What Does Xanax Feel Like?

Originally developed as a sleep aid and muscle relaxant, Xanax, also known as alprazolam, eventually gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating anxiety, panic attacks, and mood disorders, taking xanax feels like a sedation and comfort for many of its users. Over the years, this medication has become increasingly popular for its rapid and potent relief, offering a distinct ‘Xanax feel’ that many find beneficial in managing acute symptoms. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential downsides of long-term use. Prolonged consumption of Xanax can lead to a range of side effects impacting both the mind and body, with addiction being one of the most significant and challenging consequences.

Why do people take Xanax?

Xanax, known generically as alprazolam, is primarily taken for its effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions. It is most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder. In these cases, Xanax works by reducing the brain’s abnormal excitement, helping to alleviate feelings of worry, nervousness, and fear.

Additionally, Xanax is widely used in the treatment of panic disorders, which may or may not be accompanied by agoraphobia. It is particularly valued for its ability to decrease the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. Due to its fast-acting nature, Xanax is also favored for the short-term relief of acute anxiety symptoms, providing quick relief in high-stress situations. Beyond its primary uses, Xanax sometimes finds application in treating sleep-related issues. While not its primary indication, its sedative effects can be beneficial for individuals suffering from insomnia, especially when their sleep disturbances are linked to anxiety.

What Does Xanax Feel Like?

The effects of Xanax can vary among individuals, but it generally promotes a sense of calmness and relaxation. It acts as a sedative on the central nervous system, potentially alleviating symptoms of anxiety or panic disorders. The effects can include a peaceful mindset, reduced worry, and improved sleep. However, it is crucial to use Xanax strictly as prescribed to avoid dependency or adverse side effects.

 
According to SAMSHA report;

The 14.3 million people in 2021 who misused prescription psychotherapeutic drugs in the past year included 8.7 million people who misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people who misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives (including 3.9 million past year misusers of benzodiazepines), and 3.7 million people who misused prescription stimulants.

What is Xanax high?

Understanding the “Xanax high” requires an understanding of the drug’s pharmacological impact on the brain. Xanax, or alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine that enhances the effect of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits neural activity. This action results in a pronounced decrease in anxiety and induces a state of deep relaxation and calm. When taken in higher doses than prescribed, Xanax can lead to an experience often described as a “high.”

This high is characterized by an intense feeling of euphoria, a state of extreme pleasure or happiness that significantly deviates from normal emotional responses. It’s a sense of well-being and contentment that can feel all-encompassing. Accompanying this euphoria is a marked drowsiness. Individuals may find themselves feeling unusually tired, lethargic, and inclined towards prolonged periods of sleep.

Cognitive functions are notably impaired under the influence of a high dose of Xanax. This manifests as difficulties in concentration, clouded thinking, and memory issues. Such cognitive impairment also extends to decision-making abilities and judgment, which can be significantly skewed.

Physical coordination is equally affected. The drug’s impact on the central nervous system can lead to a noticeable decrease in motor skills, resulting in clumsiness and an unsteady gait. This physical impairment, combined with cognitive deficits, contributes to an overall sensation of being heavily sedated or “out of it.”

Another notable effect of Xanax is disinhibition. Similar to other central nervous system depressants, it can lower inhibitions, leading to uncharacteristic behavior, such as increased risk-taking or poor social judgment.

In some cases, individuals may experience an altered perception of reality. This can range from feeling detached from their surroundings to a sense of numbness, where emotional and physical sensations are significantly dulled.

It’s crucial to understand that the pursuit of a Xanax high is indicative of misuse or abuse. Such practices are dangerous and can lead to addiction, overdose, and severe health consequences, especially when combined with other substances like alcohol or opioids. Dependence on Xanax can develop rapidly, and withdrawal from it can be both challenging and potentially life-threatening.

