Is Xanax A Muscle Relaxer? • Xanax is widely used in treating various problems. It is used to treat mental disorders like anxiety and panic attacks. Is Xanax a muscle relaxer? Let me give you some brief on Xanax as well as its basic function.
History of Xanax • Xanax was first introduced by Dr. David Sheehan, psychiatrist in 1980s. The drug was developed under the drug firm Upjohn. Xanax or commonly known as “alprazolam” is initially prescribed for patients with panic attack disorder. During that period it was viewed as ineffective drug in treating panic disorder, but Dr. Sheehan thought otherwise and gave recommendation of this drug, making it now a well know medication. • Now, Xanax is the first medication approved by FDA in treating panic attacks and considered a shortterm treatment for a period of eight weeks. After that recommended treatment period the drug’s efficacy is no longer powerful and poses severe withdrawal effects like seizures and psychosis. There are also reports that people under this medication are exposed to rebound anxiety when withdrawing.
Uses of Xanax
Xanax is prescribed to treat panic disorder including different types of anxiety problems resulting to depression. If a person is suffering from unexplained excessive worrying, feeling of fatigue, restlessness, mood swings, inability to stay focused as well as difficulty in sleeping, these are symptoms of anxiety disorder. Other conditions where Xanax is given as part of a medication treatment program which is not approved by FDA: •Agitation •Essential tremor •Premenstrual dysphoric disorder •Insomnia
Side effects of Xanax The side effects of Xanax can be felt immediately within the 1 to 2 hours after intake. This means half life of Xanax is around 11 hours. Xanax is classified a benzodiazepine that possess calming and sedating features when taken in low doses. The common side effects of Xanax include the following: •Drowsiness •Decreased respiration •Irregularity in heartbeat •Fainting •Confusion •Impaired coordination •Decreased mobility •Seizures •Coma
Is Xanax A Muscle Relaxer? • Doctors prescribe Xanax to patients to relieve pain. Although it isn’t categorized as a muscle relaxer, it can provide pain relief with its calming or sedative effect when taken for short-term period. If unsure whether Xanax is best to treat your pain, consult a doctor.
What are the precautions when taking Xanax? • Since Xanax has calming and sedative effects, people under this medication must not drive or do work related that requires machinery operation or mental alertness. Elderly people must be monitored closely when prescribed with Xanax. Individuals with medical conditions like liver or kidney disease, glaucoma or respiratory illness must be carefully assessed before prescribing this benzo drug. • Among the individuals who are advised not to take Xanax include women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Xanax can lead to birth defects or get into the breast milk. People diagnosed with depression must take Xanax with precaution. • Xanax must not be mixed with other substances like alcohol or other depressant medicines because of this action could lead to sedation and can be dangerous. Xanax when abused could lead to high tolerance and addiction.
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