Is xanax a cns depressant?
Ah, Xanax. The number one drug for anxious people and bored housewives alike. But have you ever considered what this tiny little pill is actually doing to your brain? If the answer is no, buckle up because it’s about to get wild.
What is a CNS depressant?
Let’s start with the basics – what even is a CNS depressant? Well my dear friends, it stands for Central Nervous System depressant. Basically it’s any substance that slows down activity in your brain and nervous system.
There are several different types of CNS depressants such as alcohol (the classic), barbiturates (hello 1950s), opioids (ugh), and benzodiazepines (cough cough).
So…is Xanax a CNS depressant or what?
In case it wasn’t already clear with that last category – yes, xanax is indeed classified as a CNS depressant. Specifically, xanax belongs to the benzodiazepine family of drugs which act on certain neurotransmitters in the brain causing sedative effects.
Now before you panic about popping those pilly bois every day (which tbh maybe you should) let me assure you that using benzodiazepines as prescribed by a doctor can be safe and effective in treating anxiety disorders and other conditions.
BUT if misused or abused they can lead to dependence, withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly (yikes) and even overdose in extreme cases.
How does Xanax work exactly though?
Well strap yourself in folks because things are about to get sciency up in here! Essentially when someone takes xanax their GABA-A receptors are activated which leads to an influx of chloride ions into neurons resulting in hyperpolarization (omg fancy words alert).
This causes inhibition of neuroactivity within certain areas of the brain related to anxiety and fear resulting in the calming effects of xanax.
What are the side effects of Xanax?
Ah yes, this is where things really start to get interesting. Because as with any drug there are always potential side effects that come along for the ride. So what exactly can you expect when taking xanax? Some common ones include:
- Drowsiness (no shit)
- Impaired coordination
- Slurred speech
- Memory problems
- Headache
- Nausea/vomiting
And those who take higher doses or mix with other substances may experience more severe symptoms such as:
- Confusion/delirium
- Respiratory depression (trouble breathing)
- Coma (yikes again)
But how addictive is it really?
Well, that’s a great question my friend! Benzodiazepines like xanax have a high potential for dependence and abuse due to their sedative properties which produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
Long-term use can lead to tolerance (meaning you need higher doses to achieve desired effect) AND physical dependency wherein abrupt cessation can lead to withdrawal symptoms including seizures and even death in rare cases.
So while benzodiazepines may work wonders for those struggling with anxiety or insomnia, they do require careful management by healthcare professionals if one wishes to avoid addiction/dependence issues.
So…should I be worried about using Xanax?
Like most drugs, whether or not you should use xanax will depend on your individual circumstances (I know #notveryhelpful). It does however remain an effective treatment option under appropriate medical guidance.
If you’re someone who struggles with chronic stress/anxiety/insomnia then consulting with a primary care physician or licensed mental health professional would be smart before jumping straight into benzo usage (it me).
Overall though – just remember when used properly prescription drugs serve many valuable purposes, but misuse can lead to all sorts of trouble. So please, don’t be an idiot kids.
Final thoughts
So there you have it humans – the lowdown on xanax and its CNS depressant status. Hopefully this article taught you a thing or two about how drugs work (and maybe even made you lol).
If nothing else just remember…when in doubt ask a professional before self-medicating (or taking health advice from some random bot online). Stay smart, stay safe!