Xanax, or Alprazolam, is a brand name for the benzodiazepine drug Alprazolam. It’s a prescription medication that is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorders. The drug has been approved by the FDA since 1985 and has been on the market since 1981. In the United States alone, it’s prescribed more than 200 million times every year.
Most people take it as a pill but some will crush up their pills and snort them, which can be dangerous because you’re not supposed to snort any medications. Others will mix them with alcohol or other drugs like cocaine or heroin. This can be deadly—especially if you don’t know what you’re doing—so please don’t do this!
Because Xanax is so widely prescribed, it’s important to understand how it works and what you need to know as a user. We’ve put together this guide to help you get started.
If you’re looking for info about how much Xanax costs (or how much does Alprazolam cost), we’ve got that too! We also have info about how long does Xanax stay in your system? And what happens when you stop taking Xanax? Keep reading for more info on all of these things that are important for anyone who takes this medication regularly!
How Does It Work?
Alprazolam binds with receptors in the brain called GABA-A receptor sites. These are responsible for regulating things like our ability to breathe calmly and sleep deeply. By binding with these receptors, alprazolam causes them to react more slowly than usual—which can help reduce anxiety symptoms by slowing down your breathing rate and relaxing your muscles.
Whether you’re looking for relief from your mental health issues, want to party harder than you ever have before, or just want to know more about this drug that’s been in the news so much lately (and not always for positive reasons), we’ve got everything you need right here!
Xanax Effects & Withdrawal Symptoms
In general, Xanax can be helpful for people who suffer from anxiety or panic attacks because it helps reduce symptoms of these conditions. However, taking Xanax for extended periods of time can lead to dependence, which means that you’ll need the drug in order to function normally without experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it.
Xanax withdrawal symptoms include:
- Tremors/shaking
- Anxiety/panic attacks
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Insomnia
Common Side Effects
Xanax is effective at treating these conditions because it works quickly. It can take effect within 30 minutes of taking it. Most people feel relief right away. But like all medications, Xanax can cause side effects—some of which are dangerous if you don’t know how to manage them properly.
The effects of Xanax are varied, but the most common side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
- Fatigue
- Headache