Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine compound used as a psychotropic drug. Due to its properties, Alprazolam became a pop culture hero under its first trade name - as Xanax. In medicine, this compound is used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia and depression. The preparation is highly effective (as a rule, the patient's condition improves after the first dose), but at the same time has a strong addictive effect. For this reason, treatment with alprazolam should be carried out under strict medical supervision and last as short as possible. How alprazolam affects the body.
Alprazolam - what is it?
Alprazolamhas an anxiolytic, calming and relaxing effect. The drug may be prescribed by a doctor only when the anxiety states are very severe and prevent the patient from functioning normally or are extremely burdensome for him.
Unfortunately, the popularity of alprazolam (colloquially known as Xanax, from the first drug containing it as an active ingredient) has made many people reach for this drug for no apparent reason, treating it as "a pill for everything" - to relieve everyday stress , to relax, to forget about life's problems.
Such use of the preparation significantly increases the risk of addiction, often leading to a situation in which everyday functioning without the obligatory dose of the drug becomes impossible.
Alprazolam - action
How does Alprazolam work and what dosages are safe? How to use it in order not to be addicted?
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine derivative. This compound enhances the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main substance that inhibits the activity of the central nervous system. The highest plasma concentration of alprazolam is observed 1-2 hours after drug administration, and the total duration of action is 12 to 15 hours.
Usually, after taking the first dose, the patient experiences a reduction in anxiety symptoms. The preparation, by inhibiting the neuronal activity of the brain, eliminates the feeling of anxiety, reduces nervous tension, relaxes the muscles and has a hypnotic effect. It is effective in the treatment of acute anxiety disorders (panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias), depression, agoraphobia andinsomnia.
Alprazolam - dosage
Alprazolam is sold in the form of tablets intended for oral use. The amount of active ingredient in one tablet may vary from 0.25 mg to 2 mg. A detailed treatment plan, the size of the doses and their frequency should be determined by the doctor. Using the drug on your own, without medical consultation, significantly increases the risk of side effects.
General dosing recommendations for alprazolam-containing medications:
- in the case of generalized anxiety disorder or anxiety disorders coexisting with depression, the usual doses are from 0.25 to 0.5 mg 3 times a day (the total daily dose should not exceed 4 mg);
- in panic disorder or agoraphobia, the initial doses are 0.5-1 mg once a day at bedtime, then, according to the doctor's recommendations, are gradually increased (the maximum daily dose is 10 mg);
- treatment should be as short as possible and using the lowest daily doses possible; the total duration of treatment should not exceed 8-12 weeks;
- you should not stop taking the drug overnight due to the possibility of withdrawal symptoms;
- doses are reduced gradually according to the doctor's guidelines, usually not faster than 0.5 mg every 3 days;
- taking the drug accidentally does not pose a risk of addiction;
- tablets should be swallowed whole - crushing them, dissolving or sucking them in the mouth may reduce the effectiveness of the active substance;
- increasing the recommended daily dose does not increase the therapeutic effect, but may cause side effects and promote the development of addiction.
Alprazolam in pop culture
Alprazolam under its colloquial name xanax is a motif often used in pop culture. About xanax rapping, among others. American Future in the song "Xanny family" or Polish Quebonafide in "Kawa i xanax" and Kaen together with Triku in "Xanaks". Born in 2000, Lil Pump likes to pose with xanax-shaped cakes.
T-shirts, mugs with the inscription "xanax" are available for sale, you can also buy similar jewelry, read a comic-love story with xanax in the lead role.
Born in 1996, post-emo rap representative Lil Peep died after ingesting a mixture of fentanyl and alprazolam. Earlier, he became famous, among others. with entries: "Xanax is my Valentine".
Alprazolam - when to be careful?
Side effects may worsen not only after exceeding the maximum daily dose of the preparation, but also when the patient hascontraindications to taking the drug. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor about any chronic diseases that occur with us and about any medications you take (including those sold without a prescription).
The most important contraindications to the use of alprazolam are:
- sleep apnea and respiratory failure,
- muscle tiredness (myasthenia gravis),
- kidney disease and liver disease,
- pregnancy (the preparation causes fetal defects, therefore contraception is required during the treatment),
- hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines or excipients.
In addition, be especially careful if the patient:
- has ever suffered from depression before,
- had suicidal thoughts,
- has a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
Due to its strong sedative effect, alprazolam may lower psychophysical efficiency (decreased concentration, slow reaction to stimuli). For this reason, especially in the first days of treatment, the patient should avoid driving or operating machinery until he is sure that the drug does not significantly affect his psychomotor performance.
Alprazolam - side effects
The side effects of alprazolam occur mainly when starting treatment and disappear over time. If they are extremely bothersome, your doctor may decide to reduce the dose of the drug. In general, however, if taken properly, the benefits of using it outweigh the harm resulting from possible side effects.
The most common side effects of alprazolam (seen in more than 1 in 100 people) are:
- drowsiness,
- dizziness,
- decreased concentration,
- decreased appetite and indigestion,
- visual disturbance (vision through fog),
- dry mucous membranes.
Much less frequently (in 1 person in 1000) they may occur:
- memory impairment,
- mental reactions such as: disorientation, confusion, de-reality, hallucinations,
- paradoxical reactions: increased excitability, nervousness, aggression,
- libido disorders,
- mania manifested by the compulsion to speak, psychomotor agitation, racing thoughts.
If you notice the above-mentioned symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible in order to modify the established doses (in general, reducing the daily dose eliminates side effects). In some cases it may be necessary to stop taking the drug completely.
Alprazolam - addiction
Taking alprazolam frequently and in maximum doses causes the substance to act as a drug. The patient develops a mental and physical dependence on the drug. Then each attempt to break the addiction ends with the occurrence of the so-called "Withdrawal syndrome". It manifests itself as headaches, muscle aches, a feeling of tension, anxiety and restlessness. In rarer cases, it can cause seizures, photophobia, hallucinations, a feeling of derealisation, depersonalization.
The risk of addiction increases in people with a tendency to abuse alcohol and psychoactive substances. Treatment of such patients should be carried out under strict medical supervision and caution.
In addition, it should be remembered that alprazolam is not a drug recommended for people with emotional disorders caused by everyday problems. In such situations, psychological therapy is recommended. The use of strong psychotropic drugs, such as alprazolam, does not help in the treatment of emotional disorders, but only masks their effects: it reduces tension, stress, and allows you to forget about everyday problems. The problem remains, however, and if the patient continues to avoid it by taking sedatives, they are likely to become addicted.