Xanax can cause short-term and long-term damage to brain function. Some of the damage may be permanent. Learn more about Xanax and brain health.
Xanax, also known by the generic drug name alprazolam, is a commonly prescribed medication. It isthe most commonly prescribeddrug that can impact a person’s mental state. Doctors often use Xanax to treat people with severeanxietyor panic problems. However, the drug is not free of risk. Xanax is classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule IV controlled substance.
Additionally, as abenzodiazepine, Xanax has to get into the brain to work. The brain is the site of action for Xanax. Unfortunately, Xanax can have other effects on the brain that are not desirable. For example, Xanax can impact memory and thinking. Some of these effects may be long-term or permanent — even if the person stops taking the drug.
Article at a Glance:
- Xanax, also known by its generic name alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine drug and a controlled substance
- Xanax is often used for mood problems like anxiety or panic attacks
- Xanax increases levels of a brain chemical called GABA that helps calm people down
- Unfortunately, Xanax use can lead to other side effects like feeling sleepy, dizzy and even cause memory loss
- Long-term effects of Xanax use may include problems involving learning or focusing and permanent memory problems
- Over time, the brain gets used to the higher GABA levels from Xanax use and it can develop problems making enough GABA on its own
- Manywithdrawal symptoms of Xanaxare also related to its effects on the brain
Short-Term Effects: Xanax and the Brain
Most formulations of Xanax are short-acting. Therefore, the drug starts working very quickly and reaches its peak effect within one to two hours. Some of the most commonside effects of Xanaxare related to its effect on the brain:
- Feelingsleepyor tired
- Feeling dizzy
- Memory problems, including amnesia for events that happen after taking the drug
- Mood problems
Xanax and Brain Chemistry Short-Term
Xanax works on the brain by enhancing the effect of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Some doctors describe GABA as a natural tranquilizer. GABA halts brain signals that would otherwise excite the brain and lead to anxiety or panic. Higher levels of the chemical may cause a person to feel relaxed or sleepy. Xanax is a potent drug which is more powerful than some other benzodiazepines. Also, unlike some other benzodiazepines, Xanax may trigger the brain’s reward system. This possibility puts people at higher risk of developing an addiction to Xanax compared to other benzodiazepines.
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Long-Term Effects: Xanax and the Brain
Long-term use of Xanax may lead to memory problems. Studies showed that people taking Xanax have more memory problems compared to people not using the drug. Doctors found that people who stopped Xanax use have memory problems that last four months. These memory problems may be permanent in some cases.Other long-term effectsof benzodiazepines include:
- Visual-spatial problems
- Lowered IQ
- Problems processing information quickly
- Trouble learning new verbal skills
- Problems concentrating
- Delay in response time
However, it is important to note that most of the studies about the long-term effects of benzodiazepines on the brain were conducted with people who were taking the drug at the time. Therefore, it remains unclear if these effects are due to changes in the brain itself, or simplyside effectsof the drug that may go away if the drug were stopped.
Xanax and Brain Chemistry Long-Term
Over time, the brain starts to expect higher levels of GABA. Therefore, the brain may make less GABA on its own and start depending on the Xanax. This process can happen in as little assix weeks. A person may need stronger doses of Xanax to achieve the same calming effects as originally experiences. After some time this pattern leads to tolerance, dependence and can even lead toaddiction.
If a person stops taking Xanax suddenly, they may experience worsened anxiety and panic attacks than before because the brain is not making as much GABA on its own. Doctors refer to this development as rebound anxiety. Likely due to rebound anxiety, Xanax isknown to causeworse withdrawal symptoms than other benzodiazepines. Some of those withdrawal symptoms may last for months or years. Many withdrawal symptoms are related toXanax’s effects on GABAin the brain, and can include:
- Feeling anxious or panicked
- Problems sleeping
- Feeling dizzy
- Mental status changes
- Mood changes
- Seizures
