What Causes Seizures from Xanax?

When you think of the drug epidemic in the US, what drugs come to mind?

Most think of opioids and heroin.

But benzodiazepines (benzos), like Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium, are a growing threat.

Benzos are the most commonly prescribed medications for anxiety, panic, and insomnia disorders. Yet, they are highly addictive. 

If you’re addicted to Xanax and worry about withdrawal symptoms like seizures, this article is for you. Keep reading to learn about seizures from Xanax and how rehab centers in Tennessee can help you with treatment.

What Does a Xanax Addiction Look Like?

Xanax (generic name Alprazolam) is a benzo doctors often prescribe for panic and anxiety disorders. This is because it increases the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which has a sedative effect.

This means it slows down certain functions in the brain and mutes reactions to stress. But over time, Xanax may influence the brain’s production of GABA to the point where it stops making it on its own.

Xanax also increases dopamine release in the brain, triggering reward pathways. This is one reason why the drug is highly addictive. 

Some Xanax addiction behavioral symptoms include:

• Avoiding social activities
• Heightened anxiety
• Mood swings or fits of anger
• Participating in risky behavior
• Slurred speech
• Stealing to get Xanax

Some physical addiction symptoms include:

• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Hyperactivity or restlessness
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of extremities (hands and feet)

Those addicted to Xanax may also experience worsened depression or mania. 

When the brain becomes dependent on Xanax, withdrawal symptoms can start as soon as the drug leaves the bloodstream. This means just hours after the last time you took the pill.

Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms 

There are many withdrawal symptoms associated with Xanax. However, Xanax withdrawal can be dangerous and life-threatening. 

Anyone taking Xanax should never stop taking the medication cold turkey or try withdrawal on their own.

Medical assistance is necessary to come off the drug safely. Thus, you can contact a Tennessee rehabilitation center to help with withdrawal when you’re ready. 

Some common Xanax withdrawal symptoms include:

• Anxiety, panic, or paranoia
• Blurred vision
• Cramps
• Delirium
• Diarrhea
• Fever or sweating
• Heart palpitations
• Headaches
• Insomnia 
• Jaw tension and tooth pain
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Numb fingers 
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Tremors and seizures

How To Prevent Seizures from Xanax

Unfortunately, having a seizure from Xanax withdrawal is more common than you imagine. To prevent seizures during Xanax withdrawal, you want to detox instead of stopping the drug immediately.  

Quitting Xanax without tapering off the drug can shock your brain, causing a seizure or other symptoms like:

• Hallucinations
• Rebound anxiety and panic
• Psychosis

In some cases, going cold turkey can result in death.

Seeking treatment from one of the drug and alcohol treatment centers in Tennessee will significantly reduce your risk of seizures and other withdrawal symptoms. 

Xanax Addiction Treatment in Tennessee

Tennessee rehab centers offer several effective treatments for benzo and Xanax addiction.

The first necessary treatment those with a Xanax addition need is detox. Detox programs provide medical supervision so you can safely withdraw from the drug. 

This means tapering off Xanax rather than going cold turkey. With professional guidance, you reduce withdrawal side effects and symptoms when you taper off. 

By keeping a small amount of the benzo in the bloodstream, you can control cravings and withdrawal symptoms until the drug is completely tapered out of your system. 

Further, should you need it, medical professionals can use adjunct medications to help treat withdrawal symptoms. Examples include antidepressants and beta-blockers. 

You also have access to psychological support at a treatment center during detox. Therapy can help with stress management and provide release prevention tools. 

Detox therapy is the first step on the road to recovery from Xanax treatment.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment 

After detox, you need to decide your next course of action. There are several inpatient and outpatient programs you can choose from to help aid your recovery. 

Inpatient programs require you to live at a facility and participate in daily activities and therapy sessions. These programs are best for those with a severe addiction or a strong chance of relapse. 

You’ll participate in substance abuse education, 12-step meetings, and other activities.

Partial hospitalization programs provide structured recovery services and care, but you don’t live at the facility. However, there is a significant time commitment to the program every week. 

Outpatient programs offer medical treatment and supervision, but you can continue to live your life as usual. That means going to work and living at home but regularly engaging with a physician and therapist. 

Intensive outpatient programs offer even more services than regular outpatient programs. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy will play a vital role in your recovery, no matter which treatment option you choose. CBT helps you find the link between your thoughts and actions so you can make them more positive. 

This way, you can reduce the triggers that led to drug abuse in the first place. In addition, learning to be at ease with your environment helps overcome triggers, especially when frustrated or stressed out. 

CBT is beneficial for those who are release-prone.

Using Benzos for Alcohol Withdrawal

Even though benzos are some of the most addictive medications on the market, some drug rehab facilities use them to help patients through alcohol detox. 

Alcohol withdrawal is similar to Xanax withdrawal. When someone’s brain is dependent on alcohol to function properly, ceasing to consume alcohol throws the brain into disarray. 

The result is Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS). AWS can result in symptoms like:

• Hallucinations
• Heart palpitations
• Nightmares
• Restlessness
• Seizures
• Vomiting

In some cases, alcohol withdrawal is fatal. 

Yet, Bezos can help reduce the impact of AWS. They can help treat:

• Anxiety and panic
• Chills and sweats
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain
• Restlessness
• Tremors and seizures

You should only use Xanax to help with AWS when prescribed by a medical professional. Improper use could lead to Xanax addiction and other health complications.

Seek Help from Rehab Centers in TN for Xanax Addiction

Safely detoxing from Xanax will help reduce withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. Then, when you seek professional help from rehab centers in Tennessee, you can come off Xanax without risking your life and start your road to recovery.

If you’re ready to get help, reach out to us at Apex Recovery. We offer clinical excellence and a strong support community to all of our patients on their journey.