Xanax®, a brand name for the anti-anxiety medication alprazolam, has made a significant difference for people suffering with anxiety and panic disorders. As with many drugs on the market today, there is the possibility of experiencing some sides effects while taking Xanax® medication. Fortunately, many of the Xanax® side effects are easily treatable by adjusting the dosage or making changes in diet.
The more common side effects of Xanax® usage often are the opposite of the anxiety or panic that the medication treats. It is not unusual for people taking Xanax® or Xanax XR® to experience some slight dizziness and feel somewhat more fatigued than usual. Dry mouth is not uncommon, although there are reported cases of an increase in saliva production. The appetite may be affected as well, as the medication may leave some people with less interest in food while others find they recover the appetite that was taken away by the anxiety and panic.
There are other Xanax® side effects that are reported less frequently and appear to not take place with most patients who are prescribed the medication. Side effects like constipation, muscle twitches, and a feeling of being overstimulated may occur. The eyes and skin may take on a slightly yellowish pallor, and the individual may begin to develop speech problems such as stuttering or frequent stammering.
While most of the Xanax® side effects are minor and fade after the patient uses the drug for a time, others have severe reactions to the use of Xanax® or even a generic Xanax® product. Some of the more serious Xanax® side effects include periods of confusion, a noticeable decrease in coordination, problems remembering everyday things such as the names of loved ones, or an inability to sleep.
There are also some situations where continuing to take Xanax® for anxiety and panic may actually make the symptoms worse. Instead of lessening the severity of panic attacks, the drug may cause the attacks to occur more frequently and with increasing force. If the anxiety is accompanied by depression, Xanax® may interfere cause the melancholy to deepen, make the individual more easily irritated and in general make the individual jumpier. In especially serious situations, the Xanax® side effects may include fainting or hallucinations or even seizures.
When any of these Xanax® side effects are manifested, they should be reported to a physician immediately. In some cases, simply adjusting the dosage will help the patient to receive the benefit of the medication without the side effects. However, the doctor may also determine that continuing to take Xanax® is not in the best interests of the patient and prescribe a different medication.
