Millions of people are prescribed and misuse benzodiazepines each year. Xanax is a popular type of prescription benzodiazepine used to help with a series of mental health symptoms like anxiety. Although Xanax can help improve patients’ anxiety symptoms, it’s important to understand that some can experience a worsening of anxiety symptoms. Keep reading to learn more about how can Xanax make anxiety worse below.
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What is Xanax?
Before diving into the question “can Xanax make anxiety worse”, it’s important to understand what Xanax is. Xanax is a prescription medication used to help individuals struggling with anxiety disorders. The drug works to essentially achieve a sedative effect by relaxing and calming your brain thus helping to reduce feelings of anxiety.
While Xanax can be a great way to help combat anxiety, it’s critical to understand that in some instances anxiety can worsen while taking Xanax, this is especially true after Xanax misuse when you take more of your prescription than is prescribed by your doctor.
3 Potential Ways Xanax Can Worsen Your Anxiety
Xanax can be an effective medication to help individuals struggling with anxiety; however, Xanax can also potentially worsen your anxiety. Keep reading to learn more about how can Xanax make anxiety worse below.
- Develop a Dependance Toward Xanax
Xanax can be addictive, and patients run the risk of developing a drug dependency on Xanax after long-term use. This is why it’s important to talk with your doctor about the risks associated with Xanax and understand that short-term use is important while on Xanax. Because Xanax is not a long-term solution for relieving anxiety symptoms, consider talking with your doctor about more long-term options to help relieve your anxiety.
- Misusing Your Prescription Can Lead to Adverse Effects
It’s critical to take your Xanax medication as prescribed by your doctor. Otherwise, misusing your prescription, like taking more of your prescription than prescribed, runs the risk of causing adverse effects that may worsen your anxiety. If you find your current dosage of Xanax does not seem to be improving your anxiety symptoms, you should not take more of your Xanax medication unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor.
- Combining Medications Can Worsen Symptoms
Sometimes, combining certain medications can worsen symptoms, including your anxiety. If you are concerned about taking Xanax along with other prescription medications, it’s important to talk with your doctor about potential risk factors to determine if Xanax is right for you.
How to Use Xanax Safely to Manage Anxiety Symptoms
As discussed above, Xanax can be an addictive medication and potentially lead to worsening symptoms. Therefore, while Xanax can be an effective short-term option to help relieve your anxiety symptoms, it should not be considered a long-term option. Consider discussing with your doctor long-term alternatives to safely and effectively manage your anxiety symptoms and improve your overall mental well-being.
For example, certain therapy options like CBT or exposure therapy may be more effective long-term options to treat your anxiety symptoms, depending on your unique recovery needs.
Help Is Available
Now you know more about the question “can Xanax make anxiety worse”. Although Xanax is an effective medication that can help patients struggling with anxiety find relief, sometimes Xanax (especially if misused) can lead to a worsening of anxiety symptoms. If you are concerned about potential risks associated with your Xanax prescription, talk with your doctor to better understand if Xanax or another treatment may be right for you.
Our compassionate team of addiction specialists and mental health professionals are here to help provide you with the personalized care you need to lead a healthier, happier quality of life. We offer a comprehensive range of treatment options so you can receive tailored support to best address your unique recovery needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your road to recovery.
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