You probably know that Xanax is a benzodiazepine drug used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. But you may not know the implications of taking this drug, especially if you are prone to heart problems.
However, keep in mind that everyone is different and your doctor knows what’s best for you based on your personal history and current health conditions. Your doctor will make recommendations based on your specific needs and concerns. And obviously, if you have any pre-existing heart conditions or risk factors for developing heart disease, it’s better to talk with your physician before taking any type of medication.
In general, there are some side effects associated with the use of Xanax which include lowered resting heart rate and other potential negative side effects. In this article we will discuss these potential side effects and how they affect you when taking Xanax as a medication.
Table of Contents
How Does Xanax Work?
Xanax is a type of benzodiazepine drug used as a sedative and anti-anxiety medication. It affects certain receptors in the brain that are responsible for feelings of anxiety, tension, and restlessness.
These receptors are called GABA receptors. GABA happens to be the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. GABA receptors can be activated by different chemicals that are referred to as GABA agonists. And benzodiazepines happen to be one of these GABA agonists that activate GABA receptors to reduce feelings of anxiety.
Xanax is also a central nervous system depressant, so it slows down all of your body’s activities.
Why Is Resting Heart Rate Important?
A resting heart rate is measured when you are lying down, relaxed, with no physical exertion or stimulation of any kind, and with your hands off your body. Basically, this is the rate at which your heart beats when you are just relaxing and not doing anything.
Xanax has the tendency to lower the resting heart rate, and it may drop even more when the person is under stress. This may be something that needs to be monitored since it is possible to have a resting heart rate that is too low.
When the heart rate is too low while you are taking Xanax, this could lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular events and complications such as blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. While it may seem counterintuitive to take a medication that could be a risk to your heart health, there are other benefits to taking Xanax.
Side Effects Of Xanax
There are many potential side effects of taking Xanax, but like we mentioned above, these are not always a given. Some people experience little to no side effects when taking this drug, while others may be more sensitive and experience more serious side effects.
You should always consult your doctor to discuss these potential side effects and let them know if you are experiencing anything that is bothersome.
Blood pressure fluctuations: This is one of the most common side effects of taking Xanax. It is possible to experience a drop in blood pressure, especially when first starting the medication, and this could lead to dizziness, fainting, and headaches. But it is also possible to experience an increase in blood pressure, which could put you at risk for potential cardiovascular issues.
Dizziness: This is another common side effect of taking Xanax. It is usually not considered a serious side effect, and it usually goes away after a few weeks as your body gets used to the drug.
Gastrointestinal issues: Some people experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when taking Xanax.
Hallucinations: Some people may experience hallucinations when taking Xanax, although this is a rare side effect.
Sleepiness: This is actually a purposeful outcome of taking Xanax. It is supposed to make you feel sleepy, and this is why it is used as a sleep aid.
Lowerered Heart Rate While Taking Xanax
As we mentioned above, Xanax has the tendency to lower the resting heart rate. However, this is not always dangerous, and it is important to remember that everyone is different.
While some people may have a resting heart rate that is too low, others might have a normal resting heart rate but may find that it drops too low when they are under stress.
Some people will have an exaggerated response to stress, and this could cause their resting heart rate to drop too low. This could lead to potentially negative outcomes such as the increased risk of blood clots and heart attacks.
Final Words
As we have discussed in this article, Xanax is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. One of the potential side effects is that it may lower your resting heart rate, which could be concerning if your resting heart rate is normally very low or if it drops too low when you are under stress.
It is important to talk with your doctor if you are taking Xanax and experiencing any side effects or changes in your heart rate. They will likely be able to adjust the dosage to help minimize any negative side effects.
