Xanax Withdrawal

Xanax withdrawal is one of the many consequences of becoming addicted to this medication. Xanax is a prescription tranquilizer which depresses the nervous system in a way similar to alcohol. It is manufactured by Pharmacia/UpJohn and is also distributed under the generic name of alprazolam. Xanax contains alprazolam which is a triazolo analog of the 1.4 benzodiazepine class of central nervous system active compounds. It is made from a crystalline powder which is soluble in methanol or ethanol. However, it has no appreciable solubility in water.

The 1990 to 1998 National Institute of Drug Abuse statistics show that the number of Americans who began to misuse sedatives nearly doubled, while abuse of pain relievers rose 180% during this time period. Xanax addiction is a serious problem among those who abuse their prescriptions as well as those who purchase the drug illegally on the street.

The tranquilizer, which was introduced in 1973, can become psychologically and physically addictive if taken in high doses for longer than eight weeks. Therefore, the medication should be, and usually is, prescribed as a temporary solution for people with stress and anxiety disorders. But while Xanax addiction is a very real risk while taking the drug, there's another breed of abuser out there.

Like other pharmaceuticals such as OxyContin and Ritalin, Xanax has found its way from pharmacies to drug dealers, and is being abused by young, healthy people who want to get high. These club-hopping, twenty something, casual ``Xannie poppers'' are using the drug in combination with other stimulants, from booze to cocaine.

Xanax withdrawal symptoms are experienced when the drug is discontinued by the user. Essentially, Xanax withdrawal symptoms feel the opposite of the therapeutic effects initially experienced on the drug. Xanax withdrawal can produce especially severe symptoms.

Symptoms of Xanax withdrawal are often compared to those of alcohol withdrawal:

• anxiety and agitation
• insomnia or disturbed sleep
• irritability
• jittery, shaky feelings
• rapid heartbeat
• shaky hands
• sweating

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