Xanax Medication Analysis Essay
Xanax Medication Analysis Essay
The brand name is Xanax, the generic name is alprazolam, and the chemical name is 8-Chloro-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-s-triazolo [4,3-α] [1,4] benzodiazepine. It is a drug used for managing anxiety disorder or for the short term relief of anxiety symptoms in adults (WebMD, n.d.). Xanax is considered a Schedule IV narcotic because Xanax has a medical use, but the drug is still considered to have potential for abuse. It belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines, which are a type of medications commonly known as tranquilizers (Addiction blog, n.d.). The Upjohn Company manufactures Xanax, who also developed the medication in the late 1960’s (Xanax history, n.d.). Another type of alprazolam is Valium. They are one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. Xanax Medication Analysis Essay.
Xanax is a given in a tablet form. Alprazolam is a white crystalline powder which can be soluble in methanol or ethanol. It is an oral medication, taken by mouth as directed by the doctor. The dosage of this medication is measured based on the medical condition, age, and the response to the treatment. Dosage may be increased until medication starts to work well. The usual dosages are 0.25mg to 0.5mg given three times daily for patients with an anxiety disorder. The dosage may fluctuate depending on how severe the patient’s condition may be. The prescription will never be more than 4mg a day. As for patients with panic disorders the usual dosage is within 1 to 10 mg daily. Once again, also depending on how severe their disorder is. Xanax is supplied with tablets of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg (Xanax dosage guide, n.d.).
Medication Indications
Xanax is indicated to manage an anxiety disorder or the short term relief of symptoms of anxiety, it is also indicated for the treatment of panic disorder. Having an anxiety disorder is excessively having to worry. It can cause autonomic hyperactivity, sweating, dizziness, and difficulty in concentration. A panic disorder can cause an accelerated heart rate, sweating, short breath, and lightheaded (Managing, n.d.). The drug interactions are very severe, Xanax should not be taken with anything that contains benzodiazepines or alprazolam.
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WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Always store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom and always make sure you keep all medications away from children and pets. Alos, people with a history of severe lung problems, liver disease, kidney disease, drug or alcohol abuse, and narrow-angle glaucoma and are taking itraconazole or ketoconazole should not use Xanax. Also, women who are pregnant or nursing should not use this medication because this medicine can cause birth defects or life threatening withdrawal symptoms on newborns (Xanax, n.d.). When women nurse while taking Xanax it causes constant crying, irritability and sleep disturbances in infants. Xanax Medication Analysis Essay.This medication can also increase the effects of alcohol. People with a history of depression or suicidal thoughts should not take this medication. Since this medication can be habit-forming, it should only be used by the person to whom it was prescribed. It can also impair thinking or reactions, so driving or doing anything that requires the person to be alert, should be avoided.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Benzodiazepines were thought to have little potential for abuse and dependence but withdrawal symptoms are now well known for some of these type of drugs which includes Xanax. There’s several cases where patients taking this medication have severe withdraw symptoms suddenly (Xanax dosage guide, n.d.). So to prevent this, doctors gradually reduce a patient’s dose before advising them to suddenly stop taking it. Whether you use Xanax with no medical use or inappropriate doses it can quickly lead to a problem. Possible overdose is always possible especially to people who do not get prescribed the drug but still tend to take it. Overdose symptoms may include: severe drowsiness, slowed/reduced reflexes, slowed breathing, loss of consciousness.
Xanax is a brand name for the drug alprazolam, which belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. Xanax is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders and is the single most prescribed psychiatric medication in the United States.
In this article, we will explain why Xanax is used, potential side effects, and relevant warnings. Xanax Medication Analysis Essay.
Fast facts on Xanax:
- Xanax (alprazolam) is the single most prescribed psychiatric medication in the U.S.
- Xanax is a member of the benzodiazepine family of drugs and is primarily used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.
- Xanax works by increasing the amount of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain to promote calmness and a relaxed feeling.
- When taken correctly, Xanax is a safe and effective medication.
Xanax (alprazolam) is an anti-anxiety medication in the benzodiazepine family, the same family that includes diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), flurazepam (Dalmane), and others.
Xanax works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain and was approved by the FDA in October 1981.
Benzodiazepines act on the brain and central nervous system to produce a calming effect. Xanax Medication Analysis Essay.
Xanax slows down the movement of brain chemicals that may have become unbalanced, resulting in a reduction in nervous tension and anxiety. Xanax works by boosting the effects of a natural chemical made in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
For all users of Xanax:
To ensure safe and effective use of benzodiazepines, all patients prescribed with Xanax will be provided with the following guidance:
- Inform your doctor about any alcohol consumption and medicine you are currently taking, including over-the-counter (OTC) medication. Alcohol should generally not be used during treatment with benzodiazepines.
- Xanax is not recommended for use in pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, if you are planning to have a child, or if you become pregnant while you are taking this medication.
- Inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
- Until you experience how Xanax affects you, do not drive a car or operate heavy or dangerous machinery. Xanax Medication Analysis Essay.
- Do not increase the dose of Xanax without speaking with a doctor, even if you think the medication “does not work anymore.” Benzodiazepines, even when used as recommended, may produce emotional and physical dependence.
- Do not stop taking Xanax abruptly or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor because withdrawal symptoms can occur.
Inform your doctor if you have asthma or other breathing problems, glaucoma, kidney, or liver diseases, history of alcoholism or depression, suicidal thoughts, or an addiction to drugs or alcohol.
You should not take Xanax if you:
- Have narrow-angle glaucoma.
- Are also taking itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral).
- Are allergic to Xanax or other benzodiazepines, such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).
Other precautions
In certain individuals, the body handles Xanax differently, these include:
- people with alcoholism
- individuals with alcoholic liver disease
- individuals with impaired hepatic function
- individuals with impaired renal function
- older adults
- people who are obese
Allergies
Do not use Xanax if you are allergic to alprazolam or other benzodiazepines such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax). Xanax Medication Analysis Essay.
Alcohol
Do not drink alcohol while taking Xanax. Xanax can increase the effects of alcohol.
Pregnancy
Do not use Xanax if you are pregnant. Benzodiazepines can potentially cause harm to the fetus. Xanax increases the risk of congenital abnormalities when given to a pregnant woman during the first trimester. Xanax Medication Analysis Essay.
Use of Xanax during the first trimester of pregnancy should usually be avoided.
Patients should be advised that if they become pregnant during therapy or intend to become pregnant, they should tell their doctor.
A child born of a mother who is taking benzodiazepines may be at risk of withdrawal symptoms from the drug. Also, respiratory problems have been reported in children born to mothers who have been taking benzodiazepines.
Nursing
It is thought that Xanax is excreted in human milk. As a general rule, mothers who must use Xanax should not breast-feed.
Children
Xanax has not been studied in children.
Gender
Gender does not effect the body’s response to Xanax.
Older adults
Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of benzodiazepines. The sedative effects of Xanax may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking Xanax.
Race
Xanax may affect Asian populations more than white populations.
Smoking
Xanax concentrations may be reduced up to 50 percent in smokers, compared with nonsmokers.
Suicide
As with other psychotropic medications, there are precautions when giving the drug to severely depressed patients or those who may have suicidal thoughts.
Mania
Episodes of hypomania and mania have been reported in association with the use of Xanax in patients with depression. Xanax Medication Analysis Essay.
Xanax is often abused for the fast-acting, relaxed “high” it can give to people who take it, including people without a prescription.
According to the Treatment Episode Data Set, the number of individuals seeking treatment for benzodiazepine abuse almost tripled from 1998-2008. Xanax Medication Analysis Essay. Long-term abuse and addiction to Xanax are associated with depression, psychotic experiences, and aggressive or impulsive behavior.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2011, there were over 1.2 million emergency department (ER) visits overall related to the nonmedical use of prescription drugs – Xanax was involved in 10 percent of those visits.
The number of emergency department visits involving the non-medical use of the sedative Xanax doubled from 57,419 to 124,902 during the years 2005 to 2010 and then remained stable at 123,744 in 2011.
The most common drug combinations encountered in ER patients are Xanax and alcohol, and Xanax combined with prescription opiates like hydrocodone and oxycodone.
Xanax is used to manage anxiety disorder or the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment.
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Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by unrealistic or excessive anxiety and worry about two or more life circumstances, for a period of 6 months or longer, during which the person has been bothered more days than not by these concerns.
At least six of the following symptoms are often present in these patients:
- Motor tension: trembling, twitching, feeling shaky, muscle tension, aches or soreness, restlessness, easily tired.
- Autonomic hyperactivity: shortness of breath or smothering sensations, palpitations or accelerated heart rate, sweating, or cold, clammy hands, dry mouth, dizziness or light-headedness, nausea, diarrhea, or other abdominal distress, flushes or chills, frequent urination, trouble swallowing or a “lump in the throat.”
- Vigilance and scanning: feeling keyed up or on edge, exaggerated startle response, difficulty concentrating or “mind going blank” because of anxiety, trouble falling or staying asleep, irritability.
Xanax is also indicated for the treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia, and may reduce the number of panic attacks experienced. Xanax Medication Analysis Essay.
Panic disorder is characterized by regular panic attacks. Panic attacks are relatively short periods of intense fear or discomfort where four or more of the following symptoms develop all of a sudden and reach a peak within 10 minutes:
- Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate.
- Sweating.
- Trembling or shaking.
- Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering.
- Feeling of choking.
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Nausea or abdominal distress.
- Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint.
- Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself).
- Fear of losing control.
- Fear of dying.
- Paresthesia (numbness or tingling sensations).
- Chills or hot flushes. Xanax Medication Analysis Essay.
