Xanax belongs to a category of meds known as benzodiazepines. It is widely administered for the treatment of restlessness, management of impulsive activities as well as anxieties. Xanax is also prescribed for treating episodes of mania, insomnia i.e., going without sleep, etc. Its key ingredients attach themselves with brain’s receptors and thus bring about a calming effect. But, is Xanax an opioid med / a narcotic or a controlled drug? It pays to have the needful inputs in this regard.
Most of us may become restless and anxious when we are tensed up. But, if anxieties and spells of panic are becoming chronic conditions, it calls for needful treatment. Letting such conditions to remain untreated may cause other complications. For instance, you may notice irregular sleeping cycles, a poor appetite level, altered rate of metabolism, etc. As a result of all these, your productivity level may drop significantly. US-based federal, drug authorising agency – food and drug administration (FDA) – has cleared a few meds to treat these mental problems. In this light, Xanax is one of the most widely used meds.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is a benzodiazepine which helps treat anxieties and related mental conditions like nervousness and being hyperactive. The key thing about Xanax is it takes relatively lesser time-period to start functioning. The remedial outcomes may start showing up in as low as 45 – 60 minutes’ time. This is one of the prime reasons why Xanax can bring about needful calming of your system sooner than many other calming agents.
This effect is brought forth by the sedative properties of the key chemicals used in this drug. But, the calming effects and the speed with which such effect is realised depend on racial origins of users. For instance, for users of Asian roots, its effects are known to persist longer than other ethnic groups. Its effects can change depending on your age as well.
Is Xanax a narcotic drug (opioid) or a controlled substance?
No, this benzodiazepine is not an opioid. But, if it is taken along with any narcotic med or an opioid, it can become unsafe. Xanax has an active ingredient called alprazolam; this is controlled item. It is categorised under Schedule IV. This means this substance may pose potential risks of abuse. However, the risks are not as pronounced as say, a Schedule III med.
Users need to know that Xanax has habit-forming potential. This is the chief reason why it is never taken along with opioid meds. Fatal outcomes are more likely when benzodiazepines and opioids are taken together in excessive doses; risks tend to be larger than taking opioids separately. Owing to these risks, a black-box caution – from the food and drug administration (FDA) – is printed on the packing of both Xanax as well as opioids to refrain from using these two classes of meds together.
Not stopping with this caution, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explicitly advises against the prescription of opioid-based pain medications along with Xanax. It is necessary to obtain additional inputs about how to use this drug safely.
In general, if you have prior ailments like kidney problems (formation of stones, internal swelling coupled with a significant decrease in the rate at which your kidneys filter bodily waste), etc., you are advised to inform your treating doctor of such conditions. It becomes essential to share details about prior spells of substance abuse or being addicted to drugs.
Last but not least, users who pursue a sedentary way of living, those who are of excessive body weight, etc., need to observe a few precautions before taking Xanax. Moreover, users who are of an elderly age group i.e., 55 years or more will naturally witness a decrease in their metabolic rate. It is important to know that Xanax functions in a different manner among elderly users. It is hence highly recommended to take Xanax (or, any other brands of benzodiazepines) as per the treatment plan of a qualified healthcare professional.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.