How does Xanax work

How does Xanax work?

How does Xanax work?

Benzodiazepine drugs such as Xanax work by binding to a certain neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA. This receptor has a calming effect that leads to quick relief of anxiety.

How does Xanax work as an antianxiety drug?

Like all antianxiety agents, Xanax is used to treat symptoms of anxiety such as fear, uneasiness, and muscle cramps that arise due to stress.

What is meant by antianxiety (anxiolytic) drugs?

Antianxiety or anti-panic drugs are drugs used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which causes worry and anxiety which affect the person’s ability to function.

Anxiolytics used mainly to treat:

1. Depression:

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by a sad mood that is above the normal sadness.

Some facts about depression:

• Depression is not only a feature of negative thoughts and behavior, but also causes changes in the body functions like eating, sleeping, and sexual activity.
• Depression can lead to self-harm that may reach to suicide (one of every 25 suicide trials ends by death).
• Some types of depression (as bipolar depression) are characterized by running in families.
• Depression signs and symptoms vary depending on age, gender, and ethnicity.
• Unlike other medical health issues, depression is diagnosed by doctors only, as there is no laboratory test or X-ray to diagnose depression. You should see a healthcare provider as soon as you notice any depression symptoms in yourself or any of your family members.
• Symptoms of depression include feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness, irritability, and guilt. Other symptoms are lack of interest in daily activities, loss of appetite, loss of energy, sleep problems, and thoughts of suicide.

2. Insomnia:

Insomnia is defined by the difficulty in falling asleep or keeping a good-quality sleep.

Insomnia differs from one person to another; some people have no trouble falling asleep but wake up soon. Others have problems in falling asleep and in staying asleep.

The common factor in all patients is having poor-quality sleep that doesn’t lead to refreshing after waking up.

Sometimes insomnia is temporary, that lasts from one night to few weeks.

Try some tips that can help to overcome temporary insomnia and increase your chance of getting a healthy sleep:

• Sleep in a pleasant and comfortable room; scientists suggest a cold room to overcome insomnia.
• Avoid using T.V., mobile, computer, or eating in the bed.
• Set up a regular sleep-wake cycle; try getting up at the same time every morning even on weekends. Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by the body to regulate sleep.
• Reduce your daily caffeine intake especially in the evening, remember that colas and chocolates are also sources of caffeine.
• Drinking alcohol at any time in the day can cause sleep disturbance, smoking cigarettes can also worsen insomnia.
• Exercise during the day but avoid exercising at least four hours before bedtime.

3. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms:

They are symptoms caused due to sudden stop of drinking alcohol after a period of consuming large amounts of alcohol, such as:

 

• Mood swings.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• High blood pressure.
• Dilated pupils.
• Loss of appetite.
• Sensitivity to light.

4. Itching:

Itching arises as a result of different reasons such as:

• Bacterial and fungal infections.
• Atopic dermatitis.
• Allergic reactions.
• Sun exposure.
• Dry skin.

Many types of itching respond to corticosteroid medications.

Avoid scratching when possible to decrease the chance of worsening the condition.

5. Nausea and vomiting:

Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of some diseases or conditions such as:

• Food poisoning.
• Brain tumors.
• Peptic ulcers.
• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
• Some medications.

Treatment of nausea and vomiting should be as follows:

• Drinking water and sports drinks to compensate for the loss of fluids and electrolytes.
• When your body start keeping water, try to Start a BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast).
• Most nausea and vomiting cases are not serious and can be treated with OTC (over-the-counter) medicines.
• More serious cases require medical treatment.
• Nausea and vomiting should be carefully controlled to prevent dehydration (low water content in the body).

Side effects of anti-anxiety drugs:

 

• Stomach irritability.
• Sexual dysfunction.
• Suicidal thoughts.
• High blood pressure.
• Dry mouth.
• Blurred vision.
• Increased heart rate.
• Weight gain.

Natural/herbal products used in clinical studies for treating anxiety:

 

• Theanine (in green tea).
• Lemon balm.

How does Xanax work during pregnancy and lactation?

Xanax is not recommended during pregnancy especially in the first trimester.

Xanax passes the breast milk, this causes weakness and weight loss in the newborn.

Using Xanax for long periods by a breastfeeding mother results in dependency and fatal withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.

Consult your doctor to suggest another anti-anxiety drug that is safe for you and your baby.

 

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