What Does Xanax Do to Your Eyes?

Substance abuse can have a variety of negative impacts on the eyes that are difficult to disguise. From the size of their pupils to redness, substance abuse shows up in different ways. But what does Xanax do to your eyes? 

In this post, we will answer the question: What does Xanax do to your eyes? We will also explain the harmful effects of abusing Xanax. 

What Is Xanax? 

Xanax is a brand name for alprazolam, a strong benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It does this by reducing aberrant brain activity. 

Xanax is available as a tablet that dissolves fast in the mouth, an extended-release tablet, or a concentrated oral solution.

Benzodiazepines, the family of substances Xanax belongs to, have anti-anxiety, anti-convulsant, muscle relaxing, and sedative properties. In particular, Xanax works by boosting the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). 

GABA is a brain neurotransmitter that promotes serenity and relaxation. To treat anxiety and panic disorders, the medication reduces the level of excitement in the brain.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, alprazolam or Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepine medicines in the United States. It is also one of the benzodiazepines most commonly detected in the criminal market.

Xanax is frequently recommended for anxiety-related mental health issues. It can be used to treat anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and phobias. 

On top of that, Xanax can provide comfort for people who suffer from anxiety. By using Xanax, these people are able to focus on their lives without being plagued by anxiety or phobias. When used as directed, it can help people relax and calm down.

On the other hand, Xanax can cause harm when abused. 

Harmful Effects of Xanax 

Here are the harmful effects of Xanax:

Anxiety 

Abusing Xanax to deal with your anxiety will actually make you feel more anxious than you did before you started taking the drug. 

Although this is not a common side effect, some people who take Xanax report feeling more anxious after taking the drug.

Panic Attacks

Abusing Xanax can also cause panic attacks. 

Physical symptoms of panic attacks include shaking, disorientation, nausea, rapid, irregular heartbeats, dry mouth, dyspnea, perspiration, and dizziness. 

Panic attacks are not usually dangerous. However, panic attacks can be scary.

Hyperventilation 

In relation to the previous effects, Xanax abuse can also lead to hyperventilation. 

As its name implies, over-breathing or hyperventilation can leave you feeling out of breath. 

Tremors

Tremors are rhythmic movements of one limb or section of your body that are accidental and uncontrollable. Tremors can occur at any time and in any portion of the body.

When you abuse Xanax, tremors can happen frequently. 

Sleep Problems 

Another harmful effect of abusing Xanax involves having difficulty sleeping. 

Also known as rebound insomnia, sleep problems are a typical issue among people who misuse Xanax or other benzodiazepines to manage sleep problems. 

While these medicines are effective at first, using them repeatedly can make it increasingly difficult to sleep without a prescription. 

What Does Xanax Do to Your Eyes? 

Taking Xanax can harm your eyes in a variety of ways, especially if you abuse or use the medication for an extended period of time. 

So what does Xanax do to your eyes? 

Here are the common effects of Xanax on the eyes:

●      Pupils that are larger, dilated or expanded (black part of the eye)

●      Color vision shift

●      Reading difficulty 

●      Difficulty seeing at night 

●      Double vision

●      Irritation 

●      Increased sensitivity to sunlight 

Furthermore, Xanax bars might cause yellowing of the eyes in some persons after an overdose. If these uncommon but dangerous adverse effects occur, seek medical attention immediately.

Eye Conditions Associated with Xanax Use

Other eye-related adverse effects of Xanax can also occur. Some of these include:

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Some people who have used Xanax for an extended period of time report developing amblyopia, or "lazy eye." This condition happens when the communication between the eyes and brain is disrupted, causing vision loss in one eye. Amblyopia can occur as a result of Xanax use, but it is often reversible once the medication is discontinued.

Blurred Vision & Distortions

Blurred vision is another common symptom of Xanax-related amblyopia. People may experience general distortion of their vision, such as seeing spots or occasional dots. This happens because Xanax causes a miscommunication between the eyes and brain.

Dry Eyes & Impact on Tear Production

Xanax abuse can lead to reduced tear production, which is vital for keeping eyes moist and healthy. When tear production decreases, eyes can become itchy, dry, and irritated. This can cause discomfort for those using Xanax for extended periods. Eye drops may help temporarily, but in some cases, discontinuing Xanax use may be necessary.

Rare Adverse Reactions

Though less common, some people experience serious eye-related side effects from Xanax. In rare instances, untreated dry eye can cause more severe conditions, such as vision loss. Stopping Xanax use or switching to a different medication may reverse these issues, but in some cases, medical intervention may be required.

If you have any eye-related side effects while taking this medicine, contact your doctor.

Does Xanax Raise Eye Pressure?

In some rare cases, Xanax use has been linked to increased eye pressure, which can worsen conditions like glaucoma. Since glaucoma is caused by excessive pressure within the eye, Xanax’s effect on intraocular pressure can aggravate the symptoms of this condition, making it harder to manage.

What to Do When Xanax Affects Your Eyes 

Consult your doctor if Xanax is affecting your eyes. They may be able to reduce adverse effects by adjusting your dosage.

They may advise taking fewer doses throughout the day rather than a bigger amount all at once. They may also reduce your total dose.

However, you should not stop taking Xanax without first consulting your doctor. If you need to discontinue the medicine or adjust your treatment, your doctor will work with you to gradually lower your dose. If you stop taking the drug abruptly, you will likely have withdrawal symptoms.

Conclusion 

Stopping taking Xanax suddenly and without supervision is associated with unpleasant, if not dangerous, withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include seizures and severe headaches. 

If you or your loved one is suffering from Xanax addiction or withdrawal, seek professional help right away. The right support system and a sobriety app like I Am Sober can also help.