The effects of alprazolam don’t last all that long. When it comes to treating chronic anxiety disorders, however, it’s usually better to go with a longer-lasting medication. It is important to stop the use of Xanax under medical supervision as the withdrawal process can be life-threatening.
XANAX EFFECTS ON THE BODY AND BRAIN
Xanax is apart of the Benzodiazepine family and is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It’s a central nervous system depressant. It binds to stereospecific receptors in the brain. In addition to hypnosis, Xanax can also cause dizziness, difficulty concentrating, drowsiness, headache, irritability, joint pain, and nausea.
XANAX DURATION OF ACTION
Xanax has an 11-hour half-life. It reaches peak levels within just 4 hours, yet it can take several days to leave the body.
XANAX TIME IN THE BODY
Although its effects are relatively short, traces of Xanax remain detectable in the body for much longer than some other drugs. Cocaine, for example, metabolizes and leaves the body within a couple hours. Xanax is detectable in urine for about a week for casual users and up to a month and a half for chronic users.
HOW LONG DOES A XANAX HIGH LAST
According to most addicts, a Xanax high lasts about 4-5 hours. That’s about the same length of time for its therapeutic effects.
XANAX HIGH EFFECTS
Taking more Xanax than necessary can cause a strong euphoria or sense of tension-relief. Most people who abuse Xanax do it to relax or “let loose.” Alcohol has a similar effect, which is probably why so many addicts mix the two.
XANAX ABUSE
Xanax is commonly abused for the high it induces. Anyone can be seriously injured or killed from abusing Xanax, but the elderly are especially vulnerable. Immediate effects of Xanax abuse include:
Nausea and vomiting
Vision problems (blurring, double-vision)
Memory issues (short-term or long)
Headaches
Attention problems, confusion
Muscle control problems (spasms, lack of coordination)
Low libido
Fatigue
Lethargy
Depression
Slurred speech
Tremors
Constipation
Dry mouth
Loss of appetite
Mood swings
Xanax causes dependency quickly. Anyone who wants to quit or decrease their Xanax consumption should do so under medical supervision—either a tapering program or a medically-supervised detox.
XANAX AND DEMENTIA
Benzodiazepines are known to cause impairments in memory and cognition even when used properly. When abused, these effects are dramatically increased and may be irreparable. If used consistently for a period of six months or longer, Xanax appears to increase the likelihood of developing dementia and similar memory-related disorders by a startling 84 percent.
Struggling with Xanax addiction?
Call the addiction experts here at The PAC Program to get a full assessment of your condition and how we can help. 623-523-4748
