What are the Alprazolam Withdrawal Side Effects You Must Know and How to Alleviate Them?

Alprazolam is a most frequently prescribed medicine for patients diagnosed with anxiety and panic disorders. It decreases anxiety by increasing GABA in the brain. As this neurotransmitter increases, it calms and soothes your troubled mind. The result will be a very pleasant feeling. 

Because of that side effect, a lot of people are using it in excess. Hence, it’s classified as a Schedule 4 medication. It means that alprazolam can be abused. 

Alprazolam is effective. However, if it’s used for so long or in excess, it could create dependence. Upon cessation, it can cause withdrawal symptoms. 

How alprazolam changes your mind? 

As mentioned earlier, it increases GABA activity in the brain, resulting in experiencing a calm mind from having an excited or anxious mind. 

When your brain responds to the increased level of such neurotransmitter, it lowers the amount of GABA available in the brain. 

The result will give you the feeling that you need to take a larger dose of this drug to have the same effects. Now, if you try to stop taking it altogether, you’ll experience withdrawal side effects. 

Once you have adjusted to a prolonged usage of this drug, your GABA levels in the brain would also reduce. GABA minimizes your anxiety and negative feelings. With less of it and no medication, you’ll go through uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. 

What are the symptoms of alprazolam withdrawal? 

This drug works fast but with a shorter life. That said, when you quit, the withdrawal side effects will be felt quickly. Within 12 hours, you’ll feel the symptoms, which usually peak within three to four days. 

The following are some of the most common alprazolam withdrawal side effects: 

• Anxiety
• Hallucination 
• Insomnia
• Moodiness
• Tremors
• Convulsion
• Nausea 

Among these side effects, the most serious is a convulsion, which can be life-threatening. 

How to fight withdrawal side effects of alprazolam? 

If you have been addicted to this drug, the only best way to break it is a medically monitored period of withdrawal. Although it can take several months, it’s safer than having a cold turkey detox. 

How much dosage is reduced will actually depend on the length of your addiction. Of course, the longer you’ve been dependent on it, the slower reduction will be. Individual dosage should come from your doctor, who’s familiar with your medical history. 

One of the benefits of a slow tapering down of alprazolam withdrawal side effects is that it enables your brain to adjust to the decreasing dosage of the drug. As a result, it stimulates your brain to produce more GABA. 

The GABA insufficiency actually causes the withdrawal symptoms. As your brain keeps up with the tapering, it can alleviate the symptoms. 

Tapering yourself very slowly can avoid experiencing severe alprazolam withdrawal side effects. Most of those who followed this routine reported having minimal discomfort. 

You’ll also now if you need to continue to use this drug. 

Why cold turkey isn't the answer to fighting against alprazolam withdrawal side effects? 

It can be harsh and uncomfortable. A lot of those who followed it could not resist the effects resulting in them going back to taking this drug and abuse it. 

You should never go cold turkey without the supervision of a medical doctor. Withdrawal from this drug can be fatally dangerous. 

Traditional Medicine vs. Modern Medicine - Which One is Better?

Traditional medicine vs. modern medicine: which one is better? Modern medicine has been around for decades. Although it has provided incredible effects, the traditional way of healing has been assisting individuals with their diseases and ailments for thousands of years. 

But choosing whether to pursue a traditional approach or modern method of healing in dealing with health conditions is just a personal decision. 

If you’re still wondering about which one to choose, you should only decide after having a solid understanding of the differences between the two healing methods. 

What is a traditional medicine? 

It’s one of the oldest healing methods. 

China practices it for thousands of years. The traditional healing has grown a lot as several practitioners made use of plants, animals and mineral substances found in their own region to treat diseases and illnesses. 

Traditional medicine is non-invasive. It’s a natural way to address the malfunctions in the body. 

What is modern medicine? 

It’s been around for more than 100 years. But it has already eradicated crippling and deadly diseases, like whooping cough, smallpox, and several others. 

Unlike traditional medicine, modern medicine is based entirely on a scientific approach. It heals by creating synthesized drugs in treating disease. 

This healing approach involves invasive surgical procedures in addressing several conditions. 

Which is better? 

The implementation of science isn’t perfect. Some modern medicines come with adverse side effects. 

For example, surgical procedures don’t work in every case. During the 1980s, some people started to drift away from embracing modern medicine to traditional medicine. 

Even if some of us are still focusing on either modern or traditional medicine, no one can’t deny the fact that we’re in a world of blended medicine. 

It’s an approach that uses both conventional and modern healing methods in treating different illnesses. 

For several years, modern doctors censured traditional practitioners and vice versa. But both sides are going toward a blended medical environment. 

What are some of the traditional medicines in the Philippines approved by the DOH? 

1. Cassia alata

Popularly known as akapulko or bayabas-bayabasan, it’s a ringworm bush in English. As the name suggests, it’s used to cure ringworms and some fungal skin infections. 

2. Momordica charantia

It’s also known as bitter gourd, bitter melon or ampalaya. The DOH approved this traditional medicine for the treatment of a non-insulin dependent type of diabetes. 

3. Vitex negundo 

You know it as lagundi. In English, it’s called 5-leaved chaste tree and. Its primary role as a traditional medicine is to relieve coughs and asthma. 

4. Blumea balsamifera

In English, it’s called Blumea camphora. In the Philippines, this traditional medicine is known as sambong that assists in the elimination of urinary stones. 

5. Clinopodium douglasii 

It’s known as peppermint or yerba buena. This traditional medicine is used to treat body aches and pain. You can take it internally or use it externally by pounding its leaves and apply on the afflicted area directly. 

How to handle medicinal plants to be used as a traditional medicine? 

Purchasing herbs grown organically, i.e. sans pesticides is ideal. You should harvest them on a sunny morning. Don’t pick their leaves, fruits or nuts after rain. 

Before you harvest medicinal plants, it’s best to allow their leaves, flowers, and nuts to mature first. The reason for this is that there are less therapeutic substances that you can find on young parts. 

Conclusion 

If you’re considering traditional medicine, you should think balance. You should take your health from both the traditional and medicine sides of drugs as it’s the best option for your health.