Xanax As Needed For Depression

Requirements For Permits To Prescribe Alprazolam

Applications for permits to prescribe alprazolam will generally require evidence of recent support from a specialist in a field relevant to the patients medical condition.

Alprazolam is indicated for the short-term treatment of anxiety or panic disorder, so support from a psychiatrist will generally be required. Where there are addiction-related issues, support from an addiction medicine specialist will generally be required. Without such evidence, permit applications may be refused.

Please refer to On this site for information about Schedule 8 treatment approvals.

Agreements And Disagreements With Other Studies Or Reviews

There are no related nonCochrane systematic reviews, however we did identify three literature reviews . In alprazolam was found to be effective in mild to moderate depression, but inferior to TCAs in patients with endogenous or melancholic depression. It may not cause amelioration of core symptoms. In alprazolam demonstrated efficacy for depression, equal in efficacy to comparison agents. Medical events were reported infrequently or not at all for alprazolam and the comparator drugs there were no marked differences between drug classes. In , the antidepressant effect of alprazolam was comparable to that of lowdose TCAs, but the lack of longterm treatment studies makes the issue of alprazolam’s benefits and disadvantages still undetermined. The results of these three reviews are therefore consistent with our findings here.

Does Depression Lead To Xanax Use

Depression is often linked to anxiety, which may be the reason for a doctor prescribing Xanax. Xanax works to control anxiety symptoms, even when the anxiety is caused by depression. Therefore, if you have depression with anxiety, your doctor may prescribe Xanax to help the anxiety. Depression itself is not the reason to take Xanax the anxiety from the depression is.

However, drugs like Xanax can also be bought illegally on the street. Someone with depression might attempt to self-medicate with Xanax. Substance abuse and depression are linked. Doctors think that having a mood disorder makes a person more vulnerable to substance abuse. One of the reasons for this belief is that people may try to self-treat their mood disorder with drugs. Studies show that someone with a mood disorder is twice as likely to struggle with drug abuse than someone who does not have mood disorders.

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Mixing Xanax Can Land You In The Er

Xanax mixed with alcohol and Xanax mixed with prescription opioids are the most common drug combinations found in emergency room patients. In 2011, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Services Administration reported more than one million ER visits associated with the misuse of prescription drugs, and Xanax was present in 10% of those cases. In fact, non-medical use of Xanax doubled from 2005 to 2010, giving a sense of how rampant Xanax misuse has become. Sometimes called Xanny people use this potent benzo because the effects happen extremely fast, which many suspect is one reason why it has gained so much traction for those mixing substances for a high.

Using Trazodone For Sleep

When trazodone is used to treat a disorder, such as depression, the drowsiness side effect can be problematic. However, this side effect is what makes trazodone an option to be prescribed for sleep disturbances. That said, some doctors who specialize in sleep medicine do not recommend it for insomnia treatment due to a lack of solid evidence regarding its effectiveness.

Regardless, trazodone is a popular drug for sleep due to its reputation as a safer alternative to other sleep medications unlike trazodone, many of these other medications are controlled substances.

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Can Zoloft Worsen Anxiety

Zoloft is used to treat depression and certain types of anxiety disorders. However, some people experience increased anxiety or agitation, especially at the beginning of treatment. If you take Zoloft and notice you are feeling anxious or agitated, contact your healthcare provider.

Also, suicidal thoughts can occur in some cases, and the risk is higher in patients up to age 24 years. If you are having suicidal thoughts, seek emergency treatment. Be sure that your loved ones know about the possibility of suicidal thoughts and/or behavior, so they can be alert for any potential issues and help you seek treatment if necessary.

Dependence And Withdrawal Reactions

To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue XANAX XR or reduce the dosage .

Patients at an increased risk of withdrawal adverse reactions after benzodiazepine discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction include those who take higher dosages, and those who have had longer durations of use.

Acute Withdrawal Reactions

The continued use of benzodiazepines, including XANAX XR, may lead to clinically significant physical dependence. Abrupt discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction of XANAX XR after continued use, or administration of flumazenil may precipitate acute withdrawal reactions, which can be life-threatening .

Protracted Withdrawal Syndrome

In some cases, benzodiazepine users have developed a protracted withdrawal syndrome with withdrawal symptoms lasting weeks to more than 12 months .

In a controlled clinical trial in which 63 patients were randomized to XANAX and where withdrawal symptoms were specifically sought, the following were identified as symptoms of withdrawal: heightened sensory perception, impaired concentration, dysosmia, clouded sensorium, paresthesias, muscle cramps, muscle twitch, diarrhea, blurred vision, appetite decrease, and weight loss. Other symptoms, such as anxiety and insomnia, were frequently seen during discontinuation, but it could not be determined if they were due to return of illness, rebound, or withdrawal.

