What Does Xanax Do?

Effects of Xanax

A closer look at Xanax’s effects—including the short-term benefits and the potential long-term changes that can occur with extended use—helps us understand how it affects the body and mind.

Short-Term Effects

When you take Xanax, you’ll likely notice its effects within an hour. Most people experience:

• A sense of calm spreading through the body
• Reduced muscle tension and physical restlessness
• Relief from racing or intrusive thoughts
• Mild drowsiness or feeling more relaxed than usual

While these effects can provide welcome relief from anxiety symptoms, they can also affect your ability to perform certain tasks. Do not drive or operate machinery until you understand how Xanax affects you personally. Some people also notice temporary changes in appetite or mild dizziness as their body adjusts to the medication.

Long-Term Effects

Using Xanax over an extended period can change how your body and brain respond to the medication:

Tolerance often develops first. This means your body gets used to the current dose and starts to need higher amounts to achieve the same calming effect. While this is a normal biological response, it’s important to discuss any changes in the medication’s effectiveness with your prescribing doctor rather than adjusting the dose yourself.

Physical dependence can develop even when you’re taking Xanax exactly as prescribed. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re addicted; it simply means your body has adapted to the presence of the medication. However, this physical dependence does mean you’ll need medical supervision to safely stop taking Xanax when the time comes.

Some people notice subtle changes in their memory or concentration with long-term benzodiazepine use. One scientific review of 13 studies on the cognitive effects of benzodiazepine use⁵ found that “long-term benzodiazepine users were consistently more impaired” than people who didn’t take benzos. These effects often improve over time, after reducing or discontinuing use under medical guidance.

Risks of Xanax Use

While benzos provide relief that some people find very helpful in acute situations, understanding the risks of Xanax use—including side effects and the potential for dependence—helps to ensure you’re using it as safely as possible.

Dependency and Addiction

The calming properties that make this medication effective for anxiety are also what make Xanax habit-forming.⁶ As your brain adapts to taking Xanax regularly, physical dependence sets in. Here’s what that looks like: 

• Needing higher doses for the same therapeutic effect
• Experiencing uncomfortable symptoms when you miss a dose
• Difficulty reducing or stopping the medication without support

One woman in recovery, Grace, talks about her struggle to quit taking Xanax⁷ after realizing she had become addicted: 

It’s honestly miserable. It’s definitely a mind game because I want nothing to do with this, yet in order to function and in order to get off of it I have to keep taking it.

Grace’s Xanax use started as many others’ have: with a standard prescription from her doctor. But Grace’s doctor didn’t sufficiently warn her about its risks. Unfortunately, Grace’s story is not uncommon. Many medical professionals don’t receive adequate training in addiction—which is why it’s important to educate yourself on the true ins and outs of benzos.

If you start to feel you can’t cope with stress or anxiety without Xanax, this could also be a sign that psychological dependence is taking hold. That’s why it’s essential to combine medication with other anxiety management strategies, like therapy and lifestyle changes.

Side Effects

Like all medications, Xanax can cause side effects that range from mild to more serious. Most common Xanax side effects are temporary and usually lessen as your body adjusts.

Common side effects tend to be mild and manageable. You might notice:

• Feeling more tired than usual, especially when you first start taking it
• Slight dizziness or unsteadiness on your feet
• Changes in your appetite
• Mild headaches
• Feeling fuzzy-headed

While these effects are usually not cause for concern, keeping track of how you feel and sharing this information with your prescribing doctor helps them adjust your treatment plan if needed. 

More serious side effects require immediate medical attention. Watch for: 

• Significant changes in mood
• Unusual aggression or agitation
• Severe confusion
• Problems with memory and coordination

The risk of serious side effects increases significantly when you combine Xanax with alcohol or other sedating medications. That’s why it’s important to tell your healthcare provider about all substances you use, including over-the-counter medications and supplements.

Safely Using Xanax

Following Prescription Guidelines

Getting the most benefit from Xanax while minimizing risks requires careful attention to how you use it. 

Start with the lowest effective dose. This gives your healthcare provider room to adjust your dose as needed while minimizing side effects. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, even if you’re tempted to take an extra dose during extra-stressful times.

Attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. These check-ins are important for monitoring how well the medication is working and addressing any concerns early on in the process. Be honest about any side effects or changes you notice—this helps your provider to accurately guide your treatment plan.

Never share your prescription with others, even if they have similar symptoms. Xanax affects everyone differently, and what works for you could be dangerous for someone else.

When to Avoid Xanax

Some situations make Xanax use particularly risky:

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require special consideration—Xanax can affect fetal development and pass through breast milk. Always discuss family planning with your healthcare provider.

Mixing Xanax with alcohol significantly increases the risk of dangerous side effects. Even small amounts of alcohol can intensify Xanax’s effects on your nervous system.

If you have a history of substance use disorders, you might be at higher risk of developing patterns of problematic use. If this is the case, you may need to explore alternative treatments for anxiety.

How to Stop Using Xanax

Risks of Sudden Withdrawal

Never stop taking Xanax abruptly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms that range from uncomfortable to dangerous:

• Rebound anxiety⁸ that feels worse than before
• Sleep disturbances and irritability
• Physical symptoms like tremors or sweating
• In severe cases, seizures or other serious complications

Tapering Off Safely

The key to safely discontinuing Xanax is working closely with a qualified medical professional who can create and oversee a personalized tapering plan. This typically involves:

• Gradually reducing your dose over time
• Regular check-ins to monitor your progress
• Support for managing any withdrawal symptoms
• Development of alternative anxiety management strategies

Treatment for Xanax Dependence

If you find yourself struggling with Xanax use, a range of treatment options are available:

• Medical detox programs provide supervised support during the withdrawal process, ensuring your safety and comfort. These programs often combine medical care with counseling to address both physical and psychological aspects of dependence.
• Addiction rehab programs, both inpatient and outpatient, offer comprehensive care that combines talk therapy, complementary therapies, and peer support to kickstart your healing process.  
• Individual therapy helps you understand patterns around anxiety and medication use while developing healthier coping strategies. Many people find cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) particularly helpful for managing anxiety without medication.
• Support groups connect you with others who understand your experience. Whether in person or online, these communities provide an outlet to process what you’re going through and motivation for sticking with your recovery.

While Xanax can be helpful for severe anxiety in the short-term, longer-term use can lead to addiction. If you’re struggling to quit Xanax, there are plenty of options available to detox safely and learn alternative strategies for managing anxiety. Search for a benzo addiction treatment center to start your journey to a healthy, Xanax-free life. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Xanax

Can Xanax Be Used Long-Term?

Medical professionals do not recommend using Xanax long-term because of its risks of tolerance, dependence, and cognitive impairments. It’s safer to use Xanax short-term under medical supervision.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose of Xanax, don’t double up on doses to make up for the missed one. Contact your prescribing doctor to learn how to manage this situation in accordance with your treatment plan.

How Can I Recognize Signs of Xanax Misuse?

Signs of Xanax misuse include:

• Taking Xanax more often than indicated on your prescription
• Taking higher doses than what you’re prescribed
• Using Xanax without a prescription
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms between doses