Xanax is a commonly prescribed medication for things like anxiety disorders. It works by helping release more GABA in the brain, a neurotransmitter or chemical that produces a feeling of calmness and relaxation. However, some users report an increase in anxiety and related symptoms when they stop using it. Can Xanax make anxiety worse?
How Xanax Works
The main ingredient is alprazolam. This works by increasing GABA in the brain. GABA, under normal circumstances, is a naturally produced chemical in your brain that helps you feel calm, reducing your brain activity and getting rid of feelings of anxiety. Under normal circumstances it’s something that is often released as you calm down in the evening and get ready for bed.
In fact, over-the-counter sleeping medications include GABA pills that can help with this.
According to the FDA, there are several side effects to Xanax, some mild, others less likely but more severe. So, can Xanax make anxiety worse?
Current evidence says no, not directly.
However, it can cause withdrawal syndrome with rebound symptoms.
How Can Xanax Make Anxiety Worse
One study reported that when 126 clients used Xanax for a panic disorder, 27 percent of them had rebound anxiety. Another 35 percent had new somatic symptoms.
Another study found that the withdrawal from the main ingredient in Xanax caused more frequent sleep disturbances.
So, what does all this mean?
Rebound Anxiety
Rebound anxiety is one of the most common ways in which it feels like Xanax is making anxiety worse. This is something that generally happens when you stop taking it or when you try to taper from it. Xanax does have an addictive quality behind it, so it can cause withdrawal symptoms.
When you taper or stop taking a prescription entirely, it can lead to rebound symptoms where things that the Xanax was previously controlling start to come back. So, for a short time, you might experience anxiety that you may not have previously experienced while taking Xanax. This type of rebound anxiety earns its name because it’s your anxiety that comes back or rebounds.
Worsening Anxiety
Some studies have found that individuals see worsening anxiety not just from the rebound symptoms but also while they are taking it. It is important to note that so far, this clinical research is several decades old and is applied to the treatment of PTSD with Xanax instead of generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder.
Sleep Disturbances
Sleep disturbances are a commonly reported side effect for people being treated with Xanax for anxiety disorders or things like PTSD. Sleep disturbances and problems with high-quality sleep can be the culprit behind what feels like worsening anxiety.
This happens because when you sleep your body is able to flush toxins from the body and the brain, and control your hormones. When you don’t get enough sleep or you are regularly woken while trying to sleep, those hormones become imbalanced and that imbalance can lead to mood dysregulation which heightens feelings of anxiety.
As such, can Xanax make anxiety worse?
If you have severe sleep disturbances, it can certainly feel that way because you experience chronic sleep issues and mood disturbances, which can heighten feelings of anxiety and irritability.
Getting Help for Anxiety or Addiction with Sequoia Recovery Centers
At Sequoia Recovery Centers, we can help you tackle co-occurring anxiety and addiction to Xanax in a way that successfully overcomes things like rebound anxiety and sleep disturbances.
With our team, you can move through different levels of care, starting with full support from our detox Xanax addiction treatment to get through this Xanax withdrawal and transitioning to a residential or outpatient level of care where you can find support through therapies like CBT, learning to live with anxiety instead of letting it control you.
We work hard to ensure customized treatment for each of our clients, offering things like co-occurring treatment for those who are struggling with anxiety and addiction to prescriptions like xanax. Our serene location makes it easy to step away from your daily requirements and immerse yourself entirely, not just in the beauty of nature but in your recovery. We work hard to help ensure mindfulness as well as physical and mental strength through our many outdoor activities and holistic programs.
Overall, Can Xanax make anxiety worse? Some studies have found that when prescribed for a specific treatment, it can, but in most cases, what people are experiencing comes from the withdrawal when they taper or stop taking Xanax. If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms from an addiction to Xanax, we can help with our Xanax addiction treatment.
Call or email us today at help@sequoiadetoxcenters.com or 1-866-824-0709 to learn more.