The takeaway. One Xanax (or even better, half of one) is fine to take once in a while, if you can't get to sleep and you have a leftover on hand. But don't expect to be firing on all cylinders the next morning, and keep in mind that there are way better options.
Dr. McGee notes, however, that it's best to avoid Xanax and similar drugs for long-term use except as a last resort when all else fails. He adds, “Keep use to under a few weeks if at all possible—ideally only a few days, or only once or twice a week use so that you don't develop a dependence.”
Xanax can be safe when taken as prescribed over the short-term, but long term use can lead to abuse and dependence, and some people may experience severe side effects.
Adults—At first, 0.25 to 0.5 milligram (mg) 3 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 4 mg per day. Older adults—At first, 0.25 mg 2 or 3 times a day.
You should only be prescribed benzodiazepines for the shortest amount of time possible. Taking benzodiazepines regularly for a few weeks or more can lead to addiction. Doctors recommend that you only take them for 2-4 weeks. Intermittent use may help to avoid addiction.
To be sure, Xanax (generic name: alprazolam) and other benzodiazepines can be effective for treating anxiety symptoms in some short-term situations, like: Panic associated with a specific event. Anxiety around travel. Life upheavals, like death, divorce, or other trauma.
Alprazolam may be taken every day at regular times or on an as needed (“PRN”) basis. Typically, your health care provider will limit the number of doses you should take in one day.
Effects should be noticed within an hour and the medicine reaches peak concentrations in the body after one to two hours. People who take Xanax regularly can build up a tolerance to it and effects, such as a feeling of calm or sedation, may take longer to develop or not be felt as strongly as before.
Avoid operating machinery, driving, or performing tasks that require mental alertness while taking Xanax. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. The lowest effective dose of Xanax should be used for the shortest time possible.
Blurred Vision & Xanax
Another common symptom of Xanax related amblyopia is blurred vision. Blurred vision is a term used to describe the overall distortion of vision as well as conditions like spots or dots that can occasionally appear.
LONG-TERM IMPACT
Long-term symptoms of Xanax abuse include: Insomnia. Tremors. Brain fog.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Xanax for very short-term treatment for most conditions. Eight weeks is the maximum amount of time they should be taken, specifically to treat panic disorder. Most physicians or therapists will prescribe Xanax for “as-needed” treatment.
How Does Alprazolam Help You Sleep? Alprazolam acts as a depressant; it promotes calm and lowers brain activity. If taken approximately an hour before a person intends to go to sleep, it has been shown to be effective in assisting in sleep in the short term.
Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
Rebound anxiety is common and is often severe with alprazolam discontinuation because of its short half-life and the unique alpha-2 adrenergic effect.
Dosage for generalized anxiety disorder
To treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults, the typical starting dosage of Xanax is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg, three times per day. It's possible that your doctor will adjust your dose every 3 to 4 days until you're taking the dose that's right for you.
It's not advised to take benzodiazepines with alcohol. As we'll discuss later, drinking alcohol while taking benzodiazepines can worsen the side effects of both substances, leading to serious consequences. Some of the most common benzodiazepines include: Xanax.
Benzodiazepines (also known as tranquilizers) are the most widely prescribed type of medication for anxiety. Drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly, typically bringing relief within 30 minutes to an hour.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) SSRIs and SNRIs are often the first-line treatment for anxiety. Common SSRI brands are Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft. Common SNRI brands are Pristiq, Cymbalta, and Effexor XR.
This central nervous depressant can cause euphoric feelings, but it typically soothes unruly and out-of-control emotions. Sometimes, it can work a little too well in certain individuals and cause adverse reactions, including depression.
When benzodiazepine users cease long-term benzodiazepine therapy, their cognitive function improves in the first six months, although deficits may be permanent or take longer than six months to return to baseline.
Additional adverse effects of Xanax include: Decreased mental alertness. Confusion. Trouble concentrating.