“Experts warn Xanax usage may reach epidemic proportions”. A TGA report that has been seen by "The Saturday Age' says that the drug is addictive and "once dependent, withdrawal is markedly unpleasant and may be fatal". Xanax is reportedly as addictive as heroin and harder to stop using. It is creating an invisible, potentially lethal epidemic, unfolding across Australia.
A special committee of the Therapeutic Drugs Administration (Australia)
has twice reviewed Xanax to consider tougher restrictions on its availability -
but ruled against the move both times. It would seem that perhaps "Big Pharma" has good connections and possibly deep pockets.
Perfectly rational, they are simply pursuing profit. Which is a lawful endeavour, until
found to be otherwise.
Todays video is by a former pharma sales rep with an interest in alprazolam (the generic name for Xanax).
The Age article also reported that Xanax was ''over represented in deaths or injury from overdose,
suicide, motor-vehicle collisions and crimes''. Patients who overdosed on alprazolam were twice as likely to
require admission to intensive care as those taking other benzodiazepines such
as valium.
Xanax: Some of the facts.
Generic Name: al-pra-zo-lam. Brand Names: Niravam, Xanax. Belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines.
It works by slowing down the movement of chemicals in the brain, resulting in a reduction of nervous tension or anxiety. It is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety
caused by depression.
"Xanax may be habit-forming", according to the manufacturer
The half-life for Xanax is short, around of 6-20 hours. It acts quickly and is fast to be absorbed and utilised by its target organ (your brain). Very desirable qualities in any drug prone to addictive behavioural use.
Your bodies "Law of Least Effort" program says that if you are already taking Xanax, "I will stop or slow down producing my own "xanax-like" substance called GABA", (gamma-amino-butyric-acid) a brain chemical indicated in moodal stability.
The following sage advice is by some fellow bloggers who go by the name "Shrinkrap".
"Here's where the trouble begins. If Xanax wears off in just a few
hours, but it takes a week for your brain's natural Xanax to kick back in, what
happens in the interim? Withdrawal.
What does that feel like? It feels like a panic attack, but worse. High blood
pressure, rapid heart beat, tremors, confusion, delirium, hallucinations,
seizures. What do folks do when they feel a panic attack coming on? Take
another Xanax.
So, here are my rules of thumb about Xanax:
Avoid it.
Keep the doses small.
Do not use in older folks or forgetful folks (more likely to forget it,
thus more likely to have problems).
Do not use in anyone with a history of alcoholism or addiction
Tell folks to avoid daily use.
If they are on it, warn them that stopping it suddenly, even for a day
or two, can result in confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and even death."
Also watch out if any of the following relate to you, as Xanax may have
contraindication issues:
- asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;
- glaucoma;
- kidney or liver disease (especially alcoholic liver disease);
- a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or
- a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
Again manufacturers guide:
“You may have seizures or withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Xanax. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Xanax.” That would be a very interesting discussion.
Of note: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Xanax and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor, or just don't mix them. Doctors or grapefruits.
Potential side effects, get settled, it is a big read.
- depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself, unusual risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger;
- confusion, hyperactivity, agitation, hostility, hallucinations;
- feeling like you might pass out;
- urinating less than usual or not at all;
- chest pain, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
- uncontrolled muscle movements, tremor, seizure (convulsions); or
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- drowsiness, dizziness, feeling tired or irritable;
- blurred vision, headache, memory problems, trouble concentrating;
- sleep problems (insomnia);
- swelling in your hands or feet;
- muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination, slurred speech;
- upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea;
- increased sweating, dry mouth, stuffy nose; or
- appetite or weight changes, loss of interest in sex.
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