Side Effects

Xanax, like most prescription drugs, have their own long list of side effects. Not to take away from the drug’s medicinal benefits, but side effects and the possibility of dependency on medication and recreational use are precisely what make drugs like Xanax prescription based only. This is to prevent abuses of the drug as well as shield the general public from potentially crippling and fatal side effects, both on the short term and the long term. Xanax is a drug with amazing benefits if taken correctly and under great supervision.

The long list of side-effects are as follows (source: The American Journal of Psychology)

• euphoria
• drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, unsteadiness and impaired coordination, vertigo
• skin rash, respiratory depression, constipation
• disinhibition
• suicidal ideation (rare)
• urinary retention (infrequent)
• hallucinations (rare)
• ataxia, slurred speech
• short-term memory loss and impairment of memory functions
• anterograde amnesia and concentration problems
• Change in libido
• dry mouth (infrequent)
• increase in appetite
• jaundice (very rare)

Paradoxical Reactions
Although unusual, if the following paradoxical reactions occur, the prescribing physician or other healthcare professional should be alerted and the medication gradually discontinued:

• muscle twitching and tremor
• aggression
• rage, hostility
• mania, agitation, hyperactivity and restlessness

It is critical to note that the taking of Xanax, or any other Benzodiazepine-based drug as medication is subject to proper dosage regimens as well as gradual reduction upon withdrawal. The avoidance of all of the aforementioned side effects can be achieved when great care and propriety is taken by the patient to follow all instructions of their attending physician religiously. When a patient follows the advice of their doctor well, particularly to the dosage regimen, a patient can expect to feel very little side effects during the courses of their treatment.