Xanax for bipolar disorder

Side Effects, Efficacy, and More

Xanax and Bipolar Disorder: Side Effects, Efficacy, and More

Health Conditions
- Featured
  - Breast Cancer
  - IBD
  - Migraine
  - Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  - Rheumatoid Arthritis
  - Type 2 Diabetes
- Articles
  - Acid Reflux
  - ADHD
  - Allergies
  - Alzheimer's & Dementia
  - Bipolar Disorder
  - Cancer
  - Crohn's Disease
  - Chronic Pain
  - Cold & Flu
  - COPD
  - Depression
  - Fibromyalgia
  - Heart Disease
  - High Cholesterol
  - HIV
  - Hypertension
  - IPF
  - Osteoarthritis
  - Psoriasis
  - Skin Disorders and Care
  - STDs
Discover
- Wellness Topics
  - Nutrition
  - Fitness
  - Skin Care
  - Sexual Health
  - Women's Health
  - Mental Well-Being
  - Sleep
- Product Reviews
  - Vitamins & Supplements
  - Sleep
  - Mental Health
  - Nutrition
  - At-Home Testing
  - CBD
  - Men’s Health
- Original Series
  - Fresh Food Fast
  - Diagnosis Diaries
  - You’re Not Alone
  - Present Tense
- Video Series
  - Youth in Focus
  - Healthy Harvest
  - No More Silence
  - Future of Health
Plan
- Health Challenges
  - Mindful Eating
  - Sugar Savvy
  - Move Your Body
  - Gut Health
  - Mood Foods
  - Align Your Spine
- Find Care
  - Primary Care
  - Mental Health
  - OB-GYN
  - Dermatologists
  - Neurologists
  - Cardiologists
  - Orthopedists
- Lifestyle Quizzes
  - Weight Management
  - Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
  - Are You a Workaholic?
  - How Well Do You Sleep?
- Tools & Resources
  - Health News
  - Find a Diet
  - Find Healthy Snacks
  - Drugs A-Z
  - Health A-Z
Connect
- - Breast Cancer
  - Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  - Psoriatic Arthritis
  - Migraine
  - Multiple Sclerosis
  - Psoriasis

Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. D. — By Susan York Morris — Updated on July 23, 2021

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a kind of mental illness that can interfere with daily living, relationships, work, and school. People with bipolar disorder are also at a greater risk for reckless behavior, substance abuse, and suicide. Bipolar disorder is often referred to by the older term “manic depression.”

The condition affects over 5.7 million adult Americans, according to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. Symptoms tend to start when people are in their late teens or 20s. However, children and older adults can get bipolar disorder, too.

There’s no cure for bipolar disorder. For many people, though, symptoms can be managed with a combination of medications and therapy. Treatment is often most successful when the disorder is diagnosed and treated soon after its symptoms appear.

A number of medications may be used to treat bipolar disorder. You’ll likely have to try different medications and combinations of medications to find the medication most effective for you that has the fewest side effects.

Medications for bipolar disorder include:

Mood stabilizers

Mood stabilizers are the first-line treatment for bipolar disorder. Lithium and certain anticonvulsants are often effective at managing the extreme changes in mood associated with bipolar disorder. All mood stabilizers treat the symptoms of mania. Several also treat the symptoms of depression. These include:

lithium (Lithobid)
lamotrigine (Lamictal), which is an anticonvulsant

Atypical antipsychotics

Atypical antipsychotic medications may be used to treat bipolar disorder. These include:

olanzapine (Zyprexa)
risperidone (Risperdal)
aripiprazole (Abilify)
quetiapine (Seroquel)

They may even be prescribed when you have no symptoms of psychosis. They’re often used in combination with other medications.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are often prescribed for people who are in the depressive phase of the bipolar cycle. Antidepressants should be used with caution. In some instances, they can trigger manic episodes or speed up the timing between the highs and lows of bipolar disorder. This is known as rapid cycling.

Minor tranquilizers

Minor tranquilizers may be prescribed for people with bipolar disorder. These may include:

alprazolam (Xanax)
diazepam (Valium)
lorazepam (Ativan)

They’re often used to control mania before mood stabilizers take effect. They can also treat sleeplessness. Additionally, they may help relieve anxiety, which is frequently experienced by people with bipolar depression. Xanax is one of the newer entries in the tranquilizer lineup, and it’s the most commonly prescribed.

