Xanax

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Within this site you will find all the information you need to know to make informed decisions about Xanax. You will find details on Xanax whether you should buy Xanax, what sort of Xanax prescriptions are out there and how to easily get cheap Xanax.

Xanax Information

So what exactly is Xanax? Xanax is a prescription anti-anxiety medication. In medical terms, Alprazolam is an anxiolytic benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders. It is sold under several brand names such as Xanax, Xanor and Tafil. From a medical perspective, Alprazolam is an anti anxiety agent of the benzodiazepine class. Alprazolam has a calming effect, with the most common side effects being drowsiness, clumsiness, and to a lesser extent, fatigue and headache. It can also have more adverse effects, such as blurred vision, slurred speech or dysarthria, and changes in personality. There is now a general consensus among many psychiatrists that withdrawal after long-term use should be done slowly over a period of weeks to avoid serious withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, rebound anxiety, muscle cramps and possible seizures.

Medical Indications of Xanax

The main medical indications are :

1. Treatment of panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia). Alprazolam is very effective in preventing panic attacks. However, Xanax can be a short-acting. An extended-release formulation of alprazolam known as Xanax XR was introduced in 2001 and is often preferred.
2. As therapy for panic attacks, 4 to 6 doses per month are the acceptable limit.
3. Initial therapy together with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine, sertraline, or fluoxetine to alleviate initial SSRI induced anxiety while waiting for the agent to begin working. Buspirone may also be useful in conjunction with alprazolam in cases of generalized anxiety disorder.
4. Long-term treatment of severe generalized anxiety disorders if other therapies either do not work or are contraindicated. Duration of therapy in this case is often four months or longer. The indication must be cautiously made by a specialized psychiatrist taking into account both the individual suffering, quality of life, loss in social performance and the risk of dependence.
5. The drug may be used by specialists to treat severe cases of Borderline Personality Disorder. Some studies have shown positive results.

Alprazolam Xanax

In the United States, Alprazolam is a prescription drug and is assigned to Schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act by the DEA. Internationally, Alprazolam is included under the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances.

Xanax - Mechanism of Action

Alprazolam is a triazolobenzodiazepine, that is, a benzodiazepine with a triazolo-ring attached to its structure. Alprazolam binds to the GABAA subtype of the GABA receptor, increasing inhibitory effects of GABA within the central nervous system. The binding site for benzodiazepines is distinct from the binding site for GABA on the GABA receptor. Unlike other benzodiazepines, alprazolam may also have some antidepressant activity, although clinical evidence of this is lacking.

Pharmacokinetics

The mechanism of action is not fully understood; However, Alprazolam is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The peak plasma concentration is achieved in 1 to 2 hours. Most of the drug is bound to plasma protein, mainly albumin. Alprazolam is hydroxylated in the liver to a-hydroxyalprazolam, which is also active. This and other metabolites are later excreted in urine as glucuronides. Some of the alprazolam is also excreted in unchanged form.

Recreational Use of Xanax

Alprazolam, like other benzodiazepines, has the potential for abuse, especially in addiction-prone individuals. It is not manufactured illegally, but is sometimes diverted to the black market. Nasal (by snorting of ground tablets) administration sometimes occurs, though because of the benzodiazepine chemical structure, the drug is not absorbed through mucous membranes. The powdered tablets and mucous drip down the back of the throat into the stomach, where they are absorbed normally. Therefore, it is no more potent than when taken orally and often severely irritates the nasal passages. The state of relaxation, disinhibition and euphoria induced by benzodiazepines is the main reason for their illicit use. It is sometimes used adjunctively with other recreational drugs to relieve the panic or distress of dysphoric reactions to psychedelics such as LSD and also to promote sleep (hypnosis) in the "come-down" period following use of recreational drugs with stimulant or insomniac properties (such as LSD, cocaine, amphetamines, and MDMA). It is also often used in conjuction with marijuana for an even more relaxing effect.

Xanax Brand Names

Alprazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders. The most common forms of Xanax are Xanax, Xanax XR (an extended release formulation) and Niravam - a formula that dissolves on the tongue.

It is generally sold in generic form (i.e., alprazolam) and also under many other brand names, including the following: Alplax, Alviz, Alzolam, Alprax, Apo-Alpraz, Calmax, Constan, Kalma, Ralozam, Restyl, Solanax,Tranax,Tranquinal, Trankimazin, Tafil, Tafil AP, Xanor, Zamhexala, Zolarem and Zoldac. Xanax may be known as Zanax in some countries too.