Xanax is a prescription medication typically prescribed for anxiety disorders. It works by releasing GABA in the brain, a neurotransmitter that is otherwise naturally produced to promote calmness and relaxation.
Typically, the brain produces large doses of GABA before bed, helping individuals to wind down and get proper sleep, but anxiety disorders can result in low GABA production. In these cases, prescription medication like Xanax can actually help.
But does it make anxiety worse?
How Xanax Works
The main ingredient in Xanax is alprazolam. This is what increases the GABA in the brain. However, this is an addictive drug, so if you have a prescription, you are likely to develop a tolerance and addiction when used habitually.
According to the FDA, subsequent addiction can lead to increased anxiety, especially when you deal with the withdrawal symptoms that come from a Xanax addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with Xanax addiction, it’s important to get professional help so that you can safely manage your withdrawal symptoms without increased risk of relapse or other health complications.
Can Xanax Make Anxiety Worse?
There are a lot of studies that focus on the side effects of medication and what happens when changes are made to how much you take. If you have anxiety or you have started taking Xanax for recreational reasons, you might notice changes in your anxiety alongside changes in the amount of Xanax you take.
This can leave many people to ask: Can Xanax make anxiety worse?
Rebound Anxiety from Withdrawals
Can Xanax make anxiety worse? In some cases, people experience what is called rebound anxiety.
Rebound anxiety is one of the biggest reasons that people who are taking Xanax feel as though the medication has actually caused anxiety.
This happens when you:
- Get a prescription
- Begin to taper or change your dose
- Experience minor withdrawals
- Have higher anxiety
The higher anxiety levels are a symptom of those withdrawals. It does not mean that the Xanax is actually causing hiring anxiety, but rather, your pre-existing anxiety levels are coming back because the medication isn’t working the way it originally did.
So, if you have a prescription and changes have been made to that prescription, you might experience rebound anxiety if your old triggers or sources of stress have come back and your body has yet to adapt to your new dosage or if you have been taken off Xanax entirely.
Note: For this reason, it is essential that anyone struggling with a Xanax addiction or who is too dependent on Xanax get professional treatment to manage withdrawals in a safe, supportive environment while also learning effective coping strategies to manage anxiety.
Sleep Problems
One of the most common side effects of those who use Xanax is a problem with sleep. Xanax-related sleep problems can cause other issues like:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Mood swings
- Heightened anxiety
So, if you are asking, “Can Xanax make anxiety worse?” it is important to note that if you have a prescription or are taking Xanax, it could lead to sleep problems, making it less likely that you will sleep through the night.
This can cause you to wake up tired, stressed, and emotional, leading to what seems like higher anxiety throughout the day.
PTSD Prescriptions for Panic Attacks
Recent scientific studies have found that Xanax can legitimately cause worsening anxiety and anxiety attacks if it is prescribed specifically for PTSD.
Research indicates that when clients used Xanax to treat the panic attacks associated with PTSD, twenty-seven percent had rebound anxiety. Another thirty-five percent had new problems with sleep.
However, in these cases, the reason for the side effects was the two issues mentioned above: rebound anxiety and sleep problems.
Getting Treatment for Xanax Addiction with Buddy’s Ranch
At Buddy’s Ranch, our residential treatment center uses evidence based, holistic methods for addiction and mental health recovery. Our goal is to offer connection and community to those in need. At our Northern California treatment center, we offer personalized treatment plans, evidence-based therapies, mindfulness practices, and outdoor activities.
Clients can access:
- Peaceful residential programs
- Outpatient treatment and telehealth
- Education and counseling services
- Separate men’s and women’s homes
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Alumni and ongoing support
Our counselors come to each client with a combination of education, life experience, and professional development that provide a deeper understanding and level of empathy.
Call us at 530-561-6034 or email info@buddysranch.com for more information on Xanax and anxiety treatment.