Page Contents
Alprazolam a benzodiazepine?
Alprazolam is a widely prescribed generic drug that belongs to the benzodiazepines category of medications and acts on the central nervous system (brain and nerves) to produce a calming effect. People buy alprazolam online to treat anxiety and panic disorders.
Alprazolam is potent in relieving anxiety and panic; hence medical healthcare professionals prescribe it to people dealing with anxiety and panic disorders. Some off-label use of this drug also makes it popular among people.
To check your initial response to treatment with this drug, doctors initially prescribe alprazolam 0.25 mg (the smallest dose). Gradually, they recommend additional amounts such as alprazolam 1 mg, according to your tolerance and medical requirement.
Alprazolam Uses
Many people use alprazolam to manage anxiety disorder or get short-term relief from anxiety symptoms. Tension or anxiety associated with everyday life problems usually does not require treatment with any medication.
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive or unrealistic anxiety and worry about two or more life situations for six months or longer. During this period, the individual stays bothered without any specific reason. To get prescribed alprazolam for GAD, at least six of the following symptoms often present in individuals:
Motor tension, such as shakiness, trembling, twitching, restlessness, muscle tension, aches (or sores), feeling quickly tired;
Vigilance and scanning, such as irritability, feeling on edge, exaggerated startle response, difficulty concentrating due to anxiety, or trouble falling or staying asleep;
Autonomic hyperactivity, such as nausea, dry mouth, diarrhea, abdominal problems, hot flashes or chills, shortness of breath, smothering sensations, sweating or cold, clammy hands, heart palpitations, dizziness, frequent urination, or difficulty swallowing
For Panic Disorders
Alprazolam is also indicated for panic disorder treatment, either with or without agoraphobia, and may reduce the count of panic attacks an individual might experience. Regular panic attacks characterize panic disorders, and the following are the symptoms that develop suddenly and reach a peak within ten minutes:
● sweating, heart palpitations, an accelerated heart rate, or a pounding heart
● a feeling of choking with chest pain or discomfort, trembling or shaking
● smothering sensations or shortness of breath
● nausea or abdominal distress
● fear of losing control, fear of dying
● feeling unsteady, dizzy, faint, or lightheaded
● hot or chills, flashes, numbness, or tingling feeling
● derealization or depersonalization
Alprazolam form and dosage
Xanax and Xanax XR are two famous brand-name drug forms of alprazolam generic. Alprazolam comes at a comparatively lower price than both the brand-name drugs. People also buy Xanax online to get relief from anxiety and panic disorders. Here is a small detail about the available strengths of Xanax:
● 0.25 mg: A white, oval, and scored pill with an imprint of “XANAX 0.25.”
● 0.5 mg: A peach-colored, oval, and scored tablet with a mark of “XANAX 0.5.”
● 1 mg: It will be a blue-colored, oval, scored tablet with an imprint of “XANAX 1.0,” commonly known as blue Xanax bar.
● 2 mg: A white, oblong, and multi-scored pill with an imprint of “XANAX” on one side and “2” on the opposite side.
Red Xanax bars are the most potent form of this drug that comes in the strength of 5 mg and is commonly known as “Red Devil Xanax” due to its dangerous side effects. People usually take this strength for abuse purposes.
Benefits and Misuse of Benzodiazepines
A wide range of drugs belongs to the benzodiazepines category that can help treat a range of medical conditions. Medical healthcare professionals often prescribe it to treat seizures, anxiety, and insomnia.
Short-term use of drugs belonging to this class is usually safe and effective, but taking them for an extended period can lead to dependence, tolerance, and other adverse effects. Taking benzodiazepines in excessive amounts can be dangerous, and combining them with alcohol or other similar substances can be fatal.
Benzodiazepines are effective in treating some mental health and neurological disorders, but it is essential to use them with care. An individual should always share their medical history with the doctor.
Benefits
Benzodiazepines alter the functioning of the neurons that trigger anxiety and stress reactions. The FDA has approved them for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), insomnia, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, or seizure disorders (such as epilepsy).
The potential uses can be determined by the type of disorder. Medical healthcare professionals may also prescribe these drugs for off-label use to treat various other conditions, including tic disorders, bipolar disorder, other sleep disorders, or manage alcohol withdrawal.
Misuse
Benzodiazepines misuse is a matter of concern because some people use these potent medications for recreational purposes without the proper medical supervision of a health expert, which can be dangerous.
To avoid any potentially life-threatening condition, one should only use these drugs under the supervision of a medical healthcare professional and follow their instructions carefully. Also, tell your doctor or pharmacist about the other substances or medications you are taking, including supplements.