Things You need to know about Xanax.

America is a very nervous nation.

We Americans have a lot of concerns: about our health, security, our financial situation, as well as those on social networks. The list could go on. As per the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) an astounding forty million adults Americans who are over 18 are suffering from anxiety-related disorders. It's around 18% of the population.

American children are also stressed. Around a quarter of teens between the ages of 13-18 suffer from anxiety issues. If not treated, anxiety can affect a child's performance at school and in relationships with his classmates, and expose a child to risk of depression, self-esteem issues and problems with alcohol and drugs in the future.

As any professional will explain that a bit of anxiety can be stimulating. It's what motivates you to be punctual, motivates you to prepare for an exam that is a lot of work and also helps you avoid dangerous behavior like wandering through the park in the dark.

"Some anxiety is actually good for us," says Michael D. McGee, MD Chief Medical Officer for The Haven at Pismo, an addiction treatment facility in Grover Beach, California. McGee is also the writer of the Amazon bestseller, The Joy of Recovery: The New 12-Step Plan for Recovery From Addiction, and an active participant on the Psycom Editorial Advisory Board. As you've probably discovered from your own experience, items that are beneficial for you may also cause problems, especially in the case of having too many good things.

So, here's a short overview of the things that can amp our energy levels, according to what appears to be an American Psychiatric Association study:

  • In the past year, anxious Americans were worried about their security, health and relationships, finances and even politics, but the most important concern was money.
  • About three-quarters of women and more than three-quarters among young adults aged 18-34 and nearly four out of five Hispanic adults reported being very or extremely worried regarding their capacity to cover for bills.
  • Women were more stressed than men and experienced an increased level of anxiety than men over a single year time period. 57% of women 18-49 said they were anxious while 38% of men who are the same age.

The American Psychological Association (APA) named a slightly different set of anxiety-provokers--particular to people ages 15 to 21 (also known as Generation Z)--in its recent report on stress in America. The top of the list is:

  • Sexual assault and immigration are major concerns. Mass shootings can be a huge anxiety for the population as well.
  • Gen Z'ers are more worried over the deportation and separation of families of immigrants and migrants in comparison to other Americans (57 percent from Gen Z members vs. 45 percent from all adult).
  • More than 9/10 Americans of Generation Z said that 9 out of 10 Americans in the Gen Z generation said they suffered at the very least one physical or emotional sign due to stress. For instance, feeling sad or depressed (58 percent) or feeling demotivated and motivation (55 55%).
  • Half of Gen Z men and women think they're doing enough in order to control their anxiety. (To tackle the issue to combat it, there is a recommendation from American Psychological Association urges self-care such as exercise and unwinding time by making healthy choices about food while spending time with loved ones and relatives. )

The Rise of Xanax Nation

In all the anxiety about our anxieties and worries, it's a bit odd that a large number of anxious Nellies disregard the advice of experts and instead turn to one of America's most popular anxiety-killers: Xanax. A study published in The Journal of Addiction Medicine 1 states there are US doctors write around 48 million prescriptions to Xanax online every year, which makes Xanax among the most prescribed benzodiazepines available in the country.


What is Xanax?

Xanax is the trademark name of the generic drug called alprazolam. It is part of a class of medications known as benzodiazepines--a kind of tranquilizer that reduces the brain's susceptible to stimulation. It produces a relaxing effect. Benzodiazepines like Xanax are frequently used for treating insomnia, anxiety and anxiety. They are also used to lessen jitters prior to surgery.2 Similar drugs with Xanax are Valium (diazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam) along with Ativan (lorazepam). All of them work by slowing down the nervous system in order to create physical and mental relaxation. They also have a fast effect and some can be triggered with as little as 15 minutes. The tranquilizing effect they provide can last from six to 12 hours according to said Dr. McGee, a winner of the Living Now Evergreen Medal for Health and Wellness and of a 2018 Readers' Favorite medal, says.


What's Xanax Used For?

Xanax is prescribed for temporary relief from anxiety and anxiety. Only a qualified medical professional can establish if you suffer from an anxiety disorder A diagnosis that is usually based on an assessment of your symptoms as well as examinations to exclude any other medical reasons for your anxiety, if required.

Based on the US Department of Health and Human Services, there are a variety of anxiety-related disorders. There are several types of anxiety disorders:

  • Anxiety disorder that is generalized that is characterized by constant anxiety, excessive worry fears, anxiety, and fear.
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder ,which is characterized by recurring, unwelcome thoughts or repetitive behavior (obsessions and compulsive behaviors).
  • Disorder of panic is characterized by episodes of extreme fear and physical symptoms that could consist of chest discomfort, palpitations in the heart breathing problems as well as restlessness and difficulty staying focused.
  • The condition is known as post-traumatic stress ,often associated with events during which severe harm was caused or threatened by an attack or natural disaster, man-made or natural such as accidents, natural disasters or even war.)
  • Social Phobia Disorder ,which causes anxiety that is overwhelming and self-consciousness that is typical in everyday social situations.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders could include:

