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Medically Reviewed

Can Taking Xanax Make Anxiety Worse?

- 5 sections

Medically Verified: December 26, 2024

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions in the United States. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), 40 million people aged 18 or older struggle with an anxiety disorder.[1]

When you have an anxiety condition, that means you struggle with daily symptoms of nervousness, fear, and stress. You might also deal with physical symptoms of anxiety like fast heart rate, shakiness, sweating, and stomach problems. Because of how intrusive anxiety symptoms can be, you might be looking into medication to treat your symptoms.

One of the most common medications for anxiety is known as Xanax. Xanax is the brand name for a prescription benzodiazepine known as alprazolam. While it is effective in preventing panic attacks, Xanax is addictive and often comes with a wide range of health risks.

Even though Xanax can treat anxiety, using it long-term can actually make your anxiety worse. For example, if you stop taking Xanax you will experience rebound anxiety, which is described as an increase in anxiety symptoms after stopping a medication.[2]

In this article, you will learn:

  • What is alprazolam?
  • Does Xanax cause anxiety?
  • How to treat your anxiety without taking Xanax
  • What to do if you are addicted to Xanax

What is Xanax (Alprazolam)?

Xanax is the brand name for a prescription benzodiazepine referred to as alprazolam. Doctors and psychiatrists prescribe it to treat anxiety conditions like panic disorder. It works to manage anxiety by affecting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.

While Xanax can reduce anxiety and prevent panic attacks, it is also addictive. When abused, Xanax can cause mind-altering effects like euphoria, relaxation, dizziness, and drowsiness. Because of this, it is usually only intended for short-term or occasional use.

The side effects of Xanax may include:[3]

  • Dizziness and drowsiness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Headaches
  • Tiredness or fatigue
  • Irritability and anxiety
  • Talkativeness
  • Increased salivation or dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Changes in appetite and weight
  • Constipation

Xanax is considered a central nervous system depressant because of the calming effect it has on the brain. If taken in higher doses, Xanax can lead to adverse effects like memory loss, impaired cognition, and even life-threatening overdoses. Because of these risks, you should seek professional help if you are struggling with Xanax addiction.

Does Xanax Cause Anxiety?

Xanax works to relieve anxiety by affecting GABA in the brain. The way that Xanax impacts GABA calms activity in your central nervous system. Because of this, it is commonly prescribed to manage severe cases of anxiety and panic disorder.

However, there are cases where taking Xanax leads to anxiety. This is common among people who become dependent on or addicted to Xanax.

When you are addicted to Xanax, your brain relies on it to increase gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). If you stop taking alprazolam, your brain will not be able to produce the chemical effectively, leading to worse anxiety than before you began taking the medication. Additionally, Xanax withdrawal symptoms often include rebound anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.

Xanax can cause anxiety in the following ways:

  • Rebound anxiety when lowering your dose
  • Severe anxiety as a result of withdrawal
  • Anxiety about refilling your prescription in time or running out early

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How to Treat Anxiety Without Xanax

Thankfully, there are ways to treat anxiety without taking Xanax. Most doctors and psychiatrists will require you to try other methods of anxiety treatment before giving you Xanax because of the risks that come with the medication.

First, you should try to treat your anxiety using therapy. Some therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can teach you coping mechanisms that naturally reduce your symptoms. Additionally, sometimes anxiety is caused by underlying trauma, which means attending therapy could lessen your symptoms over time.

If therapy is not enough on its own, you could take safer alternatives to Xanax like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These medications affect your brain in a different way than Xanax which can lessen your symptoms of anxiety without risking addiction and dependency.

What to Do if You are Addicted to Xanax

If you find that you are addicted to Xanax, you should seek professional help. The first step in overcoming Xanax addiction is medical detox. These programs provide medical supervision to keep you safe during detox and medication to lessen withdrawal symptoms.

Once you overcome the withdrawal phase of recovery, you should transition into an inpatient or outpatient rehab program. Inpatient requires you to live at the facility during treatment, while outpatient allows you to live at home and commute to treatment sessions 3 to 5 days per week.

Residential programs are better for people with severe substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions, which might mean you should opt for this type of program to ensure you get treatment for your anxiety.

After you complete an addiction treatment program, you are ready to take on sobriety independently. Typically, this involves attending weekly support groups like 12-step meetings, continuing your therapy, managing mental health conditions like anxiety to avoid being triggered, and reaching out for support when you need it.

Find Help for Xanax Abuse and Addiction

If you or a loved one suffers from Xanax addiction, it’s time to seek help. Whether your Xanax addiction began due to anxiety treatment or not, the Mandala Healing Center is here to help. We offer a combination of evidence-based and individualized treatment, which means you’ll have the tools and support you need to achieve long-term sobriety.

Contact us today for more information on our Xanax addiction treatment program.

References:

  1. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): Anxiety Disorders
  2. The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Rebound anxiety in panic disorder patients treated with shorter-acting benzodiazepines
  3. Medline Plus: Alprazolam