There’s often a misconception about Xanax being an opioid. The prime reason for this misconception is the working of the drug. Xanax works as an antidepressant acting on the central nervous system of your body. This is also the function of an opioid, but Xanax does not belong to this category.
Even though Xanax and opioids have similar functions, the drug belongs to an entirely different category of prescription medication known as Benzodiazepines. Xanax is, therefore, also referred to as Benzos, Bricks, Xanbars, Xannies, and Zanny Bars.
Benzodiazepines and Opioids
Benzodiazepines are one of the most addictive prescription medications, just like opioids. They both are dangerous if consumed beyond prescription. But on the contrary, both these classes of drugs are prescribed together as antianxiety and antidepressant pills.
Benzodiazepines and opioids both can develop an addiction. A survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse in 2015 shows that 23% percent of individuals who died due to opioid overdose also tested positive for benzodiazepine consumption.
Difference Between Xanax And Opioids
The effects and functions of Xanax and opioids might seem similar but that’s not the case. However, both are highly addictive and prescribed to overcome pain, depression, and anxiety, both cause different effects on the mind and body.
Opioids are mainly prescribed for reducing pain, whereas Xanax’s main job is to reduce depression and anxiety. However, people consume both to overcome all such illnesses.
Xanax produces effects like lightheadedness, memory loss, confusion, imbalance, weight gain, reduced sex drive, change in appetite, and fatigue. Whereas, opioids produce dizziness, abdominal pain, itching, and headache. These are some of the major side effects produced by both drugs, which also differentiate one from another.
Xanax Withdrawal
Any individual consuming Xanax as per prescription can eventually stop it by reducing the dosage, but the ones abusing it cannot stop it in one go. Hence, people going for Xanax detox experience the following withdrawal symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Seizures
- Muscle spasms
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Headaches
These symptoms can take about 1 to 2 weeks and even months to years in the worst cases to wear off. Hence, always seek medical assistance from Skyward Treatment while detoxing from Xanax.
Medical Detox For Xanax
Once you realize your Xanax consumption is going out of hand, the best is to approach a rehab center and begin detoxing. It can be difficult to undergo the above-mentioned withdrawal symptoms alone. Therefore, a professional’s assistance is important. You can come to Skyward Treatment, Sugar Land, Texas, to get professional help for Xanax detox. Contact our center now to get more details about other drug rehab plans and facilities.