How to Use Xanax to Treat Anorexia

Alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax or Niravam, is used in the clinical treatment of anxiety and depression. It is a short-acting drug generally prescribed for periods of use of 8 weeks or less and has shown positive results in stimulating the appetite of anorexia nervosa patients while treating the anxiety and/or depression that typically accompany serious eating disorders.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Physician
• Xanax (alprazolam) prescription

Use Xanax to Treat Anorexia Nervosa

1. Have a physician diagnose anorexia nervosa in the patient. Unexplained weight loss may be the result of dysfunctions in the patient's metabolism or brain chemistry, and tests should be performed to rule out this possibility.

2. Talk to your doctor about the various drugs and therapies that can be used to treat anorexia. Xanax is but one of a long list of antidepressants that help anorexia sufferers recover and improve their quality of life.

3. Use Xanax to stimulate changes in your appetite, which will promote healthier eating habits. The drug's anti-anxiety and relaxation properties will also help treat the significant psychological triggers of the anorexic condition.

4. Understand the common side effects associated with Xanax use. The most common side effects include light-headedness, sleepiness, dry mouth, sexual dysfunction and urinary difficulties. If any of these side effects seem unusually severe, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

5. Ask your doctor to explain the rarer but potentially serious side effects of Xanax use. Skin rashes, visual and auditory hallucinations, dementia, seizures and jaundice have been reported in some patients.

6. Take Xanax only as directed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, do not compensate by taking two pills at once.

7. Enroll in therapy to treat the psychological causes of anorexia nervosa. Psychotherapy is available to anorexia patients in both individual and group settings.

8. Cease your use of Xanax when directed by your doctor. Its efficacy when used for more than 8 weeks has not been clinically proven.

Tips & Warnings

• Check Inchem.com for detailed information on alprazolam, its clinical uses, side effects and other issues related to its use (see Resources).
• Xanax carries a significant risk of dependency. People who use it should be closely watched for signs of addiction.
• Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery or any activities that require full alertness and attention until you know how Xanax affects you. Many patients report drowsiness as a common side effect.

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Resources

• Alprazolam info