The misuse of Xanax underscores the importance of adhering to prescribed dosages and seeking professional medical advice for managing anxiety or other related conditions. Resorting to Xanax for recreational purposes not only undermines its therapeutic value but also poses significant risks to one’s health and well-being. If issues related to Xanax misuse arise, professional medical support is essential for safe and effective treatment.

What is behind the Xanax High?

Xanax, a benzodiazepine medication, works by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal activity. The effects of GABA augmentation by Xanax include:

• Reduced anxiety
• Sense of calmness
• Muscle relaxation
• Sedation

These effects can be pleasurable and may create a feeling of euphoria or a “high.”
However, it is crucial to recognize the associated risks with this “high.”
Excessive use of Xanax can lead to symptoms such as:

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Coma

How long does Xanax Effects Last?

The duration of Xanax’s effects can vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s metabolism, age, body weight, and overall health. Generally, Xanax (alprazolam) is a short-acting benzodiazepine, which means its effects are felt relatively quickly after taking it but do not last very long.

For most people, the effects of Xanax begin within about an hour of taking the medication, and these effects can last anywhere from about 4 to 6 hours. However, this can vary from person to person. Some may find that the effects wear off sooner, while others might experience them for a longer duration.

It’s also worth noting that while the peak effects of Xanax may diminish within a few hours, the drug can remain in the body for longer. Xanax has a half-life of about 11 hours in healthy adults, meaning it takes about 11 hours for the body to eliminate half of the dose from the bloodstream. Complete elimination of the drug from the body can take several days, depending on various individual factors and the dosage taken.

Because of its relatively short duration of action, Xanax is often prescribed to be taken multiple times a day, as needed, for managing symptoms of anxiety or panic.

The product label for Xanax®, which is prescribed as a tranquilizer, indicates the drug has an average half-life of 11.2 hours (i.e., the length of time for half of the dosage of the drug to be metabolized), with a range of 6.3 to 26.9 hours in healthy adults. In comparison, the product label for Halcion®, a benzodiazepine prescribed as a sedative, has a short half-life in the range of 1.5 to 5.5 hours.

Product label information for Xanax® is available on FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research website
Product label information for Halcion® is available on FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research website

Xanax Withdrawal

Xanax withdrawal can vary in intensity and duration depending on several factors, including the individual’s usage patterns, dosage, and duration of use. Withdrawal from Xanax can be challenging and uncomfortable, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some common symptoms of Xanax withdrawal include:

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Insomnia and sleep disturbances
• Irritability and mood swings
• Restlessness and agitation
• Muscle tension and aches
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tremors or shaking
• Increased heart rate
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Cognitive difficulties, such as difficulty concentrating or memory problems

In severe cases, Xanax withdrawal can lead to more serious symptoms, such as seizures or delirium. It’s important to note that abrupt discontinuation or rapid tapering of Xanax can increase the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

How to Manage Anxiety Without Xanax

If you’re seeking alternatives to benzodiazepines for easing your anxiety, there are several healthy options you can explore. In moments of overwhelm, try repeating a calming mantra like “this feeling is only temporary.” This can remind you that you’ve faced and overcome panic attacks and stressful situations in the past, and you’re capable of doing so again.

Taking a stroll or finding a quiet space for solitude can be incredibly beneficial in helping you relax and reset. If you’re unsure about the root of your nervousness, jotting down your thoughts and feelings can provide clarity. Additionally, reducing or eliminating alcohol from your lifestyle can significantly lower anxiety levels, as alcohol consumption often exacerbates anxiety.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for anxiety. Gaining an understanding of your triggers and being attentive to your symptoms is crucial. You might find relief through methods like deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, or even consulting a therapist for cognitive-behavioral strategies. These techniques focus on identifying and altering negative thought patterns and gradually confronting fears.

Incorporating lifestyle changes such as ensuring adequate sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a balanced diet can also play a vital role in managing anxiety. Some individuals find comfort in natural remedies like herbal teas or supplements, but it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying new treatments.

To stop or reduce your use of Xanax, call us as soon as possible.