Alprazolam (Xanax) is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are tranquilizers or anti-anxiety medications. They work by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in your brain. GABA is a chemical messenger that helps your brain function and carries signals from your brain to the rest of your body. Boosting GABA levels helps calm and relax people. It also helps people sleep.

Xanax may be prescribed to treat symptoms of the manic phase of bipolar disorder. These symptoms include:

racing thoughts and speech
high energy
reduced need for sleep
difficulty concentrating
impulsiveness
impatience

Xanax may offer an advantage over other benzodiazepines because it’s believed to be useful in treating depression as well as the revved-up highs of mania.

Sleepiness is the most common side effect associated with Xanax. Other symptoms you may experience when taking Xanax include:

drowsiness or fatigue
lightheadedness
difficulty concentrating
lack of coordination
sadness
lack of enthusiasm
slurred speech

Xanax may increase the effect of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. These CNS depressants may include:

pain medications
sedatives
antihistamines
muscle relaxers

Xanax and other benzodiazepines can become habit-forming, even when taken for short periods of time. People who take Xanax also often develop a tolerance to the medication and need to increase the amount of the drug for it to still be effective.

Don’t take Xanax if you’re pregnant or there’s a chance you may become pregnant. If you’re breastfeeding, check with your doctor before taking Xanax.

Many people experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking Xanax, including:

anxiety
irritability
nausea
vomiting
tremors
cramps
seizures

Xanax should be discontinued only under the care of a physician. Your doctor will help you gradually reduce the amount of medication to minimize withdrawal symptoms.

Work with your doctor to decide if Xanax is right for treating your bipolar disorder. Never suddenly stop any medication without consulting your doctor, so that they can create a tapering plan that’s right for you.

Last medically reviewed on November 17, 2017

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Alprazolam (Xanax). (2016).
nami.org/Learn-More/Treatment/Mental-Health-Medications/Alprazolam-%28Xanax%29
FDA requiring Boxed Warning updated to improve safe use of benzodiazepine drug class. (2020).
fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-requiring-boxed-warning-updated-improve-safe-use-benzodiazepine-drug-class
Frequently asked questions about bipolar disorder. (n.d.).
bbrfoundation.org/faq/frequently-asked-questions-about-bipolar-disorder
Kavan MG, et al. (2009). Generalized anxiety disorder: Practical assessment and management.
aafp.org/afp/2009/0501/p785.html

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Jul 23, 2021

Written By

Susan York Morris

Edited By

Yvette Brazier

Medically Reviewed By

Alan Carter, PharmD

Copy Edited By

Copy Editors

Nov 5, 2019

Written By

Susan York Morris

VIEW ALL HISTORY

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. D. — By Susan York Morris — Updated on July 23, 2021

Bipolar Disorder & Xanax Abuse

Xanax is often a target of substance abuse. It may be abused by people with or without a prescription. The calming, relaxing feelings that come with a Xanax “high” may lead some people to see it as a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder.

Taking Xanax without a prescription, or without approval for treating bipolar disorder, are forms of substance abuse.

Xanax abuse can make bipolar disorder worse, especially in the long term. Benzodiazepines are usually prescribed for short-term treatment. Taking or abusing benzodiazepines long-term can increase your risk of serious health problems.

Is Xanax An Approved Medication For Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a serious mood disorder that can make functioning difficult.

Approved medications for bipolar disorder include antipsychotic medications, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants. These medications treat symptoms of psychosis, the severity of mood swings, and depressive symptoms, respectively.

Xanax is neither an antipsychotic nor a mood stabilizer. It is a benzodiazepine that slows down activity in your brain. Its approved uses are for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorders, which includes panic disorders.

Xanax may still be prescribed for bipolar disorder treatment if your doctor or clinician thinks it’s appropriate. Long-term use of benzodiazepines is not recommended, especially for the treatment of bipolar disorder. You may want to look at more long-term treatment options with your doctor.

How Xanax Abuse Can Affect Bipolar Treatment

Xanax slows activity in the central nervous system, which includes the brain. Changes in brain chemistry can affect how you experience and process your bipolar disorder.

Xanax & Hypomania

Alprazolam can cause hypomania, which is a less severe form of a manic episode. Hypomania involves hyperactivity, elevated mood, racing thoughts, and increased energy.

Hypomania caused by alprazolam or Xanax may be more likely if the patient has pre-existing depression.

Other benzodiazepines, such as clonazepam, lorazepam, and diazepam are not known to cause hypomania. It may be possible that alprazolam is the only benzodiazepine that can cause bipolar symptoms, or make existing ones worse.

