The short answer is yes. Now you\’re probably wondering how can Xanax make you more anxious when it\’s a drug designed to do the exact opposite? Yes, especially due to the risks of rebound anxiety, chronic nervous system stimulation, and physical dependence. Yes, Xanax can make anxiety worse in some cases. While it is effective for short-term relief, long-term use or misuse may lead to increased … In effect, this action causes drowsiness and calming effects, making CNS depressants useful for anxiety and sleep disorders.6 Xanax offers immediate relief for acute anxiety, but its effects can sometimes lead to heightened anxiety the following day. It may seem counterintuitive, but anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines can actually cause worse long-term anxiety. 2018 For people who suffer from anxiety, Xanax can create a sense of relief to allow them to focus on their lives without issues of anxiety or phobias plaguing them. This page will explain the short- and long-term side effects of Xanax, including how Xanax affects the brain and body and whether Xanax side effects are … Xanax will not make it worse. However, your anxiety can over power the medicine. It\’s a common medical phenomenon where very anxious individuals (or animals) … Recent scientific studies have found that Xanax can legitimately cause worsening anxiety and anxiety attacks if it is prescribed specifically for PTSD. These messages would normally cause feelings of anxiety, so alprazolam has a calming effect. However, decreased anxiety isn\’t the only … The answer is yes. One of the potential side effects of Xanax, particularly with prolonged use, is an increase in anxiety levels. I\’ve been on this stuff for 32 years, I\’m 54. My 20\’s were destroyed with other horrible antidepressants and anxiety meds. While Xanax can be highly effective in managing anxiety symptoms … Xanax can also cause drowsiness and sedation, which might make you … Xanax can lead to sleep problems, rebound anxiety, and withdrawal symptoms, all of which can make anxiety worse in some people. Xanax starts to work within an hour to help calm anxiety and panic. Do not stop Xanax suddenly, as it can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Although Xanax can help improve patients\’ anxiety symptoms, it\’s important to understand that some can experience a worsening of anxiety symptoms. Believe it or not, taking a benzodiazepine like Xanax can actually make you feel more anxious than you did before starting the drug to help reduce your anxiety. 2013 Between doses, especially as tolerance develops, they may become irritable, anxious, and difficult to engage. Increased anxiety when the drug … While Xanax is designed to alleviate anxiety, it can paradoxically worsen it in certain situations. This is particularly possible during withdrawal. Xanax (alprazolam) is commonly prescribed for anxiety—but for some individuals, it can actually make anxiety worse over time. benzodiazepines making your anxiety worse? What starts as a prescription for panic attacks can quietly spiral into dependence, withdrawal … It\’s also important to note that the mental health conditions alprazolam treats, such as anxiety, can cause sexual problems themselves. So … Xanax can cause rebound anxiety for those who are in withdrawal. The symptoms of increased anxiety, headaches, and trouble focusing can last from 24 to 72 … seizures, which can sometimes be life threatening; trouble concentrating; anxiety; trouble sleeping; headache; nausea. Other possible life threatening symptoms … One study reported that when 126 clients used Xanax for a panic disorder, 27 percent of them had rebound anxiety. Another 35 percent had new … When someone prescribed Xanax attempts to stop use, feelings of depression and anxiety may manifest during withdrawal.