  • Unrest, anxiety or tension
  • The feeling of imminent peril or doom
  • An increase in heart rate
  • Rapid breathing
  • Tingling, shaking or shaking
  • The fatigue or weakness
  • Trouble with concentration
  • A present anxiety nearly to the exclusion any other concern

The symptoms of panic disorder could be:

  • The feeling of imminent death or danger
  • Heart rate is fast or pounding
  • Breathlessness
  • Tightness in the chest or throat
  • Fear of losing control, death or heart attack
  • Shaking, shaking, or shaking

Side Effects and Warnings

Xanax is a drug that has numerous of the same side effects of alcohol, such as physical and mental impairments sleepiness, slow reaction times in coordination and balance dizziness, lightheadedness, and dizziness. Other typical reactions include memory loss as well as slurred speech, difficulty concentration as well as stomach upset, confusion headache, as well as blurred vision.

It is not recommended to use Xanax in the event that you have demonstrated sensitization to other benzos, like Valium as well as Ativan. or have narrow-angle glaucoma, or if you are expecting or nursing. Inform your doctor when you are suffering from liver issues because there is a possibility that Xanax can accumulate within your body and cause to a high dose or excessive sedation. Xanax hasn't been proven to be beneficial for teens and adolescents under 18 years old, so its use in this group is generally regarded as "off label".

Xanax could also cause addiction. The chance of addiction is around 2 percent according to doctor. McGee says, but this risk is much higher in those who have already become dependent on opioids or alcohol. He is also concerned that Xanax or similar drugs could hinder some from being able control anxiety. It can be difficult for people getting used to not taking meds when they are on them, and the issue is dependency on them, doctor. McGee continues. Over the course of many years, Xanax could increase the risks of falling and motor vehicle accidents, urinary incontinence, and dementia He says.


How much? How often?

The usual Xanax dosage ranges from 0.75 up to 1.5 mg per day and is divided in 3 0.25-0.5 mg doses as required to treat anxiety. It is recommended to use it only when needed. Be aware that the dose that you find effective may not be exactly the dosage that is effective for another person. The dosage can differ based what the extent of the condition and your weight, height and age. It also depends on metabolism. Your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose that will be effective for your condition.


Do you want to use Xanax or another drug?

In a one-month, double-blind research study 3 that compared Xanax and Valium for patients suffering from moderate to mild anxiety, the researchers discovered that both groups of patients improved, however Valium was marginally superior to Xanax in relieving anxiety conjunction with depression. But the differences were minimal, and the adverse effects were comparable. Another study suggests Xanax can cause you to feel less sleepy.


Xanax Abuse and Addiction

While safe and efficient when given by a doctor and taken in the manner prescribed There is rising concern about the use of Xanax and similar drugs.

Recent headlines have suggested that teens' use of Xanax is increasing. An article published in The Journal of Addiction Medicine 1 which calls Xanax as one of the most frequently prescribed drugs for panic and anxiety disorders and panic disorders, also pointed out the fact that "many primary care physicians continue to prescribe it for longer periods than recommended." The biggest concern is dependence. "This cannot be overstated," Dr. McGee continues. "People who start on Xanax often have a really hard time getting off it." Similar is the case of other benzos." He adds.



Low-Tech Anxiety Reducers and Anti-Anxiety Tips

Although medical interventions can be helpful in reducing anxiety Lifestyle changes can help to reduce anxiety. Check out these tips:

  • Move around. Physical activity is a potent and well-studied stress reliever. Try to do 30-minutes of moderate exercise at least three times per week. Even small amounts of moderate exercise could be beneficial.
  • Make adjustments. Reduce or eliminate smoking cigarettes or drinking caffeine-based beverages. Nicotine and caffeine can cause anxiety, according to research.
  • Try practicing stress management. Find stress-busting tips on the internet or low-cost apps like Calm and Headspace which can be downloaded onto your phone. Learn to do yoga. Try meditation and/or visualization to reduce anxiety, stress or anxiety.
  • Get assistance. Treatment works. Think about the cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindful acceptance and prescribed medications such as SSRIs buspirone, SNRIs along with beta blockers.
  • Utilize an app to manage anxiety.
  • Try mindfulness and meditation.
  • Walk in the woods.
  • Chat it out with a buddy.
  • Take care to eat right. Some studies suggest that the Mediterranean diet can help reduce anxieties. 

The best use of benzos is in times of crisis, and to treat phobias that are not asymptomatic, such as fear of flying , or in the event of unexpected or extreme traumas like the loss of loved ones. Xanax can be beneficial for agitated and anxious depression, until it subsides. It is also helpful for depression that has a tendency to regress. McGee notes, however that it is best to stay clear of Xanax or similar drugs for long-term use , unless as a last resort if everything other options fail. He says "Keep use to under a few weeks if at all possible--ideally only a few days, or only once or twice a week use so that you don't' develop a dependence."