Xanax is a schedule class IV (4) controlled substance that is prescribed to treat panic attacks, nervousness, tension and depression. The drug Xanax has been in circulation for many years as a tranquilizer, and is very effective for what it is prescribed to treat, doctors have learned to be very cautious when prescribing this drug (alprazolam) Xanax, as it has a history of addiction and abuse. Because Xanax is often used to treat long term problems, Xanax addiction has become a very common addiction and has contributed to a large percentage of the prescription drug abuse problem in this country.
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Xanax Addiction
xanax
Xanax is the Generic name for alprazolam (Xanax) The drugs proper name, was originally manufactured by Pfizer. Xanax is currently marketed under the generic name Xanax by several companies and the pills come if variety of colors and shapes, depending on which generic company produces it. Xanax is a drug under the benzodiazepine family (others include Valium, Librium, and Restoril) and is commonly used to treat anxiety. Xanax is considered habit forming by the Food and Drug Administration.
Xanax Addictive properties
Xanax (alprazolam) is commonly recommended for short term or intermittent use, most patients with percriptions use it on a daily basis. They may have a condition that requires frequent use, or patients may self administer and increase their intake without medical advice. Because it takes more than 24 hours to clear the drug thru the body’s system, tolerance begins to build up over time and addiction can occur. Hence the phrase Xanax addiction
Like many addictive substances, when the drugs affect level falls below a certain threshold, symptoms begin to appear and another dose must be taken to return to ‘normal’. For anxiety, the patient no longer takes Xanax in response to anxiety caused by external factors, but for anxiety caused by not taking alprazolam. Xanax addiction develops gradually in the beginning.
This is also true when Xanax is taken as a sleep aid. Insomnia (the original problem) can occur simply because someone has become dependent on the drug.