Like most other benzodiazepine drugs Xanax is also abused by users. If the drug is continued for a period more than it has been prescribed for then it can become a habit, one that is not easy to shrug off. With the dependence growing on the drug, there are increased effects of the withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are even more pronounced if the drug is discontinued abruptly. Therefore, such drugs, even if they have been taken without the advice of a medical practitioner should be discontinued only under expert supervision.

Xanax has also been known to be abused as a street drug in various parts of the world, especially in the US. That It is not a safe practice can be understood from the fact that the entire group of alprazolam drugs has been designated as a schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act of the US Federal Government.

The Side Effects of Xanax

Apart from the fact that the drug can cause dependency and lead to withdrawal symptoms, there are a whole set of side effects that might be a result of taking Xanax. These side effects can range from the more common ones which most patients report of, or they can be rarer, informed only by a small group of users. Generally most of theses side effects are pretty innocuous and they generally tend to go away over a period of time as the treatment is continued. But in some cases they can be quite serious and should be brought to the notice of a medical practitioner. In the following segment of the discussion on Xanax we will focus on these various side effects of Xanax.

The side effects of Xanax are various and we are not suggesting that what follows is a complete and exhaustive list. Please consult a healthcare specialist to find out more details. It must also be remembered that this drug might not work properly if you are already under medication and may not mix well with other drugs. Also it should never be mixed with alcohol as it can increase the effects of alcohol manifold and have been known to cause road and other accidents.

The side effects of Xanax are anterograde amnesia, ataxia, constipation, disinhibition, changes in libido, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, euphoria, fatigue, hallucinations, increase in appetite, jaundice, lightheadedness, respiratory depression, short-term memory loss, skin rash, slurred speech, suicidal ideation, unsteadiness, impaired coordination, urinary retention, vertigo and problems in concentration.

While most of these side effects are not things to be worried about, if you are facing allergic reactions such as difficulty in breathing, swelling of lips, face, tongue, or throat then it is advisable to consult a doctor. This is also true for patients who develop symptoms of jaundice that are generally the eyes and the skin turning yellow. Medical attention should be sought as early as possible and such symptoms should never be neglected.