Xanax: Side Effects and Uses

Xanax is one of the most frequently prescribed psychiatric medications in the United States. When used as directed, it can be both safe and effective – but misuse can put a person at increased risk of several Xanax side effects.

What Is Xanax (Alprazolam)?

Xanax is the brand name of a prescription medication whose primary active ingredient is alprazolam.

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine. Commonly referred to as benzos, drugs in this depress activity in central nervous system (CNS). 

Other commonly prescribed benzos include:

• Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Diazepam (Valium) 
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Triazolam (Halcion)

When someone takes Xanax, the medication typically prompts feelings of serenity and relaxation.  Unfortunately, these effects have made Xanax and other benzos popular among people who are seeking a recreational high. 

Recreational abuse – or any use that does not align with the guidance of a prescribing physician – can increase a person’s risk of experiencing potentially dangerous Xanax side effects.

What is Xanax Used For?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Xanax as a treatment for anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia).

Physicians also prescribe Xanax on an off-label basis to treat people who have insomnia, depression, and premenstrual syndrome.

Off-label use of Xanax and other prescription medications is neither illegal nor unethical, as long as the prescriptions are made by qualified medical professionals. The off-label descriptor simply signifies that the medication has not been specifically approved for that purpose by the FDA.

What Are the Side Effects of Xanax?

Anyone who uses alprazolam may experience Xanax side effects, though the risk may be greater among people who misuse the meds in an attempt to self-medicate or abuse them for recreational purposes.

Common side effects of Xanax include:

• Drowsiness
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Dysarthria (slurred speech)
• Problems with balance and coordination
• Memory problems
• Fatigue

Less common, but more disruptive, side effects include:

• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Headache
• Incontinence
• Restlessness
• Stomach ache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sexual dysfunction

Long-Term Effects

Adverse effects that have been linked with long-term Xanax abuse include:

• Cognitive impairments
• Information processing deficiencies
• Anterograde amnesia (inability to form, store, and recall new memories)
• Ataxia (poor coordination and muscle control)
• Injuries due to slips, falls, and automobile accidents
• Addiction 
• Suicidal ideation

What Are the Serious Side Effects of Xanax?

Some of the most serious Xanax side effects can result from allergic reactions and overdose.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Xanax can include:

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat
• Swelling of the lymph nodes
• Rash, hives, and/or intense itchiness
• Impaired respiration
• Racing heart rate
• Difficulty swallowing
• Abdominal cramping
• Vomiting
• Disorientation

If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction to Xanax, you should stop using the medication and either contact your physician or seek immediate medical attention.

Overdose occurs when you ingest more Xanax than your body can safely metabolize and eliminate. Signs of Xanax overdose can include:

• Profound confusion or disorientation
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Extremely slow heart rate
• Diminished muscle control
• Difficulty staying awake
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizure
• Bluish coloration near lips and fingertips

If you are with someone who exhibits the signs of Xanax overdose, call 911 immediately and remain with them until help arrives.

Throughout the 21st century, overdoses involving Xanax and other benzodiazepines have been a growing problem in the U.S.:

• In 1999, the nation recorded 1,135 overdose deaths involving benzos.
• In 2021, benzos were involved in 12,499 overdose deaths.

The annual rate of benzo-involved overdose deaths dropped to 10,964 in 2022. Though this marked a decrease from the previous year, it still represented an increase of more than 865% from 1999.

The annual number of overdose deaths due to benzos alone have remained under 2,000 during this period, with the bulk of the increase attributable to polysubstance abuse involving both benzodiazepines and opioids.

How Does Xanax Work?

Xanax works by interacting with receptors that are involved with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is the principle inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA serves a similar role in the spinal cord.

Xanax’s interaction with these receptors causes an increase in GABA throughout the central nervous system. Elevated levels of GABA, in turn, cause a slowdown in the delivery of messages between the brain and other parts of the body. 

Is Xanax Addictive?

As noted in the Long-Term Effects section above, one of the potential side effects of Xanax is addiction. The clinical term for dependence on Xanax or other benzodiazepines is sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder.

Warning signs that someone has become addicted to Xanax include:

• Dramatic changes in mood, attitude, and energy level
• Using Xanax in a larger amount, more frequently, or for a longer period of time than directed by their physician
• Using or attempting to acquire Xanax that was prescribed to someone else
• Visiting multiple doctors and/or exaggerating symptoms in order to receive additional prescriptions for Xanax
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Reducing or ending their participation in important activities
• Frequent absenteeism from work or school, and/or an unexplainable downturn in performance
• Experiencing physical and/or psychological distress when they’re not able to acquire and use Xanax, or when they try to stop using the drug

If you or someone that you care about have been experiencing signs such as these, the best first step is to schedule an assessment with a doctor or a reputable addiction treatment center.

Xanax addiction is a treatable condition. When you get the right type of help, you can stop using Xanax and start living a healthier life in recovery.

What Are the Dangers of Xanax Abuse?

The many dangers of Xanax abuse include:

• Severe side effects
• Overdose
• Addiction

Each of these effects can have a devastating impact, including the possibility of death. But they can all be avoided completely by not using Xanax. 

If you’ve been unable to stop using Xanax on your own, you may benefit from detox, followed by residential rehab and/or outpatient treatment to develop the skills that will support your successful recovery. 

Overcome Xanax Addiction at Phoenix Rising Recovery Center

Located in Palm Springs, CA, Phoenix Rising Recovery Center is a premier provider of medical detox, comprehensive residential rehab, and personalized outpatient care for adults who have become addicted to Xanax and other substances.

We also offer dual diagnosis programming for patients who have developed anxiety, depression, and other co-occurring mental health conditions.

For answers to any questions you have about our programs and services, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.

Published: 5/21/2025