Xanax & Depressive Episodes

Depressive bipolar episodes, also known as bipolar depression, can cause a person to feel:

slowed down
unable to do basic tasks
increased appetite and weight gain
sleeping problems
hopelessness

Decreased physical and mental activity are also associated with Xanax use. Side effects of Xanax, such as drowsiness and trouble concentrating, can overlap with depressive symptoms and make bipolar depression even worse.

Instead of stabilizing your mood and managing mood swings, Xanax use can make depressive mood swings even more intense, leaving you with feelings of hopelessness or exhaustion.

Xanax Withdrawal & Bipolar Disorder

Xanax abuse can be a sign of chemical dependency, a substance use disorder, or other chronic drug use problems. If you’re abusing Xanax, you’ll likely experience withdrawal if you try to quit.

Xanax withdrawal symptoms can be more severe than other benzodiazepines. Some withdrawal symptoms can overlap with mood episodes and make them harder to deal with. Withdrawal symptoms that can make dealing with bipolar disorder more difficult include:

worsened anxiety
dissociation
suicidal ideation
sleep disturbances such as insomnia

Treatment Options For Xanax Abuse & Bipolar Disorder

Xanax abuse and bipolar disorder have separate treatment programs. Dual Diagnosis treatment options may be combined in comorbid patients.

Treatment For Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar treatment can depend on the type of bipolar disorder you are diagnosed with. Bipolar I is a more severe mental illness than bipolar II, and may require more intense treatment.

If you’re considering Xanax as a treatment for bipolar disorder, you may want to talk to your doctor first. They may prescribe you Xanax, but there is a significant chance they may prescribe you other approved medications that can act as mood stabilizers, including:

antipsychotics (quetiapine, olanzapine,
antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
anticonvulsants (lithium, lamotrigine)

New forms of psychotherapy such as interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) and family-focused therapy are designed specifically to treat bipolar disorder.

Treatment For Xanax Addiction

If you are already struggling with Xanax abuse, you could benefit from a substance abuse treatment program. These programs can teach you life skills that include learning how to live drug-free while managing withdrawal symptoms.

Common treatment methods for benzodiazepine abuse, which includes Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and others, can involve:

psychotherapy (such as behavioral therapy)
support groups
monitoring withdrawal symptoms

Bipolar disorder and drug abuse can be harmful to both the person suffering from these conditions and their loved ones. Proper treatment can help a person get on the path to recovery.

To find the best treatment available to you, talk to your healthcare professional or contact us today.

Written by Ark Behavioral Health Editorial Team

This page does not provide medical advice.

Sources

National Institute on Drug Abuse - Prescription CNS Depressants DrugFacts
National Institute of Mental Health - Bipolar Disorder
PubMed Central - Alprazolam-induced hypomania
PubMed Central - A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal
U. S. Food and Drug Administration - Xanax Label

what are the side effects? -Drink-Drink

Content

Medicines used for the treatment of bipolar disorder
- mood stabilizers
- Atypical antipsychotics
- Antidepressants
- Light Transquilizers 9000
- On Xanax
- CSANACS
- SSANAKS
What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a type of mental illness that can interfere with daily life, relationships, work, and school. People with bipolar disorder are also at greater risk of reckless behavior, substance abuse, and suicide. Bipolar disorder is often referred to by the old term "manic depression".

More than 5.7 million American adults suffer from this condition, according to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation. Symptoms tend to start when people are in their late teens or 20s. However, children and the elderly can also develop bipolar disorder.

There is no cure for bipolar disorder. However, for many people, symptoms can be controlled with a combination of medication and therapy. Treatment is often most successful when the disorder is diagnosed and treated shortly after the onset of its symptoms.

Drugs used to treat bipolar disorder

A number of drugs can be used to treat bipolar disorder. You will likely need to try different medications and combinations of medications to find the one that works best for you with the fewest side effects.

Medications for bipolar disorder include:

Mood stabilizers

Mood stabilizers are the first line of treatment for bipolar disorder. Lithium and some anticonvulsants are often effective for extreme mood changes associated with bipolar disorder. All mood stabilizers treat the symptoms of mania. Some also treat symptoms of depression. This includes:
- lithium (lithobid)
- lamotrigine (lamiktal), which is an anticonvulsant
Atypical antipsychotics

Atypical neuroleptics can be used to treat bipolar disorder. This includes:
- olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- risperidone (Risperdal)
- aripiprazole (Abilify)
- quetiapine (Seroquel)
They can be prescribed even in the absence of symptoms of psychosis. They are often used in combination with other medicines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are often prescribed for people who are in the depressive phase of a bipolar cycle. Antidepressants should be used with caution. In some cases, they can cause manic episodes or speed up the time between the ups and downs of bipolar disorder. This is known as fast cycling.

