The Abuse of Benzodiazepine in Patients With Social Phobias

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Medication/drug name/route of administration, dosage

Alprazolam is under the category of Benzodiazepines, which began being marketed in the early 1960's. Alprazolam is the generic version of Xanax, are made for oral administrated, which comes in .25, .05, 1 and 2mg. Street names for Xanax include Xannies, Xanbars, Handlebars, Bars, Z-bars, Totem Poles (due to the shape of the 2mg pill), Zanbar, Blue footballs (because of its oval shape and color), Upjohn (came from the pharmaceutical company now known as Pfizer) and the popular name Benzos. With the use of Benzodiazepines, there has been a direct connection with abuse and dependence (Dickson, et al. 1990). It began for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, a muscle relaxer, seizures and basically relax an individual in daily stress in life. Upjohn Company began selling alprazolam, calling it Xanax and using it for symptoms associated with anxiety. By 1988, Xanax was the number one selling benzodiazepine and later on was indicated for the use of treating social phobias, panic disorders, agoraphobia, schizophrenia and premenstrual symptom (Dickson, et al. 1990).

Type and Subtype of substance

This medication is intended to provide a safer alternative for Valium, however research and the number of addiction cases monitored throughout the years, suggest otherwise (Glod, 1992). According to the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services (2003), Xanax also brought out Xanax XR which was released as an extended release tablet for the treatment of panic disorder with our without agoraphobia. Recorded side effects of this medication include “sedation, memory impairment, speech difficulties, abnormal coordination and gait and decreased sexual drive which is common for ...

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...le prescription drugs. Journal of American College Health, 54(5), 269-78. Retrieved from http://bluehawk.monmouth.edu:2048/?url=/docview/213071017?accountid=12532

Miller, L. (2012). Retrieved from http://nymag.com/news/features/xanax-2012-3/

Santow, S. & McClymont, A. (2013, May 22). Xanax Abuse Prompts Push for Tougher Regulation of the Anti-Anxiety Medication. Retrieved from http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-22/tougher- rules- for-xanax-on-the-way/4705656

Goodnough, A. (2011, September 14). Abuse of Xanax Leads a Clinic to Halt Supply. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/14/us/in-louisville-a-centers-doctors-cut-off-xanax- prescriptions.html?_r=0

Insomnia, Depression May Arise with Xanax Withdrawal, (2012, January 27). Retrieved from http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/01/27/insomnia-depression-may-arise-with-xanax- withdrawal/

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