Xanax is a psychotropic medication that is used to treat anxiety disorder symptoms. Common anxiety ailments include panic attacks, agoraphobia and severe generalized anxiety disorder. Xanax is also sold under the trade names Xanor and Niravam.
Symptoms of Panic Attack
Panic attacks are a form of anxiety disorder. Often, patients report that they were not aware that they were feeling anxious when the panic attack occurred, but definitely felt anxious during the panic attack and afterward.
Commonly, a person who has a panic attack will feel as if they are having a heart attack. Their heart rate increases and races. They break out in a sweat and they feel out of control. They may feel as if everyone is watching them and this provokes even more anxiety.
Panic attacks can happen in almost any environment, whether it be at home or out in public.
Medication Treatment for Panic Attacks
Often, doctors will prescribe Xanax for panic attacks and symptoms. Xanax is a drug that is classified as a benzodiazepine. Other drugs in this classification include Ativan and Valium.
Benzodiazepine medications are highly habit forming and can become addictive if not monitored closely. As a result, it is not recommended that Xanax or other similar medications be stopped suddenly, since withdrawal symptoms are possible.
Anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax and Valium have highly sedative effects. Other effects include muscle relaxation, hypnotic effects, anticonvulsant and antiolytic effects.
Because Xanax and other drugs like it are highly addictive, it is often abused and psychiatrists become concerned if the patient begins asking for ever-increasing dosages. Xanax is often sold as a street drug and, as a result, is a Schedule IV controlled substance and prescriptions are monitored closely.
Treating Panic Attack Symptoms with Xanax Side Effects
Besides potential addictive effects and withdrawal symptoms, Xanax has other side effects that should be taken seriously by patients and doctors alike. While many side effects appear to be common, there are rare side effects that can signal serious problems with the medication.
Often, minor side effects will disappear within weeks of beginning use of Xanax and other similar medications.
Minor side effects of Xanax include, but are not limited to, changes in libido, anterograde amnesia, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, euphoria, disinhibition, drowsiness, fatigue, increase in appetite, hallucinations, jaundice, short-term memory loss, lightheadedness, depression, slurred speech, skin rash, unsteadiness, impaired coordination, suicidal ideation, urinary retention, difficulty with concentration and vertigo.
Allergic reactions to Xanax include problems breathing, swelling of the tongue, face, lips or throat. If you experience these symptoms, call a doctor immediately, since they can be life threatening.
Jaundice is also another set of side effects that should not be ignored and for which immediate medical attention should be obtained. Symptoms of jaundice include yellowing of the skin and eyes. These symptoms indicate a problem with liver function.
If you experience side effects at all, you should notify your doctor, since continued, ongoing side effects can be an indication that you need to change medications. If your doctor is prescribing Xanax for panic attack and symptoms of anxiety disorder, then ask about potential side effects before you begin taking the medication.
