Xanax is a benzodiazepine primarily used to treat anxiety disorders like panic attacks. While not technically a muscle relaxer, Xanax can provide pain relief through its sedative effects when taken short-term. Common side effects include drowsiness, decreased mobility and coordination, and irregular heartbeat. Due to its calming properties, Xanax must be used cautiously and not mixed with other depressants like alcohol.

2. Is Xanax A Muscle Relaxer?
• Xanax is widely used in treating various problems. It is used to treat mental disorders like anxiety
and panic attacks. Is Xanax a muscle relaxer? Let me give you some brief on Xanax as well as its
basic function.
History of Xanax
• Xanax was first introduced by Dr. David Sheehan, psychiatrist in 1980s. The drug was developed
under the drug firm Upjohn. Xanax or commonly known as “alprazolam” is initially prescribed for
patients with panic attack disorder. During that period it was viewed as ineffective drug in
treating panic disorder, but Dr. Sheehan thought otherwise and gave recommendation of this
drug, making it now a well know medication.
• Now, Xanax is the first medication approved by FDA in treating panic attacks and considered a
short-term treatment for a period of eight weeks. After that recommended treatment period the
drug’s efficacy is no longer powerful and poses severe withdrawal effects like seizures and
psychosis. There are also reports that people under this medication are exposed to rebound
anxiety when withdrawing.

3. Uses of Xanax

4. Xanax is prescribed to treat panic disorder including different types
of anxiety problems resulting to depression. If a person is suffering
from unexplained excessive worrying, feeling of fatigue, restlessness,
mood swings, inability to stay focused as well as difficulty in
sleeping, these are symptoms of anxiety disorder.
Other conditions where Xanax is given as part of a medication
treatment program which is not approved by FDA:
•Agitation
•Essential tremor
•Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
•Insomnia

5. Side effects of Xanax
The side effects of Xanax can be felt immediately within the 1 to 2 hours after intake. This means
half life of Xanax is around 11 hours. Xanax is classified a benzodiazepine that possess calming and
sedating features when taken in low doses. The common side effects of Xanax include the
following:
•Drowsiness
•Decreased respiration
•Irregularity in heartbeat
•Fainting
•Confusion
•Impaired coordination
•Decreased mobility
•Seizures
•Coma

6. Is Xanax A Muscle Relaxer?
• Doctors prescribe Xanax to patients to relieve pain. Although it isn’t categorized as a muscle relaxer, it can
provide pain relief with its calming or sedative effect when taken for short-term period. If unsure whether
Xanax is best to treat your pain, consult a doctor.
What are the precautions when taking Xanax?
• Since Xanax has calming and sedative effects, people under this medication must not drive or do work
related that requires machinery operation or mental alertness. Elderly people must be monitored closely
when prescribed with Xanax. Individuals with medical conditions like liver or kidney disease, glaucoma or
respiratory illness must be carefully assessed before prescribing this benzo drug.
• Among the individuals who are advised not to take Xanax include women who are pregnant or
breastfeeding. Xanax can lead to birth defects or get into the breast milk. People diagnosed with depression
must take Xanax with precaution.
• Xanax must not be mixed with other substances like alcohol or other depressant medicines because of this
action could lead to sedation and can be dangerous. Xanax when abused could lead to high tolerance and
addiction.

7. CONTACT US
• Address:
• BLVD Treatment Centers
• 448 South Hill Street
• Suite 303
• Los Angeles, CA 90013
• Phone:
• (855) 277-5363
• www.blvdcenters.org