Question: what are the effects of xanax

Hannah Bolt answered on 14 Nov 2016:

Hi Morty,

Xanax is a drug that can be used to help treat anxiety, like anxiety caused by depression or panic attacks.

Xanax is called a ‘central nervous system depressant’ and works by slowing down the brain activity and decreasing abnormal brain activity. In particular, xanax works by increasing the activity of chemical messengers called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA binds to brain neurons and this reduces the neuron activity, so slows down overall brain activity. In most people this has a relaxing effect as a sedative and might change the way you think or give you slower reaction speeds.

According to Google, the drug also has many side effects. The drug shouldn’t be used by pregnant women as it can cause birth defects in an unborn child. Other side effects include an allergic reaction with things like swelling of lips, face, tongue or difficulty breathing.

Hannah