Yes, at least for some people. The xanax effect on blood sugar can be variable depending on your unique biology and circumstances.
In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know about the xanax effect on blood sugar in more detail.
Table of Contents
What is the relationship between xanax and blood sugar?
Xanax is a type of tranquilizer that’s used to calm anxiety disorders and panic attacks.
While it’s not known exactly how xanax works in the body, it is known that the drug increases the secretion of GABA. GABA is the “go slow” neurotransmitter that puts the brakes on the rest of the nervous system. When GABA is increased, it’s thought that this dampens (or even completely stops) the brain’s response to certain panic triggers.
The main goal of xanax is to lower anxiety, stress, and panic attacks. Because of the way xanax works in the body, it often has negative effects on the regulation of blood glucose.
How does xanax affect blood sugar?
The xanax effect on blood sugar is a result of xanax’s impact on neurotransmitters. Xanax is known to increase the level of GABA, as well as other neurotransmitters (norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine).
GABA is an “inhibitory” neurotransmitter. This means that GABA tells the rest of the nervous system to slow down and relax.
Xanax increases GABA, which is the main reason for the drug’s anxiety-reducing effects.
The main reason xanax has negative effects on blood sugar is due to the fact that GABA also has an impact on glucose metabolism.
Xanax & diabetes risk factors
There is a link between xanax use and risk factors associated with diabetes. Xanax can negatively impact blood sugar in those who are at risk for diabetes.
There are a few risk factors linked to diabetes. These include: obesity, age, family history, and diet.
If you have one or more of these risk factors, you might be more susceptible to developing diabetes.
While it’s not exactly clear why xanax negatively impacts blood sugar, some research indicates that the drug may:
- Cause the pancreas to produce less insulin
- Cause difficulty processing glucose
- Increase insulin resistance
- Impact the liver’s ability to metabolize glucose
- Interact with other medications
Xanax withdrawal & blood sugar
Withdrawal from xanax is a serious health risk. Depending on how long you’ve been taking xanax, your metabolism will have become accustomed to a certain level of the drug in your system. You’ve likely also become reliant on xanax to manage your mood and anxiety.
If you stop taking xanax suddenly, you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be extremely disruptive to your health, and even life-threatening.
Some of the serious xanax withdrawal symptoms include:
- Increased anxiety
- Increased stress
- Extreme fatigue
- Increased blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Paranoia
- Irregular heart rate
- Abdominal cramps
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Irrational thoughts
- Seizures
- Suicidal thoughts
Final Thoughts
Xanax is a powerful drug that’s prescribed to help people manage anxiety and panic attacks. The xanax effect on blood sugar can be serious in those who are at risk for diabetes.
If you’re at risk for diabetes and take xanax, you may experience elevated blood sugar levels. This is a serious health concern, as diabetes is a life-threatening disease.
If you take xanax and experience elevated blood sugar, you should talk to your doctor immediately. They can help you reduce your blood sugar.
In some cases you may need to reduce your dosage or change to a different anxiolytic medication.
