Prescription drug Xanax robs memory from young and old

Xanax is the prescription drug most commonly misused for recreation in the U.S.

Many older people have Xanax (and other benzodiazepines, likeValium) lurking in their medicine cabinets. As some people age they may begin to experience more anxiety, depression and/or panic attacks. To alleviate these symptoms, Xanax is prescribed often with a swift scratch of the pen and without a second thought. U.S. doctors may need to rethink this since Xanax has been banned recently from the National Health Service in the UK (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales).

According to the Physicians' Desk Reference and several other sources including neurologist Dr. Stuart Shipko (power-surge.com), users of Xanax (alprazolam) frequently report memory loss associated with the drug. Short-term (recent events) memory appears to be more reduced than long-term (past events) memory. In addition, over time people develop such a tolerance for the drug that they may end up feeling a need for massive doses (50-60 mg). Often when people try to withdraw from the drug they have debilitating seizures. Other common bad side effects of Xanax: anemia and impairment of liver function. Adding to the concerns: elderly bodies get rid of Xanax 30% slower than younger people. Therefore the drug exerts its beneficial and harmful effects for much longer in older people. (drugs.com/fda)

Finally, the longest long-term study of animals using Xanax lasted for two years and was done on rats. What are the detrimental health effects of this drug on humans when taken over twenty or thirty years? No studies have been done and no information is available. (clinicaltrials.gov)

Since memory loss and anemia are very common among older people, use of Xanax and other benzodiazepines may cause more harm than good.

In Roanoke, prescriptions at lowest cost may be obtained from CVS, Kroger and Wal-mart.