Do you take Xanax? You may be thinking that Xanax is just a harmless prescription drug, especially with so many people using it as a recreational drug. However, it is not a secret that it can be an addictive and powerful drug. What’s alarming is that not a lot of people realize that there are dangerous side effects you could experience while taking it. If you’re one of the many people who take Xanax, it’s important that you know about its potential side effects.
Xanax is a benzodiazepine and can be prescribed by doctors for severe anxiety, depression, or other conditions. It’s also one of the most commonly abused drugs in America today. This post will discuss 7 dangerous side effects that can happen if you abuse Xanax.
1. Xanax can worsen anxiety and depression
You might be surprised to know that even if Xanax is a medication prescribed to manage anxiety symptoms, abusing the drug can also result in making you more anxious or depressed. There have been recent studies suggesting that people who took Xanax for anxiety ended up with worse symptoms. Xanax, therefore, is not a long-term solution for anxiety and you should avoid self-medicating using this benzo without the advice of a doctor.
2. Abusing Xanax can result in poor body coordination
If you have been taking Xans for a long time, one effect that could happen to you is loss of body coordination. Impaired coordination means a lack of muscle control and difficulty in making voluntary movements. This can be really dangerous especially when you’re driving, climbing up stairs, or operating machinery. If you have impaired coordination, this could even lead to a serious injury or accident.
3. Xans can make you reckless
Some people who abuse Xannies report that taking the drug makes them lose their inhibitions. This side effect can result in dangerous behaviors that you will not normally do if you have full control of your thinking. Some examples of these dangerous behaviors include reckless driving, engaging in unsafe sex practices, and becoming violent.
4. Xanax can damage your brain cells
After a long stressful day, you might be tempted to pop a Xanax thinking that there’s no harm in doing so. You just want to feel calmer so how could it hurt? The problem is that this could become a dangerous habit and in the long term, Xanax abuse can damage your brain cells. This is because abusing benzodiazepines like Xanax for a long time can make the brain forget how to function properly without it. This could result in memory issues, Alzheimer’s disease, and other cognitive issues.
5. Xannies can increase the risk of suicide
Maybe you’re thinking: How is it possible that a drug that’s supposed to make you feel calmer causes suicide? According to one study, the risks of suicide and being admitted to a hospital facility due to a psychiatric problem increase in PTSD and COPD patients who use benzos like Xanax and Valium for long periods.
That’s why if you are a recreational user of Xans, you should be cautious of the possible psychological effects that abusing Xanax could cause. Taking the drug might make you feel calmer and relaxed immediately but the long-term side effects are definitely not worth the risk.
6. Xanax can cause an overdose when mixed with other substances
There are debates on whether Xanax can cause a drug overdose. Some Xanax users believe that it’s impossible to overdose on the drug. However, this is not true. You can overdose on Xanax especially if you’re taking it with other drugs. Mixing it with alcohol can also cause a fatal overdose.
7. Xanax withdrawal can cause seizures that may lead to coma or death
If you suddenly stop taking the Xans, your body will go through withdrawal. The withdrawal symptoms are often unpleasant and can be dangerous. One of the serious withdrawal symptoms is experiencing seizures. When not managed, these seizures can even lead to coma or death.
It is then advisable to consult with a professional addiction treatment facility if you or a loved one is struggling with Xanax abuse. Talk to a doctor about tapering off of this drug if you plan to quit using it or have already stopped using it.
At Morningside Recovery by Lighthouse, we offer a comprehensive and personalized treatment program to safely help you in your recovery.
