Patient/caregiver was instructed upon Xanax and mechanism of action of Xanax as follows:
- Gama-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, acting on the GABA receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), thus inhibiting the nerve impulses and depressing the brain and spinal cord.
- Xanax is a medication belonging to the benzodiazepine family, acting on the benzodiazepine receptors in the brain and spinal cord.
- Benzodiazepine receptors in the CNS are linked with GABA receptors as a complex. Xanax by binding to the benzodiazepine receptors results in activation of the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex, resulting in inhibition of nerve impulses, overall depression of brain and spinal cord.
- Depression of CNS and inhibition of nerve impulses with Xanax use helps with promotion of muscle relaxation, reduction of anxiety, control of convulsions, and promotion of sleep, and reduced sensitivity to pain.
- Thus Xanax can be used to help with relief of muscle spasms, sleep induction and sedation, and control of anxiety episodes in individuals with history of anxiety and mood disorders. Xanax can also help with preventing episodes of convulsions in individuals with history of seizure disorders.
