What Does Xanax Do to Your Face?

Each year, millions of individuals receive prescriptions for Alprazolam, commonly known by its brand name, Xanax. This powerful benzodiazepine is often prescribed to treat conditions such as panic disorders (e.g., panic attacks), generalized anxiety disorder, and agoraphobia. Available in immediate-release and extended-release (Xanax XR) formulations, Xanax works by calming the central nervous system to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.

While effective when taken as prescribed, Xanax use can quickly lead to dependency or addiction, especially if taken in higher-than-prescribed doses or without medical supervision. Misuse of the drug often results in a range of adverse cognitive and physical side effects, including noticeable changes in facial appearance and skin health. These changes may signal long-term misuse or overuse of the medication.

How Xanax Affects the Body and Skin

No matter the method of usage (i.e., oral liquid or immediate or extended-release tablet), Xanax can affect people in different ways. That said, common side effects occur that can have a noticeable impact on the body and skin.

It can change the salivary glands enough to cause dry mouth and a near-constant thirst. At the same time, it can cause diarrhea in some people and fluid loss. It slows down blood pressure enough to adversely impact circulation.

Healthy skin requires both hydration and blood flow. Since it makes people sleepy, it can also cause fluid retention that leads to dark undereye circles and facial and overall puffiness. When a person deals with dehydration and fatigue, their skin can also look dull.

The most common physical side effects beyond these include:

• Balance and coordination trouble
• Cognitive and memory problems
• Constipation
• Lightheadedness
• Muscle weakness
• Sex drive changes
• Sedation (sleepiness)
• Slow or slurred speech

Serious side effects that can occur immediately or over time include:

• Double vision
• Extreme agitation
• Hallucinations
• Heightened energy and hyperactivity
• Increased risk-taking
• Insomnia and other sleep issues
• Jaundice and liver problems
• Passing out
• Racing thoughts
• Seizure
• Shallow or weak breathing

Some common effects increase the chance of accidents, falls and injuries, which means that people who take Xanax must use extra caution when performing certain tasks like driving or using heavy machinery. The most serious side effects occur when someone attempts to take Xanax with alcohol, certain antifungal medications, opioids, and other drugs known to cause cross reactions. For example, when taken with alcohol, Xanax can slow or pause breathing and respiration, change the color of the skin to blue or gray (i.e., cyanosis) and even lead to a coma.

Serious allergic reactions can cause the throat, tongue, lips and face to swell and the throat to feel tight. Xanax can also make the heart race, induce fever, overall sick feelings and fainting, swell lymph nodes, and cause joint pain and stomach cramps. It can cause hives to form that look like red bumps or a rash and make the skin itch.

Common Facial Side Effects of Xanax Misuse

Many patients who start Xanax and others who take it seek answers online by using the question “What does Xanax do to your face?” to find out more about noticeable side effects. As previously noted, it can make the face look bloated and puffy because of fluid retention that happens when a person sleeps a lot. People who dehydrate and experience high levels of stress from it can have dry, thinner-looking skin with noticeable blood vessels. They might experience increased acne breakouts. Once they’re dependent on it, the drug can make them look older from the non-stop stresses their body endures from the dependency and constant usage.

When Should You Be Concerned?

It’s important to seek help immediately for yourself or a loved one if you see signs that Xanax is damaging physical health or other areas of life, such as academic studies or work, finances or relationships. Although the drug helps treat anxiety and depression, it can actually cause abnormal feelings of paranoia and suicidal ideation. If it impairs coordination, judgment or memory, a patient can have difficulty handling the basic responsibilities of life. When taken with certain other substances, it can cause severe debilitation and even death.

When attempting to stop usage, a patient must always taper off. Withdrawal symptoms can last a year or longer with sudden cessation of the use of Xanax. Even without cold quitting, withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Anxiety or depression
• Auditory or visual hallucinations
• Breathing difficulties
• Burning, crawling and prickly skin sensations
• Confusion and disorientation
• Decreased alertness and coordination
• Fluctuating blood pressure
• Focusing and learning difficulties
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Headaches and migraines
• Heart palpitations
• Hyperactivity and extreme verbal and other expressions
• Insomnia, severe fatigue and trouble staying asleep
• Light or sound sensitivity
• Losing touch with reality
• Memory problems
• Muscle pains and weakness
• Nervous system changes
• Night and excessive sweats
• Severe paranoia
• Sudden strange changes in behavior or mood
• Suicidal ideation or acts
• Tinnitus or ear-ringing
• Unusual movements of muscles and seizures

Typically, these symptoms are most concerning when one or more continue for a long period. Additionally, a patient might feel like they can’t live without the drug or need more of it. They might abuse it more and cause the above symptoms to occur sporadically during periods of unstructured detox and withdrawal when they’re not receiving medical treatment.

How Illinois Recovery Center Can Help

The staff at Illinois Recovery Center takes a comprehensive approach to treating substance abuse, including the misuse of Xanax and other benzodiazepines. Recognizing that Xanax is a controlled substance with the potential for physical dependence, they offer a wide range of treatment options tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Inpatient and Partial Hospital Programs

For those struggling with severe dependence or complex health conditions, the center provides inpatient and partial hospital programs. These options include:

• Medication-assisted detox to manage withdrawal symptoms, such as drowsiness, trouble breathing, and cravings, under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
• Round-the-clock care for conditions like respiratory depression or other life-threatening complications associated with Xanax misuse.
• Therapy sessions addressing co-occurring mental health issues, including anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
• Education on drug interactions with antidepressants, antihistamines, or medications like itraconazole and ketoconazole that may exacerbate dependence.

These programs typically last 30 to 90 days and include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address substance use triggers.
• Family therapy for resolving relationship issues.
• Recreational activities and coping strategies for maintaining long-term sobriety.

Outpatient Programs and Aftercare

For patients in transitional living environments or those with less severe addiction, outpatient programs provide similar resources over a longer period, ranging from three months to a year. These programs help patients manage short-term challenges, such as post-detox cravings, and long-term goals like reintegrating into daily life while maintaining sobriety.

To support ongoing recovery, the center also offers:

• Aftercare, including relapse prevention plans and sober living arrangements.
• Tools for managing conditions like liver disease, weight fluctuations (weight gain or weight loss), and other physical effects of substance use disorder.

The Importance of Medical Supervision

Xanax detox is a delicate process requiring close monitoring by trained medical professionals, as stopping use abruptly can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including breathing problems and cardiovascular complications like changes in blood pressure. Patients are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider for medical advice before beginning treatment to ensure their safety.

Save Your Looks and Life by Ending Xanax Addiction Today

Prolonged Xanax use can affect more than just internal health; it can lead to visible signs of aging, such as dry, thin skin and acne scars, due to the drug’s impact on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and overall brain activity.

The Illinois Recovery Center team understands the physical and emotional toll of addiction. Whether you’re a local resident or seeking care from out of state, they are ready to guide you toward a healthier life and a more vibrant appearance.

For more information about their detox programs, long-term treatment options, and support for overcoming substance abuse, contact Illinois Recovery Center today.

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