You’ve probably heard all sorts of things about Xanax (brand name of the drug Alprazolam, used for anxiety and panic disorder treatment). No, Xanax doesn’t give you brain damage. No, you aren’t likely to become permanently addicted to it either. There’s alot to learn.
This article outlines the Common, Uncommon, and Rare side effects of Xanax use and is the product of various personal and professional research
Common Side Effects.
Side effects, if they occur, are generally observed at the beginning of therapy and usually disappear upon continued use. The most commonly reported side effects in clinical trials were drowsiness, fatigue, impaired coordination, irritability, light-headedness, memory impairment, insomnia, and headache. Here are some common side effects:
drowsiness
light-headedness
tiredness
dizziness
irritability
talkativeness
dry mouth
increased salivation
changes in sex drive or ability
changes in appetite
weight changes
difficulty urinatingnull
The most frequent side effects of alprazolam taken at lower doses are drowsiness or lightheadedness, which probably reflect the action of the drug. Side effects of higher dosages (those used for panic attacks) include fatigue, memory problems, speech problems, constipation, and changes in appetite with resultant changes in weight.
Feelings of being ‘groggy’. Unintentional daytime sedation,
hangover effect (residual drowsiness and impaired reaction time on awakening), and rebound insomnia may also occur.
Uncommon Side Effects
Sometimes there can be more serious side effects of Xanax. The treatment for serious side effects of xanax require physician’s advice or emergency attention depending upon the seriousness of the effect.
The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you
experience any of them, call your doctor
immediately:
seizures
seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
severe skin rashnull
yellowing of the skin or eyes
memory problems
confusion
problems with coordination
Less common Xanax side effects can also
include:
thrombophlebitis
vertigo
paradoxical excitation
aggression and hostility
respiratory depression
respiratory arrest
arrhythmias
severe hypotension
abdominal cramps
anterograde amnesia
constipation
dry mouth
hyperventilation
blurred vision
nausea
chest
pain
decreased libido / change in sex drive
confusion
headache
change in appetite
insomnia
unusual dreams
change in salivation
low blood
pressure
racing heartbeat
fainting
severe nasal congestion
difficulty urinating
sweating
weight change
skin irritation
twitching or tremors
nervous or anxious state
sun sensitivity
respiratory infection
memory impairment
loss of coordination
Rare Side Effects
As with all benzodiazepines, paradoxical reactions such as stimulation, increased muscle spasticity, sleep disturbances, hallucinations, and other adverse behavioral effects such as agitation, rage, irritability, and aggressive or hostile behavior have been reported rarely.
If you notice your eyes or skin turning a yellow colour, stop taking Xanax and contact your doctor straight away.
Rarer side effects (that strongly suggest you
should taper or discontinue treatment)
include:
allergic reactions, including rash and anaphylaxis
blood disorders, including leucopenia and leucocytosis
jaundice
difficulty concentrating
slurred or unusual speech
double vision
fear or anxiety
altered sense of taste
lack of inhibition
muscle cramps or spasms
urination problems
tingling
incontinence
warmth
weakness
change in muscle tone
yellow eyes and skin
hyperexcitement or overstimulation
hallucinations
rage or other hostile behavior
transient elevated liver function tests
tremors
insomnia or sleeping difficultiesnull
The less common side effects of xanax
can also be manifested as the following:
Neurological effects: Blurred vision, headache, seizures, slurred speech, difficulty in depth perception.
Psychiatric effects: Mental confusion, depression, irritability, nervousness, sleep disturbances, euphoria, lethargy, stupor.
Gastrointestinal effects: Dry mouth, nausea, non-specific gastrointestinal disturbances, vomiting.
Muscular effects: Muscle spasm, muscle weakness.
Cardiovascular effects: Hypotension, palpitations, tachycardia.
Dermatological effects: Pruritus, rash.
Genitourinary effects: Incontinence, change in libido.
Hematological effects: Decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit, increased and decreased WBC.
Hepatic effects: Elevations of alkaline phosphates, bilirubin, AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT).
Miscellaneous: Increased and decreased blood sugar levels.