Xanax Addiction

Xanax addiction is most likely to occur if the drug has been taken daily in high doses or for long periods of time. People with a history of alcohol or drug addiction are also more likely to become dependent on Xanax. Addiction to a medication causes your body to believe that you need the drug. If the drug is stopped, withdrawal symptoms may occur. With Xanax, these withdrawal symptoms can include hallucinations, anxiety, and seizures.

 

An Overview of Xanax Addiction

Xanax® (alprazolam) is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorder. It is part of a group of medications called benzodiazepines. As with other benzodiazepine medications, there is a possibility of becoming addicted to Xanax. Addiction or "dependence" happens when a person feels like he or she needs to continue to take a medicine, even when no medical need is present.
 
Xanax addiction is more likely if the medicine has been taken daily for a longer period of time or at higher doses. It is also more likely in people with a history of alcohol or drug addiction. People taking Xanax for panic disorder are usually at a high risk of Xanax addiction, since high Xanax dosages are often required to control panic disorder symptoms.
 

Understanding CNS Depressants

Central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants), sometimes referred to as tranquilizers or sedatives, are substances that can slow normal brain functioning.
 Because of this property, some CNS depressants are useful in the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders. Benzodiazepines are one example of CNS depressants. Beside Xanax, some of the more commonly used benzodiazepines include:
 
Another class of CNS depressant medicines is barbiturates, such as mephobarbital (Mebaral®), pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal®), and phenobarbital (Luminal®). Alcohol is also a CNS depressant.
 
(Xanax Addiction Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;