Anxiety is an emotion characterized by strong feelings of tension, worry, physical changes such as an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Though everyone may experience anxiety from time to time, anxiety disorders cause persistent stress or unease about even daily situations such as socializing with others, driving, or work. Left untreated, anxiety can significantly impact ones’ quality of life and ability to participate in activities that they used to enjoy.
Anxiety disorders come in a variety of forms from general anxiety to more specific conditions such as social anxiety or panic disorders. These conditions can develop from several compounding factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events.
There are many treatment options available for those who struggle with anxiety disorders such as therapy, lifestyle changes, and pharmaceutical medication. If you have ever dealt with anxiety, you most likely have heard of benzodiazepines such as Alprazolam or better known as Xanax for treatment. However, these medications can cause dependency or addiction and have serious side effects both with short-term and long-term usage.
At Largo Clinic, we understand that 40 million Americans are diagnosed with some form of anxiety every year, and as the number increases, the need for safer and healthier treatment options is more important than ever. One option we’d like to draw your attention to is the use of Indica cannabis. Let’s take a closer look at the comparison of Xanax and Indica cannabis.
Xanax
Xanax is a brand name of a drug known as Alprazolam, which is a form of benzodiazepines, and one of the most frequently prescribed medications in the United States. This medication works to alter the connections between the brain and the body’s central nervous system.
It can become highly addictive psychologically and physically, even on small dosages, which can lead to an increased risk of overdosing on medication or withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the medication without warning. To help prevent the misuse of Xanax or withdrawal symptoms, follow your doctor’s instructions and use your prescription accordingly.
Side Effects
While Xanax does provide anxiety relief, some side effects can cause concern for short-term and long-term usage.
Some short-term side effects associated with Xanax include:
- Amnesia
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Impaired judgment
- Increased saliva production
- Loss of coordination
- Sexual incompetence
Long-term side effects or side effects more commonly associated with higher doses of Xanax include the following:
- Aggression
- Anorexia nervosa
- Depression
- Hallucinations or psychotic experiences
- Increased Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Muscle weakness
- Respiratory complications
If seizures or yellowing of the skin and ices occur, please seek immediate medical attention.
The side effects of addictive prescription medications such as Xanax have led many researchers, doctors, and patients to seek safer and healthier alternatives. The need for a change in approach is important now more than ever as more people are on prescription medication for relief from a range of medical issues or mental health conditions.
Indica
Cannabis as a medical treatment has become increasingly popular, not just for severe or chronic conditions, but also for various mental health disorders such as anxiety. It can allow patients to feel mentally and physically relaxed while alleviating painful symptoms and helping them to achieve a greater quality of life.
Indica strains are described as giving patients a “full-body” effect with higher CBD and lower THC levels. Some of the major medical benefits of Indica strains include decreased symptoms of nausea or dizziness, raised dopamine levels, reduced stress levels, and relief in muscle tension.
Many patients report that the benefit is not so much the effect of a particular feeling, but the absence of a feeling. For these patients. Indica cannabis allowed the tension within their bodies or feelings of stress within their minds to no longer seem overbearing. Patients often report feeling calm and quiet both physically and mentally throughout the day. These calming and soothing effects are beneficial for those who suffer from anxiety or chronic conditions.
Side Effects
Some side effects associated with medicinal cannabis include:
- Decreased blood pressure
- Dry Eyes
- Dry mouth
- Lethargy
The method of use may increase your risk for certain side effects. For example, smoking or inhaling cannabis can irritate your lungs and may cause respiratory conditions compared to oral cannabis preparations. It is important to choose the correct strain, method of ingestion, and dosage as it can affect each patient differently.
For more information on the benefits of treatment or to schedule a consultation, contact Largo Clinic today.