Xanax is the brand name of benzodiazepine. This active ingredient can help you medically manage depression or anxiety disorder. Occasionally, a doctor may prescribe Xanax for insomnia or seizures. Although doctors consider this medication to be relatively safe, there are some long term effects of Xanax.
As you might guess, it begs the question. Should you stay on Xanax long term? There are several reasons why Xanax may not be appropriate as a long-term solution for mental disorders. Why? Because of the euphoric state that they put you in. This euphoria can be addictive. The longer you take the drug, the more addictive it becomes, and the more you’ll need Xanax addiction treatment in Worcester Massachusetts.
Long Term Effects of Xanax Abuse
The FDA originally approved Xanax for short-term treatment for mental conditions. However, most doctors rarely adhere to these regulations. As a result, many patients end up staying on Xanax for longer than eight weeks – the approved time limit.
If you stay on Xanax for longer than several weeks, you may experience several long-term side effects including:
Paradoxical Reactions
If you use Xanax for a long time, you may end up with the symptoms that caused you to use it in the first place. For instance, if you use Xanax to help you with anxiety, long-term use can trigger additional anxiety or panic attacks.
Physical Problems
Xanax is a sedative that is designed to make you calm. It also slows your heart rate and blood pressure. If you take the drug for an extended period, you may have irregular or slowed breathing, low blood pressure, or other heart problems. You may also experience problems with your memory, cognition, or damage to some of your core organs.
Dementia
Some studies have shown that long-range use of Xanax can lead to brain atrophy. This condition can cause you to experience symptoms similar to dementia.
Psychological Issues
Sustained drug abuse or dependency ultimately leads to a wide range of problems that include narcissism, personality disorder, depression, anxiety, memory problems, carelessness, or overconfidence.
Tolerance or Dependence
The longer you use Xanax, the more dependent you become on the drug. Eventually, you have to increase your dosage so that you can continue feeling the euphoria. This leads to psychological and physical dependency on the drug. If you are not careful, you can overdose on Xanax every time you increase your dosage.
Detox for Xanax Addiction
If you are addicted to Xanax, your first step in recovery is to get Xanax addiction treatment in Worcester, Massachusetts. Detox can help you clean out your system while readjusting to life without medication. Naturally, you will experience some withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Restlessness or agitation
- Chills, jitters, or sweating
- Anxiety or insomnia
- Intense cravings
- Foggy thinking or poor memory
- Muscle aches and tensions
Since these symptoms can affect your health or medical condition, you should seek help from a professional detox center. Detoxing from Xanax may take up to two weeks, depending on the circumstances of your addiction.
Once you have completed detox, you may want to continue your treatment by going through prescription drug rehab. Rehab may include a combination of evidence-based treatment and holistic therapies. Extended aftercare treatment is also available.
Do You Need Treatment for Xanax Addiction?
If you are suffering from long term effects of Xanax, then contact Washburn House. We can help you get off the drug and stay off of it for good. To find out more about our treatment options, call us at 855.298.3104.