<-Back to drug information page

Xanax

Description

Xanax Information is easy to obtain since the drug is readily available. Xanax is manufactured by Pharmacia/UpJohn - it has the generic name of Alprazolam. Xanax contains alprazolam which is a triazolo analog of 1.4 benzodiazepine class of central nervous system active compounds. Xanax is a white crystalline powder, which is soluble in methanol or ethanol but which has no appreciable solubility in water at physiological pH. Xanax comes in two forms: 1-mg lavender-colored tablets referred to as "footballs" or "blues" which sell for around $2 and 2-mg white rectangular-shaped pills (nicknamed "bars," "coffins" or "french fries") which go for $5 to $10.

Xanax has found its way from pharmacies to drug dealers, and is being abused by young, healthy people across the nation who want to get high.

The tranquilizer, Xanax, which was introduced in 1973, can become pychologically and physically addictive if taken in high doses for longer than eight weeks.

Effects

Blackouts are the most common side effect of taking Xanax with alcohol, users say. "The tricky thing is the next day" , "A couple of drinks, and you really don't know what happened the night before."

While Xanax seems to be the most effective agent in stopping clusters of panic attack, people should be aware of the potential problems and side effects of this medication. Xanax effects the memory of an individual especially in verbal recall. Here is a list of the known side effects of Xanax:

• drowsiness

• fatigue

• light headedness

• speech problems

• abdominal cramps

• constipation

• dry mouth

• hyperventilation

• blurred vision

• nausea

• chest pain  

• change in sex drive

• confusion

• headache

• change in appetite

• insomnia

• unusual dreams

• change in salvation

• low blood pressure

• racing heartbeat

• fainting

• nasal congestion  

• difficulty urinating

• sweating

• weight change

• skin irritation

• twitching or tremors

• nervous or anxious state

• sun sensitivity

• respiratory infection

• memory impairment

• menstrual difficulties

• loss of coordination

While these side effects are more common there are some side effects that are rare, and only occur in select individuals :

• difficulty concentrating

• slurred or unusual speech

• double vision

• fear

• altered senses of taste

• lack of inhibition

• muscle cramps or spasms

Xanax effects are aimed for those who have anxiety problems. The major concern about alprazolam (Xanax) has been the so-called "idiosyncratic reaction." People taking alprazolam can become disinhibited, violent, or have marked personality changes, this is why Halcion and alprazolam are prohibited in the UK. This does not occur in people with panic disorder or other psychiatric conditions.

In general Xanax will sedate the user. Sedation does effect everything from memory to coordination.

Copyright © 2005 - 2009 The Village of Cleves Police Department Cleves, Ohio. All Rights Reserved