Xanax is a benzodiazepine drug that is commonly used to treat anxiety. The drug can be highly addictive if not taken responsibly and this is especially true when the drug is taken on a regular basis.
When you take Xanax properly, it can help reduce your feelings of stress and anxiety without causing any serious side effects.
However, when you take Xanax on a daily basis for extended periods of time, it can lead to a strong dependence on the drug, which in turn makes it very hard to quit. In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about how to stop taking Xanax safely and what symptoms you should look out for during your recovery process.
Table of Contents
What is Xanax?
Xanax is a type of drug called a benzodiazepine which is commonly used to treat anxiety. It is a prescription drug that belongs to a group of drugs called central nervous system (CNS) depressants.
The nervous system is responsible for controlling a wide variety of processes throughout the body including respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and even reproduction.
The nervous system is also responsible for regulating mood, behavior, and cognition, which is why many anxiety disorders can respond well to benzodiazepine drugs like Xanax.
Xanax works by binding to receptors in the brain that are responsible for regulating the excitability of neurons.
When the drug binds to receptors in the brain, it causes neurons to become less excited, which ultimately results in a reduction of anxiety and related symptoms.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Xanax is a drug that can cause a physical dependency when taken for an extended period of time. This means that when you try to stop taking Xanax it can cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and tremors.
When you take Xanax long-term, your brain gets used to having a certain level of the drug in your system. Once you stop taking the drug, your brain is thrown off balance and doesn’t know how to function properly because it’s missing the presence of Xanax.
Xanax withdrawal symptoms can be very difficult to go through, but they are certainly not unmanageable. With proper preparation and knowledge of what to expect, you should be able to successfully manage your withdrawal process.
Tips to Manage Xanax Withdrawal
- Wean yourself off Xanax slowly.
- Stay hydrated and eat healthy foods.
- Try to practice meditation during your withdrawal period.
- Ask your doctor about medications that can help ease withdrawal symptoms.
These are just a few tips that you can follow to help make your withdrawal process a bit easier. With the right preparation and mindset, you should be able to successfully manage your withdrawal from Xanax.
When to Seek Help
If you are experiencing any serious withdrawal symptoms or if you feel like you can’t handle the withdrawal process on your own, you should seek professional help immediately.
There are many medical professionals who can help you through your withdrawal process including psychologists, psychiatrists, and medical doctors.
You should also consider seeking professional help if you have tried a few different methods of withdrawal and yet you still feel like you can’t do it on your own.
Conclusion
Xanax is a powerful drug that is commonly used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. When taken as directed, the drug can be an effective treatment for these conditions.
However, when taken on a regular basis, the drug can become very addictive. When you try to quit taking Xanax, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, and nausea.
With the right preparation and knowledge, you should be able to successfully manage your withdrawal from Xanax.
