extremely unpleasant. In addition, it can cause dangerous rebound effects, such as a heightened risk of seizures and depression.
There are a number of long-term effects of Xanax use, including long-term brain damage. One study found that people who took Xanax for three to six months were 32 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease – a disease that results in severe memory loss and cognitive impairment. This was even higher for those who continued using Xanax for a longer period of time. These results emphasize the importance of avoiding Xanax, especially in long-term use.
Addiction
Xanax is a prescription drug that belongs to the benzodiazepine class. Although it has a low potential for abuse, Xanax can be addictive. Each year, thousands of people seek treatment for Xanax addiction. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 17,019 people were admitted to treatment centers for Xanax dependence in 2012.
Xanax is often used to treat anxiety and panic attacks. Its withdrawal symptoms, which can include tremors, sweating, and headaches, can lead to addiction. Xanax withdrawal symptoms can last weeks or months, and may be accompanied by depressive and suicidal thoughts.
Side effects
Although Xanax is widely used for anxiety and preventing seizures, it is also a powerful sedative that can have dangerous side effects. It can lead to dependence, and long-term use can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Hence, it is best to consult a doctor before you decide to stop taking it. Abuse and misuse of the drug can lead to serious medical issues, and an overdose can cause death.
Xanax can cause different side effects in different individuals. These side effects are likely to be more severe for individuals with anxiety disorders, especially panic disorder. Therefore, it is vital to consult a doctor before taking Xanax to avoid acquiring a physical dependency on it. Moreover, it is important to keep in mind that benzodiazepines are highly addictive.