Interdose Symptoms

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Surprising Facts About Xanax

Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. It is the brand name for the anti-anxiety medication alprazolam and is classified as a benzodiazepine, or benzo. Benzos are mild tranquilizers that are intended for the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms in adults, particularly those that have panic disorders. Xanax works by suppressing the central nervous system to relieve stress rapidly. In addition to treating anxiety symptoms and panic disorders, it can also be used for sleep disorders, depression, and in some cases, seizures.

Although it is a prescription medication, Xanax is known for being misused as a recreational drug as well. This is extremely dangerous, especially when mixed with other substances, as it can severely impair judgment and lead to unsafe situations. Its crucial only to take medications as prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist to reduce the risk of addiction. In this article, we will discuss the surprising facts about Xanax.

Benzodiazepine Versus Ssris: What Is Right For You

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America , anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 18 percent of the population every year. Its also not uncommon for someone with anxiety to suffer from depression , as the National Institute of Mental Health called depression the worlds leading cause of disability.

There are many different treatment possibilities, and one Texas A& M pharmacist talks about two of the most common medication types, when to talk to your physician about these options and how to take these medications safely.

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Xanax Abuse And Addiction

Although safe and effective when prescribed by a medical professional and taken as directed, there is a growing concern over the abuse of Xanax and drugs like it.

Headlines in recent years suggest that teen use of Xanax is rising. An article in the Journal of Addiction Medicine1 calling Xanax one of the most widely-prescribed drugs for anxiety and panic disorders noted too that many primary care physicians continue to prescribe it for longer periods than recommended. One big concern is dependence. This cannot be overstated, Dr. McGee continues. People who start on Xanax often have a really hard time getting off it. The same is true for other benzos, he adds.

Before Taking This Medicine

You should not take Xanax if:

• you also take antifungal medicine such as itraconazole or ketoconazole or

• you have a history of allergic reaction to any benzodiazepine .

To make sure Xanax is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• breathing problems

• kidney or liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you use Xanax during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks.

You should not breastfeed.

If you do breastfeed, tell your doctor if you notice drowsiness or feeding problems in the baby.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

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Do Xanax And Ativan Have Risks Of Dependence Addiction And Overdose

In short, yes. This is a main reason why its recommended to only use these medications temporarily when possible.

Its possible to develop dependence, addiction, and tolerance while taking Xanax and Ativan. This means you may feel the need to take more pills over time to function normally. And when you stop taking them, you may feel symptoms of withdrawal.

Long-term use of either Xanax or Ativan carries the risk of withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them, such as:

• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure

• Insomnia

• Tremors

• Seizures

Thats why neither should be used long-term, if possible. You and your healthcare provider should regularly check in to see if the medication is working and if you need to continue taking it.

But, its also important that you dont stop taking Xanax or Ativan abruptly, especially if you take it every day. Instead, your healthcare provider can assist you with lowering your daily dose slowly over time until you no longer take the medication.

Its also possible to have too much Xanax or Ativan in your system, and this can lead to overdose symptoms. These symptoms are usually severe. Specific overdose symptoms vary, but they usually include:

• Severe drowsiness or dizziness

• Low blood pressure

• Memory loss

Certain factors may also raise your risk for having a benzodiazepine overdose. For instance, an overdose may be more likely to happen if you also have substances like opioids or alcohol in your system.

What Does Xanax Feel Like

Xanax is the brand name of a generic medication called alprazolam. Xanax belongs to a group of prescription drugs called benzodiazepines , which include other medications like Valium , Ativan , and Klonopin .

Benzodiazepines work by slowing down the brain and central nervous system . Taking Xanax doesnt cause a high like some drugs do. When the central nervous system calms down, people with depression, anxiety, and panic disorders feel a calming effect that helps relieve their symptoms.

Xanax is the most commonly prescribedpsychotropic medication in the U.S. It works for many people, but it can also become habit-forming and has numerous side effects.

• Slurred speech
• Hypersensitivity

Xanax may cause more serious side effects that require medical attention. Seek medical advice immediately if you have suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, seizures, or feelings of hostility. Although rare, some people have allergic reactions to Xanax that can cause difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and hives, which require immediate medical help.

Alcohol use, when combined with Xanax, can be dangerous, cause side effects to worsen, or create new health problems. Using alcohol while taking Xanax can cause seizures, aggression, drowsiness, impaired coordination, and confusion. The combination of alcohol and Xanax can also lead to unconsciousness, coma, or even death.

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What Happens If I Overdose

Symptoms of a Xanax overdose include:

• antifungal medications, such as miconazole or voriconazole
• antidepressants, such as fluoxetine or nefazodone
• some barbiturates
• some seizure medications

This list is not complete, and other drugs may interact with Xanax. A person should tell their doctor about all the medications they use. This includes prescription, OTC, vitamin, and herbal products.

