10 Side Effects of Xanax
Xanax is a fairly common drug that goes by the official name of alprazolam. It is a benzodiazepine, a kind of tranquilizer that is generally used to treat anxiety disorders. It has a calming effect on the patient along with a range of other side-effects. It is not available over the counter but is often still available on the black market.
Xanax is often used by people to help them chill when they are going through a bad time. It is also often used as a sleep aid as it has the ability to knock people out for hours.
Unfortunately, it also has the ability to form dependencies, along with a range of other unwanted side-effects. As useful as it can be, it should be used with care.
Xanax Side Effect #1: Drowsiness
Drowsiness will often occur through tiredness. Our bodies run low on energy and don’t feel like doing anything other than going to bed so our batteries can be recharged. It can also be the result of other causes such as an illness, or through the use of drugs such as Xanax.
Drowsiness is one of the key symptoms of taking Xanax. Indeed, many people use it for that reason because it allows them to relax and to sleep. The drowsiness caused by Xanax can be quite severe, so you should always avoid driving after you have taken some. It can also make you fall asleep on the spot, so you should only use it when you are in a safe place.
Xanax Side Effect #2: Insomnia
One of the most common uses for Xanax is to help people sleep. It can be very effective and can knock people fast asleep for several hours. It is sometimes used to help people sleep on long journeys and can be a godsend to those that have an important day ahead the following day.
Unfortunately, though, the effects are usually relatively short term. While the drug can help you sleep every now and then, regular use will have the opposite effect. Those that use the drug regularly will likely complain of an increasing inability to get to sleep, even when that’s what they were using the drug for in the first place.
Xanax Side Effect #3: Slurred Speech
Xanax has a very calming effect on anybody using it. Their mind becomes calm and they feel so relaxed, and even their muscles can become relaxed. This is quite often a pleasant experience for the patient depending on their circumstances. It can also produce some very noticeable side-effects.
Somebody that is using Xanax is likely to experience slurred speech. This is due to them being so relaxed and likely feeling drowsy. It might sometimes appear as though they are drunk from drinking excess alcohol. This is a common and normal side-effect of using Xanax and is not necessarily a cause for alarm.
Xanax Side Effect #4: Lack of Coordination
The way that our brains are able to coordinate our bodies is so impressive, yet we barely notice it most of the time. Not only is it impressive, but it usually happens from the subconscious. We will often perform even complex tasks after giving little to no thought to our physical actions.
If the brain is slowed down for some reason, though, then our reactions can be affected as a result. One common symptom of using Xanax is a lack of coordination, and even simple tasks can become quite difficult. This lack of coordination might occasionally lead to accidents, so it is wise to be in a safe place when using it.
Xanax Side Effect #5: Difficult Concentrating
We don’t usually have difficulty concentrating during the day. We are able to focus on whatever task is at hand and stick with it until it is complete. This can get harder toward the end of the day, though, as we become increasingly tired. Concentrating can also become very difficult after using certain drugs such as Xanax.
If you are under the effect of Xanax, you would likely be struggling to get anything done. It can be very difficult to focus, even for a short period of time, and even simple tasks can be a challenge. It is best to avoid using the drug if you are planning on getting anything done.
Xanax Side Effect #6: Difficulty Remembering
Our impressive memories serve us well. They allow us to remember an impressive array of facts ranging from the answers to the universe, to where we left the keys to our cars. Our memory is not always perfect, though, and our ability to remember can be affected by various causes. This includes drugs like Xanax.
Somebody that is under the effect of Xanax will have difficulty remembering things. This is not only a short-term side effect but can also become more of a problem should they persist with using the drug. It is recommended to limit usage of the drug to help prevent long-term complications.
Xanax Side Effect #7: Irritability
Xanax is often used for helping to bring a calmness to people. It can help them feel relaxed and comfortable with everything around them. While it is great at calming people in the short term, though, it is not so good for people’s tolerance in the long term.
Regular users of Xanax will likely find that they become increasingly irritable. They can find it difficult to be around others, especially when they are not under the influence of the drug. This can mean that they begin to struggle in their jobs because they are unable to work well with others. It can also have an impact on their relationships with other people.
Xanax Side Effect #8: Loss of Libido
Sex is one of the most natural and enjoyable acts that we can partake in. The vast majority of us will feel sexual urges toward other people and most of us will enjoy some degree of sexual activity in our lives. People that use Xanax regularly, though, can find that their desire to have sex decreases or even disappears altogether.
Sex is often a very important part of a relationship and helps to maintain strong bonds. If one partner is losing interest in sex then it can have a strong emotional impact on the other partner. This can put more pressure on what is already likely to be a strained relationship.
Xanax Side Effect #9: Changes in Weight
Most of the time, our weight will stay about the same level, although it might gradually increase or decrease at times. This is largely due to getting older and/or changes in lifestyle, and it is also often something that is done by choice. Many people, for example, will choose to go on a healthy diet and to start exercising.
Sometimes, though, it can also be due to being ill or some other problem. People regularly using Xanax are likely to experience a change in weight, and the changes can often be sudden. Sudden changes in weight are potentially dangerous so you should do what you can to regulate gains or losses in body weight.
Xanax Side Effect #10: Dependence
When using drugs, whether medicinal or recreational, it is wise to do so with due caution. Some substances are addictive, causing the patient to become dependent on them. It can happen gradually and unnoticed, and it can happen to anybody. The results can be disastrous for the patient and for their families.
Xanax is an addictive substance. It should only be used sparingly, when necessary, and only under the advice of a medical professional. If you have formed a dependency or if you know of somebody that has, then you should seek medical help. It isn’t easy, but help is available to those that need it.
