Xanax is the brand name for a benzodiazepine with a generic name of alprazolam. It’s more powerful than many of the other benzodiazepines, called BZDs, and it’s active at doses as low as just a bit more than a tenth of a single milligram. It’s supplied in different dosages, but even the highest immediate-release one is only 2 milligrams. It comes in a scored bar-shaped tablet, usually white, green or yellow, depending on the manifacturer. A quarter bar is more than enough to cause profound sedation in someone with no tolerance. Xanax is the only BZD approved for the treatment of panic attacks. Because of its shape, the 2 milligram tablets are often called barz when sold on the black market. Another slang term in ladders because the scoring on the long, bar-shaped tablets makes them look a bit like a ladder. If you’re dependent on Xanax or any BZD, it’s not safe to withdraw from this drug without medical supervision. If you’re wondering, “can I detox off Xanax by myself?” the answer is no. Withdrawal from BZDs can kill.
Withdrawal from Xanax isn’t like opioid withdrawal. Opioid withdrawal is quite painful and miserable to be sure, but it’s not usually dangerous. However, Xanax withdrawal is. That’s because of the risk of grand mal seizures and lung aspiration of stomach contents. If a grand mal seizure occurs while you’re alone, you oould fall unconscious and inhale your stomach contents into your lungs. This would be fatal under those circumstances. Never, ever try to withdraw from BZDs, alcohol or any kind of hypnotic drug without medical supervision. Let an addiction specialist or pain management physician decide if you need in-patient detox or not. It’s very possible to safely detox from BZDs at home, but let a medical professional make that decision.
When used over long periods of time, especially at higher daily doses exceeding 6 milligrams, changes occur in the brain’s structure and chemistry. The brain can no longer function without the Xanax. If it’s suddenly withdrawn, grand mal seizures can result. Other possible withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety and irritability
- Depression
- Muscle tremors
- Panic attacks
- Sweating
- Nausea and dry heaves
- Heart palpitations
- Headache
History of Benzodiazepines
Scientists looked for well over a hundred years for a specific tranquilizing drug. Previously, opiates and barbiturates were used for sedation. Both were effective but both had other effects. Neither was just a tranquilizer, and barbiturates proved to be highly addictive. Their therapeutic margin was very small, meaning that the difference between the safe therapeutic dose and a dangerous one was relatively small. The drug often rendered someone unable to function at all. Later similar drugs, such as methaqualone, ethchlorvinyl and glutethimide had the same issues. In fact, abusers found that glutethimide, brand name Doriden, produced a heroin-like high when mixed with codeine No.4. The combination was known as “Dors and fours” or “tops and bottoms.” It was a particularly dangerous combination in an overdose situation, very difficult to treat in the days before naloxone, a specific opioid overdose antidote drug.
The first true BZD was discovered around the mid to later 1950s. It was chlordiazepoxide and it was given the brand name Librium. Hailed as a major breakthrough, its popularity soared. In 1963, Hoffman-LaRoche introduced diazepam or Valium. It even has a song by the Rolling Stones about it called “Mother’s Little Helper.”
Xanax joined the pack much later, in 1981. It works very quickly, but it’s short-acting. When prescribed for panic disorder, the extended-release form is used. Xanax’s short duration makes it unsuitable for a sleeping medication, but some BZDs like Dalmane and Halcion were developed to treat insomnia. However, sleep produced by BZDs and also barbiturates isn’t natural sleep. It’s not a long-term solution.
When taken alone, BZDs are remarkably safe as far as overdose goes. They are rarely involved in single-drug death statistics. However, when combined with other depressants like opioids and especially alcohol, the combination can prove deadly.
BZD and alcohol withdrawal are both treated with steadily decreasing doses of a long-acting BZD, often diazepam. This gradual dose reduction allows the brain to adjust without producing the risk of grand mal seizures. The dosage reduction must be carefully supervised by medical treatment personnel.
We Can Help
If you’re having problems with Xanax, never try to quit on your own. Call us for help at 844-844-3463. Our trained drug counselors will refer you to a detox and treatment facility in your area where you can get safe withdrawal and rehab treatment. We’re here to help 24 hours a day.