Alprazolam Side Effects: Are They Too Much For You?

Not unlike any other anxiety medicine on the market, the social anxiety medication, Alprazolam (Xanax), has some side effects that commonly occur. Some Alprazolam side effects are common, while others are quite rare. Knowing all of the facts about Alprazolam's side effects ahead of time can help you best determine whether or not it's the right choice for you. Let's take a look at a few of Alprazolam side effects, so you can know what to expect if you choose to take the drug.

Common Alprazolam Side Effects

The most common Alprazolam side effects include change in appetite (feelings of hunger), unsteadiness, slurred speech, increased saliva production, difficulty in focusing, drowsiness, and feeling lightheaded. These Alprazolam side effects are seen more often in elderly patients.

Unfortunately it's virtually impossible to prevent these Alprazolam side effects. If you want a completely side-effect free anti-anxiety product, it's recommended that you substitute an all-natural anti-anxiety product like Alpranax for Alprazolam.

Other common Alprazolam side effects include:

• irritability
• weight gain
• increased sweating
• watery or dry mouth
• sexual effects
• new or worsening mental or mood problems like depression or severe anxiety
• severe, persistent insomnia
• muscle twitches
• memory loss

It's important to note that all of the above are common side effects associated with Alprazolam use. These side effects are more pronounced when Alprazolam is combined with alcohol. It is recommended that you do not drink, or at least decrease your alcohol intake when using Alprazolam.

If these typical Alprazolam side effects become unmanageable, consult your physician. It is likely that your physician will recommend a suitable replacement for Alprazolam (most likely a natural cure for anxiety).

Sexual Side Effects

In many cases, sexual difficulties may appear as Alprazolam side effects. The side effects of Alprazolam have included changes in sex drive, erectile dysfunction or problems achieving orgasm. Previous clinical studies have shown up to 14.4 percent of people taking the drug for panic disorder reported a decreased sex drive, while 7.7 percent reported an increased sex drive as a common side effect to Alprazolam. 

It is not possible for a doctor to know if somebody will experience a sexual side effect to Alprazolam. It's tough to determine whether or not sexual problems are directly related to Alprazolam's side effects. Talk to your doctor if you notice any Alprazolam side effects. There may be an alternative treatment such as an all-natural cure that he or she will recommend. 

Weight Gain

Of Alprazolam's side effects, weight gain is one of the most common of the medicine. Generally, people suffer from the Alprazolam side effect of weight gain when taking the drug for anxiety than those taking it for panic disorder. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly can greatly reduce Alprazolam's side effects.

In previous studies, up to 27.2 percent of people taking the drug for panic disorder experienced weight gain as a side effect of Alprazolam. The risk of weight gain as an Alprazolam's side effect is smaller for people taking the drug for other types of anxiety. Less than 3 percent of folks taking it for anxiety treatment experienced weight gain as a side effect of Alprazolam. 

 Some tricks to combating weight gain after taking Alprazolam include:

• Eating a heart-healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
• Eating lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts
• Participating in regular physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day
• Avoid saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium (salt), and added sugars

Using a natural Alprazolam alternative is the best way to avoid this side effect.

Highly Addictive Nature of Drug

A rather common Alprazolam side effect can be an addiction to the drug when taken regularly for a long period of time. Many people take it only "as needed," but doing so does not reduce the likelihood of getting the Alprazolam side effect of dependency. The larger the dose, and the longer the time used, the stronger the Alprazolam side effects, such as physical withdrawal symptoms, will be if it is suddenly stopped.

One of Alprazolam's side effects is its reappearance when somebody stops taking the drug after relying on it regularly for a long period of time. They are addicted. To prevent addiction as an Alprazolam side effect, it should never be suddenly stopped, or the dosage changed without the supervising doctor's guidance. Otherwise, seizures can become another Alprazolam side effect.

Despite Alprazolam's side effects, it is a highly useful drug. The drug is only prescribed when there's an unbalance in the brain that needs to be medically controlled. There are good justifications for prescribing the medication, despite Alprazolam's side effects. If your doctor prescribed the drug, then you should not avoid taking it because of fear for Alprazolam's side effects.  For some people, the benefits outweigh the negatives. Others find that a natural alternative to Alprazolam is a better solution to anxiety. 

Rare Alprazolam Side Effects

Rare Alprazolam side effects that may occur include diarrhea, muscle spasms, problems urinating, decreased libido, and blurry vision. Some of these Alprazolam side effects can also be common Alprazolam withdrawal symptoms or signs of abuse. Please consult your physician if any of these Alprazolam side effects become too much of a nuisance over time.

Other rare Alprazolam side effects include:

• stomach cramps or abdominal pain
• constipation
• nausea or vomiting
• shaking or trembling
• unusual weakness or fatigue

You should immediately consult your physician if you experience the following Alprazolam side effects:

• confusion
• anxiety
• irregular, pounding, or fast heartbeat
• mental depression
• memory loss
• seizures
• delusions of hallucinations
• angry outbursts or other behavioral changes
• bleeding or bruising
• sore throat, chills, and fever
• low blood pressure
• itching or skin rash
• sores or ulcers in the throat or mouth

Remember: if you're experiencing serious Alprazolam side effects, consult your doctor. It's time to ask about a natural Alprazolam alternative.