Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine medication for anxiety and panic. Taking Xanax can cause side effects, like memory issues, drowsiness, shakiness, and even feelings of sadness. Side effects can occur even during short-term use, which is a typical Xanax prescription. Long-term Xanax use can lead to addiction and may cause more serious side effects.
Xanax side effects: Short-and long-term
There are short- and long-term side effects associated with Xanax. While side effects can be normal, they can become more likely and more serious when taking Xanax with alcohol, drugs, or other medications.
Take all side effects seriously, and if they become severe, talk to a medical professional right away.
Short-term effects of Xanax
Xanax is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. For people with anxiety and panic disorders, it’s this function that helps relieve symptoms. Fast-acting CNS depressants like Xanax cause immediate effects to manage symptoms. They can also cause short-term side effects that can affect daily life, including:
- Forgetfulness and memory issues
- Drowsiness and weakness
- Clumsiness
- Sadness and loss of interest
- Shakiness and discoordination
- Slurred speech or difficulty with conversation
- Trouble getting restful sleep
Some people also experience itchiness, chills, dizziness, nausea, or headaches. Short-term side effects of Xanax can also be severe, like the risk of seizures, slowed breathing, irregular heartbeat, or feeling detached or like things are unreal.1
Long-term effects of Xanax
Using Xanax long-term raises the risk of abuse and addiction, which are the most common outcomes of prolonged use. Tolerance—someone’s need for higher doses to get the same effect—can develop quickly. Higher doses can increase the euphoric effects some people feel with Xanax and make cravings stronger.
Long-term benzo use also changes the brain, which makes stopping the medication difficult because it can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. Stopping benzos cold turkey can cause seizures and other immediate health risks.
It can also cause other serious side effects, like cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment is trouble thinking, accessing memories, and using motor skills, including being able to remember things or react to things quickly. One recent study also showed that long-term benzo use raises the risk of suicidal thoughts or attempts.2
How does Xanax affect the brain?
Xanax is a benzodiazepine that works by inhibiting the signals in the brain that may lead to anxiety. Benzos like Xanax can also trigger the brain’s reward system, much like alcohol and other addictive drugs. It also affects the brain’s production of the chemical GABA. GABA is naturally produced in the brain to induce a calming effect, and Xanax can intensify this process. Over time, a brain on Xanax will begin to rely on the drug, therefore producing less GABA on its own.
Xanax has been shown to cause memory loss, spatial awareness issues, lowered IQ, and difficulty concentrating. A lack of research cannot confirm whether these effects may become permanent or only persist while Xanax is used. Research does show that benzo use may be associated with lower brain volume in areas that affect memory and emotion.3
Xanax overdose: Signs and risks
Drinking alcohol or using other drugs—including medications like opioids—can raise the risk of Xanax overdose. Using higher doses or taking Xanax against the prescription also raises the risk of overdose. An overdose is a medical emergency.
If you notice these signs of overdose, call 911 right away:
- Drowsiness and/or nodding off, not responding to touch or sound
- Confusion
- Difficulty with coordination or reflex/reaction time
- Shallow, slowed, or stopped breathing
- Slurred speech
Treatment for Xanax addiction and abuse
If you or someone you love is struggling with Xanax addiction, a quality treatment program can ease withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals who understand addiction in all its forms. The Arbor uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and co-occurring mental health issues.
No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor, you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. Through a wide range of programs, you can find the treatment that best fits your needs and goals in recovery:
- Residential care program
- Extended care program
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Sober living in Austin, TX
- Relapse prevention services
- Alumni program
Many people struggling with benzos need a medical detox program before starting a residential program. Medical detox offers support and personalized clinical plans to taper benzo use to minimize the risk of seizures and other side effects. We can help you find the right medical detox services for your situation when you call.
Xanax addiction treatment in Georgetown and Austin, TX
Our team of experienced professionals can help you or your loved one overcome an addiction to Xanax and other prescription drugs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help. We are here to support you on the road to recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to Xanax, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help by calling 844.413.2690. We are here to support you on the road to recovery.
Sources:
- Mayo Clinic, Alprazolam (oral route), Accessed June 2026.
- University of Colorado Anschutz, Benzodiazepine Use Associated With Brain Injury, Job Loss and Suicide, Accessed June 2026.
- BMC Medicine, Benzodiazepine use in relation to long-term dementia risk and imaging markers of neurodegeneration: a population-based study, Accessed June 2026.