Why are doctors so hesitant to prescribe Xanax?
Drugs with a shorter half-life are linked with higher potential for addiction and dependence because the effects wear off faster. That is one reason why doctors are typically hesitant to prescribe Xanax for long periods of time. After taking Xanax in pill form, peak levels are found in your blood just 1-2 hours later.
Today, Xanax is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders including panic disorder, which is characterized by sudden episodes of intense fear or worry along with physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain and dizziness.
Xanax is often prescribed for anxiety disorders because it can help relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. However, other anxiety medications and talk therapy are better long-term choices for treating anxiety because Xanax has side effects, a risk of overdose, and the potential for dependence.
Your doctor will not normally prescribe you benzodiazepines if you have: severe lung disease or breathing problems. sleep apnoea (breathing problems during sleep)
- SSRIs (antidepressants)
- SNRIs (antidepressants)
- Beta-Blockers (blood pressure medications)
- Buspirone (anti-anxiety)
- Hydroxyzine (brand name Vistaril, a prescription antihistamine).
Xanax Effects
The most common adverse effects of alprazolam include impaired coordination, low blood pressure, difficulty speaking, and increased libido. Additional adverse effects of Xanax include: Decreased mental alertness. Confusion.
Adults—At first, 0.25 to 0.5 milligram (mg) 3 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 4 mg per day.
Clonazepam is better to treat panic disorder than Xanax. The US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) does not recommend using benzodiazepines for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as the medication can “cover-up” the feelings or trauma, and you may not ever learn how to manage your trauma.
Commonly prescribed Alprazolam alternative antidepressant medications used to help with anxiety include Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), or Lexapro (escitalopram).
Alprazolam may be taken every day at regular times or on an as needed (“PRN”) basis. Typically, your health care provider will limit the number of doses you should take in one day. Your health care provider will determine the dose and method of taking the medication that is right for you based upon your response.
How to find a doctor that will prescribe Xanax near me?
- Talk to Your Primary Care Physician. The first step is to talk to your primary care physician. ...
- Look for Psychiatrists or Psychologists in Your Area. ...
- Check with Your Insurance Provider.
As mentioned before, benzodiazepines are not meant to be used for long periods of time. By using benzodiazepines for an extended time, there is an increased risk of the development of certain health conditions. The amount of time considered “long-term” in regard to benzodiazepine abuse is around three to six months.
Though benzos are good at relieving anxiety, they can cause side effects like drowsiness or thinking problems. They may also increase the risk for car accidents, falls, and hip fractures. All benzodiazepines come with the risk of misuse and addiction.
OTC alternatives
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP): 5-HTP is a supplement that helps increase serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical in our bodies that help regulate our moods. A 2021 study notes that while 5-HTP showed a moderate reduction in anxiety symptoms, the supplement could also aggravate anxiety as a side effect.
Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb that is popular in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen and helps the body manage stress and anxiety. In fact, it has been shown to reduce anxiety and insomnia in rats by 69%. Similarly, magnesium, a natural Xanax alternative, helps calm the mind and improve mood.
Kava is a well-studied herbal remedy that has been found to be a safe and effective alternative to prescription drugs for anxiety, without the side effects of benzodiazepines. Like many other relaxing herbal remedies, it works, at least in part, by increasing GABA.
SSRIs & SNRIs
For many prescribers, the non-addictive drugs of choice to treat anxiety disorders are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). SSRIs and SNRIs have lower misuse potential and fewer long-term side effects associated with their use.
Depending on the type of anxiety disorder, one drug may be more effective than the other. Xanax is a better option when fast-acting anxiety relief is needed, while Ativan (lorazepam) is best suited for people who need several hours of sedation. However, neither drug should be used for long-term treatment.
Positive Side Effects
Xanax works to increase the effects of a brain chemical and causes a calm, relaxed feeling. It also helps to increase the excitement levels in the brain which can treat anxiety or panic disorders.
Absorption Following oral administration, alprazolam is readily absorbed. Peak concentrations in the plasma occur in 1 to 2 hours following administration. Plasma levels are proportionate to the dose given; over the dose range of 0.5 to 3.0 mg, peak levels of 8.0 to 37 ng/mL were observed.
How many Xanax can a doctor prescribe at once?
Doctors typically prescribe patients around 0.25 to 0.5 milligrams (mg) of Xanax to be taken three times a day, totaling out to 0.75 to 1.5 mg in 24 hours. The highest dose of Xanax that can be prescribed is 10 mg, which is usually done in cases of severe panic disorder.
Alprazolam acts as a depressant; it promotes calm and lowers brain activity. If taken approximately an hour before a person intends to go to sleep, it has been shown to be effective in assisting in sleep in the short term.
The most prominent of anti-anxiety drugs for the purpose of immediate relief are those known as benzodiazepines; among them are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan).
SSRIs and SNRIs are often the first-line treatment for anxiety. Common SSRI brands are Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft. Common SNRI brands are Pristiq, Cymbalta, and Effexor XR. Pros: They are effective for a lot of people and they have a solid safety profile.
The antidepressants most widely prescribed for anxiety are SSRIs such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, and Celexa. SSRIs have been used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Oxazepam, temazepam, and chlordiazepoxide which are low potency benzodiazepines are well tolerated with low toxicity levels.
Most physicians or therapists will prescribe Xanax for “as-needed” treatment. When someone suffering from anxiety feels a surge of panic, or their anxiety prevents them from performing a task like driving or sleeping, taking a dose of Xanax can be extremely helpful.
Physical Dependence Over time, your body adapts to the use of Alprazolam and other benzodiazepines. This adaptation can actually cause the medicine to stop working.
Some reports suggest Xanax can increase chances of Alzheimer's and dementia. The longer your brain is on Xanax, the more it will adapt and continue to slow functioning throughout the mind and body. Long-term use of Xanax may also lead to mental health issues.
Benzodiazepines should only be prescribed in the lowest effective dose for the short-term relief (maximum of 2–4 weeks) of severe anxiety or panic disorder, usually in an acute crisis situation.
Why won t my doctor give me diazepam?
Whilst most people find benzodiazepines like diazepam sedating, a small number have paradoxical agitation and in aggression. They can also cause disinhibition and lead you to behave in a way that you would not normally.
But, medical professionals have become concerned about their risks, particularly if used over a long time. Benzodiazepines can cause overdose, particularly when used with alcohol or other drugs. They're also associated with dependence (addiction) and withdrawal symptoms, even after only using them for a short period.
If you are 18 or over, the doctor can prescribe diazepam for you as a licensed medicine for anxiety or insomnia (sleep problems), to help if you are giving up alcohol, or to relax you before an operation like dental surgery.