Prescription Drugs Archives

Xanax (Alprazolam) Withdrawal Signs & Symptoms

November 18, 2020September 12, 2020 by Mark Perlman

Xanax is used to treat individuals with anxiety disorders, panic disorders, PTSD, and a host of other conditions. This popular drug helps ease patient’s mental distress and can even help you sleep better at night. However, this substance is not meant to be used over a long period of time.

In fact, those who use Xanax longer than they should will experience symptoms of dependence and even withdrawal. Drug withdrawal, with any substance, can be difficult. However, with a benzodiazepine like Xanax (Alprazolam), the struggles of breaking free from this drug can be especially brutal. Xanax can create intense withdrawal symptoms that make it extremely difficult to quit.

What is Fentanyl: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

November 1, 2020March 3, 2020 by Mark Perlman

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a narcotic substance prescribed to treat severe pain. The synthetic opioid is very powerful. When prescribed for chronic pain, fentanyl can be administered as a shot, a transdermal patch, or a cough drop-like lozenge. However, fentanyl is also manufactured illegally. Illegal doses can lead to overdose, permanent health damage, and even death.

For pharmaceutical usage, fentanyl was created to help cancer patients with pain management. As a street drug, fentanyl is often combined with heroin to increase its potency. In some cases, people may think they are purchasing heroin when they are actually purchasing fentanyl. Keep reading to learn more about fentanyl, including how it affects your body.

The Truth About “Purple Drank”

November 1, 2020March 2, 2020 by Mark Perlman

Purple Drank, or lean, is a dangerous cocktail that blends prescription cough syrup, soda, and hard candy together in an attempt to obtain a high. The name “Purple Drank” comes from the color of the most commonly used cough syrup, promethazine. The cold medication typically contains codeine as well.

Simply put, users combine these easy to grab ingredients into a substance that gives a high similar to opioids. Jolly ranchers, which stay on the tongue for an extended period of time, are the candy of choice. The most common sodas used are Sprite, Mountain Dew, and grape Fanta.

What is Xanax (Alprazolam)?

November 1, 2020March 1, 2020 by Mark Perlman

Xanax, or alprazolam, is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the U.S. market. It belongs to the benzodiazepine class (“BZDs”, or “benzos”), which were synthesized in the late 1950s in an effort to replace barbiturates as a medication for anxiety and sedation. These drugs rapidly flooded the market from the 60s-2000s, before side effects such as high addictive potential and slow breathing rate became more well known and categorized. Xanax itself is the most prescribed psychiatric medication in the U.S., with 25 million total prescriptions in 2017.