Xanax about

Some naturally occurring neurotransmitters may be similar to drugs we use. For example, it is well known that the brain makes its own morphine (i.e., beta endorphin), and its own marijuana (i.e., anandamide). The brain may even make its own antidepressants, it own anxiolytics, and its own hallucinogens. Drugs often mimic the brain s natural neurotransmitters. Often, drugs are discovered prior to the natural neurotransmitter. Thus, we knew about morphine before the discovery of beta-endorphin marijuana before the discovery of cannabinoid receptors and anandamide the benzodiazepines diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax) before the discovery of benzodiazepine receptors and the antidepressants amitriptyline (Elavil) and fluoxetine (Prozac) before the discovery of the serotonin transporter site. This un-... 

Many people in the United States have heard of Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), otherwise known as the date rape drug, as a result of news reports about its abuse. Rohypnol is neither actually on the market nor approved for medical use in the United States. However, it is legal and available by prescription in other parts of the world, including Mexico, South America, Asia, and Europe, where it is one of the most widely used benzodiazepine drugs. Like other benzodiazepines, it is a downer, meaning it acts as a sedative and has a depressant effect on the body s central nervous system (CNS). Other common benzodiazepine drugs include Valium, Xanax, and Halcyon. 

Earlier in the chapter I pointed out that the Xanax label also carried many warnings about adverse psychiatric effects such as disinhibition, depression, and mania. I suspect that many physicians reading these new... 

There are a number of approaches that can be used to confirm from spontaneous reports that a drug is actually causing the adverse reaction. Chapter 12 described how several FDA officials went about confirming for themselves a possible or probable causal relationship between Halcion (and Xanax) and various behavioral abnormalities, including violence. To confirm causality, some of the following factors are useful ... 

Benzodiazepines are very safe and effective in the short-term treatment of anxiety. However, prolonged use (over six months) may lead to tolerance and dependence. There have been several waves of public alarm about the abuse potential of benzodiazepines. Over ten years ago, there was much concern about Valium abuse, as portrayed in the book I m Dancing As Fast As 1 Can (Gordon 1990). More recently, there has been much concern about abuse of Xanax and memory impairment due to Halcion. 

The male client diagnosed with a brain tumor tells the clinic nurse that he has been having seizures more frequently. The client is taking the anticonvulsant phenytoin (Dilantin), the narcotic morphine sulfate (Roxanol), the analgesic acetaminophen (Tylenol), and the antianxiety medication alprazolam (Xanax). Which question about the client s medications should the nurse ask next ... 

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