Alprazolam is a prescription medication that is sold under the trade name of Xanax. This medication is a short acting medication that is a member of the benzodiazepine class and is used to treat anxiety disorders as well as panic attacks. Xanax has also been used for anxiety that is associated with moderate to severe depression. This medication has many different properties to it including being a sedative, a hypnotic, an anticonvulsant, an anxiolytic, as well as a muscle relaxant in some patients. Panic attacks were the first approved indication for a prescription for Xanax. Xanax is most commonly used to treat depression related anxiety as well as a broad variety of anxiety disorders.
Xanax usually helps treat the symptoms of patients within the first week. Xanax is also one of the medications that is known to be misused, though most people do not develop a full blown substance abuse problem. This being said, it is possible for there to be a physical dependency on the medication that can cause withdrawal and rebound symptoms of anxiety, panic, or depression if the medication is stopped too quickly. Instead of simply stopping, patients need to taper the dosage gradually. Withdrawal symptoms include insomnia, dysphoria, stomach pain, muscle cramping, vomiting, anxiety, depression, tremors, sweating, and even suicidal ideation. Patients should work with their doctors to avoid withdrawal from Xanax. generic xanax
Xanax is like all other medications in that it is associated with some side effects. Some of the more common complaints include but are not limited to hives, fatigued, loss of coordination, rashes, suicidal ideation, hallucinations, ataxia, short term memory loss, and more. Usually the side effects are not bothersome enough to discontinue treatment. xanax without prescription