Social Anxiety Disorder and Xanax
SAD is characterized by an intense, chronic fear of social situations.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is also frequently used together with medication.
What Conditions Qualify for Xanax?
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Xanax is often prescribed forpanic attacks, which can occur as part of SAD.
Xanax is helpful for panic-inducing situations as it can be used as needed before an event.
Xanax can be taken about an hour before a performance event.
It works specifically by binding toGABA receptorsin your brain.
It might also leave you feeling sleepy, relaxed, and calm.
Xanax has a half-life of around 11 hours.
“Half-life” refers to how long it takes the body to eliminate half of the ingested dose.
How Is Xanax Prescribed?
Xanax is generally prescribed for a limited time.
Potential Side Effects of Xanax
There are several factors to keep in mind when taking Xanax.
Good communication with your doctor can help you determine what’s normal and when to be concerned.
Common Side Effects
The most commonside effects of taking Xanaxare sedation and drowsiness.
In general, benzodiazepines like Xanax have fewer side effects than other longer-term medications for anxiety.
Avoid driving, operating machinery, and participating in hazardous activities until you know how you react to Xanax.
Xanax may also be less effective for people who smoke.
People with liver or kidney problems also should not take Xanax.
You should also avoid Xanax if you’re currently taking the antifungal medications ketoconazole or itraconazole.
Warnings and Interactions of Xanax
Using Xanax together with opioids can carry serious, life-threatening side effects.
This combination can result in extreme sedation with the risk of slowed breathing, coma, and death.
A number of medications can potentially interact with Xanax.
It is important that your doctor is aware of all the medications you are currently taking.
Drugs that may cause issues include:
Grapefruit juice may also interact with Xanax.
In addition, the effects of Xanax may be intensified if combined with alcohol.
Be sure to follow your doctor’s directions for stopping Xanax or changing the dosage.
It is important not to use Xanax obtained from someone else.
Not only is it illegal to take a medication without a prescription, but it can be dangerous.
Xanax should only be taken under the advice of a prescribing physician.
It may take time to find the righttreatment protocolthat works for you.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Social anxiety disorder: More than just shyness.
2013;16(1):235-249. doi:10.1017/S1461145712000119
FDA.Xanax label.
2012 Sep;125(1-2):8-18. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2012.07.004
