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In 2012, nearly 2% of Oregon had received an alprazolam prescription, which is a type of benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines come in three primary types: long-acting, short-acting, and intermediate-acting. While there are many name-brand options that fall under the benzodiazepine category, there are also generic types of benzodiazepines, and alprazolam is one of them.
You might know alprazolam by one of its major “brand names,” Xanax. It’s most commonly used to assist those with generalized anxiety disorders (GAD), but it can also be used to help those with panic disorders as well. It is a short-acting benzodiazepine, meaning it is used primarily to assist with a situation, as opposed to a way to maintain symptoms over long periods of time. A good example of this would be someone taking a Xanax before they get on an airplane because they know flying gives them heightened anxiety that they wouldn’t normally experience.
Alprazolam is normally prescribed for specific instances and not as a permanent solution, as they can have strong withdrawal symptoms that patients may experience even if they’re used as prescribed. If you have any concerns about your prescriptions, always talk to your doctor or reach out to us at Serenity Lane for help. We understand benzodiazepines addiction treatment and want to ensure you’re getting the results you want from your medication to help prevent misuse.
Alprazolam is a prescription medication used to primarily help people with anxiety disorders and panic disorders. Its main purpose is to decrease abnormal excitement within the brain. Depending on your specific situation, it can be used to assist with other conditions as well.
If you or a loved one is considering asking your doctor about alprazolam, here are some things you should keep in mind:
Medications can have impacts on other areas of our lives, and in order to ensure your well-being, coming equipped with knowledge and questions can help not only prevent potential negative side effects but also help to ensure you receive the best option for your treatment.
Alprazolam acts as a depressant; it promotes calm and lowers brain activity. If taken approximately an hour before a person intends to go to sleep, it has been shown to be effective in assisting in sleep in the short term. However, a study was done testing the long-term effectiveness of alprazolam as a sleep aid and found that its effectiveness decreased within a week of use.
Alprazolam is a safe and effective medication when used as directed. The manufacturer doesn’t recommend exceeding 0.5mg every 3 days. It’s important to follow prescription instructions when taking alprazolam to ensure you get the results you and your medical provider want.
Those who are struggling with sleep, whether from stress, insomnia, or another condition, are normally looking for a solution that can help them in the long term.
Alprazolam is a short-acting benzazepine, which means it has a higher chance of causing withdrawal symptoms if used over a long period of time. According to the National Library of Medicine, using alprazolam for as little as a week can produce discontinuation symptoms or withdrawal, which can be more severe than other forms of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms.
In some instances, part of the experience of withdrawal included worsening symptoms that were previously trying to be managed by alprazolam, such as increased insomnia or anxiety.
Alprazolam is not recommended to be used daily. Its intentions are to be used to help in an instant or moment, not as a way to manage symptoms that affect you every day. Here are some of the common side effects of alprazolam:
It’s important to note that other substances, like alcohol, can interact with alprazolam and potentially decrease its effectiveness or increase the chances of certain side effects occurring. If you or a loved one are experiencing side effects that become severe, or do not go away over time, make sure you reach out to your doctor.
Alprazolam is a fast-acting medication for most. The effects of alprazolam are normally felt within a few hours of the first dose, though some experience an improvement over a period of days. It’s important to note that each prescription may act differently for each individual, depending on what they need the medication for, how often they are taking it, and what other medications they might already be on.
If you miss a scheduled dose of medication, it’s important to take it when you remember, unless you are close to the time of your next dose. Do not double up on dosages or take alprazolam more often than you are prescribed to do.
The effects of alprazolam can also vary depending on the type of alprazolam you’re prescribed. Some form of alprazolam comes in extended-release tablets, which will behave differently than a liquid or normal tablet dose.
If you or a loved one has been using benzodiazepines such as Xanax and are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, or if you have any other questions, Serenity Lane is here to help. Reach out to our telehealth services at 800-543-9905.
Is Alprazolam a good sleeping aid?
Alprazolam has been shown to be a helpful sleep aid when used as needed as opposed to daily. Always make sure to use your medication within the recommendations of your doctor.
How bad is it to take Alprazolam if you can’t sleep?
Depending on what other medications you’re on and what’s been discussed with your medical provider, alprazolam can be a helpful sleep aid for some. When taking any prescription, the potential side effects should always be taken into account.
Should Alprazolam be used for sleep?
If you are looking for a long-term solution to insomnia or other sleep disorders, alprazolam might not be the best option for you. If used daily, patients can experience withdrawal symptoms even after only two weeks of use.
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