Xanax is a benzodiazepine prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms, and convulsions. Xanax works rapidly and has a relatively low level of toxicity on the human body when used in the short-term. Xanax ceases to be effective after just a few weeks or months of use and is incredibly addictive.
In the United Kingdom, approximately 1.5 million people are addicted to benzodiazepines, a group of sedatives often prescribed for anxiety. Many of these addicts are elderly people who were prescribed the drugs decades ago and may still suffer debilitating side effects such as paranoia, lethargy, fatigue, dizziness, and memory loss. Jo Waters of the Daily Mail UK writes that many people don’t realize the drugs are the problem.
Scientists announced Wednesday that they have solved the mystery behind why people become addicted to a class of prescription drugs that includes some anti-depressants, muscle relaxants, and sleeping pills.
Read more about Scientists Discover Cause of Addiction to Some Prescription Drugs
Ativan is the brand name for Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine drug that is used in treating anxiety. It affects chemicals in the brain that are known to cause anxiety when they become unbalanced. In its pure form, this drug is an almost white powder that is almost insoluble in water and oil. It is generally available as tablets or a solution for injection, although it has also been available as a skin patch.