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Anxiety can be debilitating, because many of us know it too well. This is one of the most common mental health problems in the country, millions of people in the United States suffering from a certain type of anxiety disorder . Fortunately, there are many treatments available, from Talk Therapy to prescription drugs. But now, new research questions the effectiveness of one of the most popular prescriptions on the market, Xanax. Read the rest to find out more about the latest discoveries.

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Xanax, also known by his generic name, Alprazolam, is a Benzodiazepine drugs This is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorders, according to Everyday Health. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1981 and operated by reducing abnormal excitation in the brain.

Since its approval in the 1980s, the use of Xanax has skyrocketed in the United States as one of the most commonly prescribed psychotropic drugs, it is estimated that doctors write on 50 million prescriptions For Xanax each year, with prescription rates for this drug increasing continuously by almost 10% each year, by detoxification of the summit.

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The widespread use of Xanax can distract how it really works. Researchers from the University of Harvard and Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine new study , published on October 19 in the journal Psychological medicine , this sought to re -examine previous research on the efficiency of Alprazolam.

For this study, the researchers examined the published and unpublished data of five randomized controlled clinical trials that had been examined by the FDA. They specifically targeted the prolonged release formulation - known as Xanax XR - because it was more recently approved by the FDA in 2003, so that the agency's exam data was more easily accessible.

"Randomized controlled trials play a major role in training the basis of evidence and training clinical practice. However, clinical decision -making is based on accessible and published studies," the researchers said in their study. "Tests with statistically significant results are more likely to be published than trials with non -significant results, thus inflating estimates of the efficiency and safety of drugs."

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The researchers discovered that out of the five trials conducted, only three had been published in medical journals. In addition, when the FDA examined the results of the pharmaceutical company tests on how the medication worked for anxiety compared to a placebo, the agency determined only one of the five trials had clearly results positive.

"We have found that the Alprazolam XR can be less effective than published literature does not suggest," concluded the study. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

According to the researchers, the publication bias may have inflated Xanax efficiency by more than 40%.

The use of Xanax has been a controversial subject over the years - due to the concerns surrounding its dependence and potentially dangerous side effects. Some of the most common side effects Associated with Alprazolam includes an alteration of coordination, high blood pressure, difficulty in speaking, a decrease in mental vigilance, worsening depression and memory disorders, according to American drug addiction centers.

Long -term use can also lead to dependence and "potentially deadly" withdrawal symptoms, including psychosis, hallucinations and convulsions. It can also increase the risk of improper use of drugs, leading to a potential for overdose and death.

"Clinicians are well aware of these security problems, but there is essentially no question of thanking their efficiency," said the main author and former FDA reviewer Erick Turner , MD, professor of psychiatry at Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Tell SCI Tech Daily . "Our study launches cold water on the effectiveness of this medication. It shows that it can be less effective than people have assumed it."

Turner added that their research could be particularly relevant to clinics and patients who are considering Xanax to treat anxiety. "This study will strengthen the prudence of creating an order," he noted.

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Best Life offers the most up -to -date information for high -level experts, new research and health agencies, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the medication you take or any other health issue you have, always consult your health care provider directly.