People should not start a new medication without telling their doctor.

It is important to taper off Xanax gradually. Otherwise, there is a risk of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome.

Can I Use Zoloft Or Xanax With Alcohol

No. Neither drug should be used with alcohol. Combining an antidepressant, like Zoloft, with alcohol, can worsen the symptoms of depression or anxiety, impair thinking and alertness, and increase the effects of sedation and drowsiness. Combining Xanax with alcohol is dangerous and can cause respiratory depression, extreme sedation, coma, or even death.

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Is Trazodone Like Xanax

Trazodone and Xanax are very different from one another. Unlike trazodone, Xanax is not classified as an antidepressant instead, it is a benzodiazepine. Xanax is a short-acting drug that enhances brain neurotransmitters like GABA, which may be imbalanced in people with anxiety or panic disorders.

Another big difference between trazodone and Xanax is the fact that Xanax is a Schedule IV controlled substance. Xanax may not be an ideal option if a patient is prone to drug abuse, but trazodone may be appropriate because it is not a controlled substance.

Side effects of trazodone and Xanax, such as drowsiness, can be similar because both drugs are central nervous system depressants.

Solutions For Treating Anxiety Or Insomnia Without Xanax

Xanax is a great prescription drug for as-needed purposes, and it can be helpful for some people who need to take the drug regularly for certain panic disorders with a doctors oversight. But finding ways to manage and understand anxiety will provide the best foundation for people suffering from these conditions.

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What Other Information Should I Know

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Alprazolam is a controlled substance. Prescriptions may be refilled only a limited number of times ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Clinical Studies For Depression

Some studies have found that Xanax to be just as effective as several other antidepressants, including amitriptyline, clomipramine, and imipramine, for the treatment of moderate depression, but not for severe depression.

However, these studies only addressed short-term effects and were considered poor quality in a review published in 2012. It was also not clear if the effects of Xanax was due to an actual antidepressant effect or rather a general positive effect on anxiety and sleep issues.

With the arrival of newer antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors , the number of clinical trials evaluating Xanax in depression has significantly decreased. There have been no clinical trials directly comparing Xanax to SSRIs or other newer antidepressants for treating depression.

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Treating Depression And Anxiety With The Benzodiazepine Alprazolam: New Cochrane Review Recommends Caution

Antidepressants and psychotherapies are the mainstay for treating depression, but another option is the benzodiazepine drug alprazolam, which is recommended for treating depression when anxiety is also involved.

Some doctors prescribe a short course of benzodiazepines to help depressed and anxious patients, but this is not supported by NICE guidance. High-potency tranquillisers like alprazolam are thought to have side-effects including dependence, rebound anxiety, memory impairment, accident-proneness and discontinuation syndrome.

A new systematic review from the Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Group suggests that alprazolam may be as effective as antidepressants in treating depression, but the authors urge caution because of the quality of the studies included in their review.

They conducted the usual systematic Cochrane search looking for randomised controlled trials of alprazolam versus placebo or conventional antidepressants for depression in adults, excluding studies with inpatients only. Their search included all RCTs published up until February 2012 and they did not apply any language restrictions.

They found 21 RCTs including a total of 2,693 patients. Typical study duration was 4-6 weeks and 6 of the included studies had a high risk of bias.

Two authors from their team carried out independent data extraction and assessed the quality of the included research, to ensure that their interpretation of the evidence was accurate.

Treatment For Xanax Abuse And Co

If a person needs to stop Xanax use, their doctor can help them figure out how to quit the medications and treat depression. Therapy may be involved and may help people quit Xanax as well as treat their mood disorder. Sometimes, doctors may prescribe a Xanax taper, which is a slow decrease in the Xanax dosage. The length of the taper may depend on how long a person took Xanax for, and their reason for doing so. Their doctor may also prescribe a drug to help you with Xanax withdrawal symptoms. These drugs can include:

• Carbamazepine
• Trazodone
• Imipramine

If you or a loved one struggle with Xanax use and addiction with or without depression you do not have to go through it alone. Professionals at The Recovery Village can help you every step of the way toward sobriety. Contact The Recovery Village today to learn more.

• Sources

  U.S. National Library of Medicine. Xanax-alprazolam Tablet. September 13, 2018. Accessed May 27, 2019.

  Reddy J., Khanna S., Anand U., Banerjee A. Alprazolam-induced Hypomania. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, August 1996. Accessed May 27, 2019.

  Coplan JD., Aaronson CJ., Panthangi V., Kim Y. Treating Comorbid Anxiety and Depression: Psychosocial and Pharmacological Approaches. World Journal of Psychiatry, December 22, 2015. Accessed May 27, 2019.

  Parks, J. Safe & Effective Use of Benzodiazepines in Clinical Practice. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, May 31, 2017. Accessed May 26, 2018.

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