Side effects of Xanax should be discussed thoroughly to the individuals who are taking this kind of medicine. Xanax, or alprazolam, is a drug that belongs to benzodiazepines and is a widely used medication to relieve anxiety and panic disorder which are primarily caused by depression. Cases of depression are now growing in numbers and since a lot of people are now starting to take Xanax to help them; those taking it should be knowledgeable of the different side effects of Xanax in order to prepare themselves for the possible inconveniences they may encounter when taking the medication. Xanax may help alleviate the major symptoms of depression, but the drug also has side effects that would result to inconveniences and discomforts which could alter the person’s day to day activities.
Different Side Effects of Xanax
Almost all the drugs have side effects. In the case of Xanax, the side effects could either be less serious or serious. It is important that the patient’s medical history be discussed thoroughly with the physician in order to prevent serious side effects from happening. Below are the common and less serious side effects of Xanax:
• The feeling of constant irritability
• Dizziness and drowsiness
• Difficulty in sleeping or insomnia
• Loss of sexual interest
• Blurry vision
• Difficulty in concentrating and constant forgetfulness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Appetite changes; weight loss or gain
• Muscle weakness that would cause fatigue
• Slurred speech
• Constipation
Serious side effects of Xanax
• Hallucinations, hyper activity and unusual risk-taking behavior
• More suicidal thoughts and tendencies
• Depression
• Skin or eyes turn yellow or medically termed as “jaundice”
• Urinary retention or having difficulty in urinating
• Tremors and twitching of different parts of the muscles
• Sudden fainting
• Episodes of sudden seizures
• Itching, hives and rashes
• Breathing difficulty, chest tightness
• Inflammation on the face, mouth, lips or tongue
• Confusion
• Problems with the memory
• Changes in the menstrual cycle
The more serious side effects of Xanax are often caused by the individual’s allergic reaction to a certain component of the drug. Thus, it is extremely important that the patient’s medical history be scrutinized before the prescription of Xanax is made. If any of the serious side effects appear, immediate medical attention is needed and the physician should be informed right away.
Precautions to Take when using Xanax
Medical history should be discussed with the doctor to prevent any drug-to-drug interactions or to prevent any allergic reactions from occurring. The individual should thoroughly discuss his or her allergies, as well as the other drugs he or she is regularly taking. Drugs such as birth control pills, fluconazole and isoniazid could cause drug-drug interaction that alters the effects of Xanax or even pose a risky adverse effect to the individual taking the drug. Also, one of the common side effects of Xanax is drowsiness so the individual should refrain from driving or using any machinery or engage in activities that require one to be active at all times.
Not all of the side effects of Xanax can be fully prevented from happening. The best way the individual can fight these is to be prepared before they occur. It is, hence, crucial for the individual to be properly informed of the different side effects of Xanax.