Mild tranquilizers

Mild tranquilizers may be prescribed for people with bipolar disorder. These may include:
- alprazolam (Xanax)
- diazepam (Valium)
- lorazepam (Ativan)
They are often used to control mania before mood stabilizers work. They can also treat insomnia. In addition, they may help reduce the anxiety that people with bipolar depression often experience. Xanax is one of the newest additions to the tranquilizer line and is the most commonly prescribed.

About Xanax

Alprazolam (Xanax) belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are tranquilizers or sedative drugs. They work by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in your brain. GABA is a chemical messenger that helps your brain function and sends signals from your brain to the rest of your body. Increasing GABA levels helps calm and relax people. It also helps people sleep.

Xanax may be prescribed to treat the symptoms of the manic phase of bipolar disorder. These symptoms include:
- racing thoughts and speech
- high energy
- reduced need for sleep
- difficulty concentrating
- impulsiveness
- impatience
useful in the treatment of depression, as well as in manic states.

Side effects of Xanax

Drowsiness is the most common side effect associated with Xanax. Other symptoms that may occur when taking Xanax include:
- Drows or fatigue
- Frivolity
- The difficulty of concentration
- Smate
- Lack of enthusiasm
- Inhospeted speech 9000
Xanax may strengthen the effect of alcohol and other depressants central nervous system (CNS). These CNS depressants may include:
- pain relievers
- sedatives
- antihistamines
- muscle relaxers
Xanax and the risk of addiction

Xanax and other short-term benzodiazepines may be habit-forming even though they may be habit-forming for short periods of time. People taking Xanax also often develop a tolerance to the drug and need to increase the amount of the drug to keep it effective.

Do not take Xanax if you are pregnant or if you might become pregnant. If you are breastfeeding, check with your doctor before taking Xanax.

Many people experience the symptoms of canceling after the ceasefire of Xanax, including:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Tremor
- Colitic
- seizures 9000
Ksanax should only be discontinued under the supervision of a doctor. Your doctor will help you gradually reduce your medications to minimize withdrawal symptoms.

Talk to your doctor to decide if Xanax is right for your bipolar disorder. Never stop taking your medication suddenly without talking to your doctor so they can develop a gradual dose reduction plan that's right for you.

Xanax and Bipolar Disorder: Side Effects, Effectiveness and More

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a kind of mental illness that can interfere with daily life, relationships, work and school. People with bipolar disorder are also at greater risk of reckless behavior, substance abuse, and suicide. Bipolar disorder is often referred to by the older term "manic depression". "

The condition affects more than 5.7 million American adults, according to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation. Symptoms usually begin when people are in their teens or 20s. However, children and adults can also get bipolar disorder.

There is no cure for bipolar disorder. For many people, symptoms can be managed with a combination of medication and therapy. Treatment is often most successful when the disorder is diagnosed and treated shortly after the onset of symptoms.

MedicationsMedications used to treat bipolar disorder

A number of drugs can be used to treat bipolar disorder. You may need to try different medications and combinations of medications to find the medication that works best for you and has the fewest side effects.

Medicines for bipolar disorder include:

Mood stabilizers

Mood stabilizers are the first line treatment for bipolar disorder. Lithium and some anticonvulsants are often effective in treating extreme mood swings associated with bipolar disorder. All mood stabilizers are symptoms of mania. Some also treat symptoms of depression. These include:
- lithium (Lithobid)
- lamotrigine (lamiktal), which is an anticonvulsant
Atypical antipsychotics

Atypical antipsychotics may be used to treat bipolar disorder. These include:
- olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- risperidone (risperdal)
- aripiprazole (Abilify)
- quetiapine (seroquel)
They can even be given if you don't have symptoms of psychosis. They are often used in combination with other medicines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are often prescribed for people who are in the depressive phase of a bipolar cycle. Antidepressants should be used with caution. In some cases, they can cause manic episodes or speed up the time between the highs and lows of bipolar disorder. This is called a fast cycle.

Minor tranquilizers

Minor tranquilizers may be prescribed for people with bipolar disorder. They may include:
- alprazolam (Xanax)
- diazepam (Valium)
- lorazepam (Ativan)
They are often used to control mania before the mood stabilizers take effect. They can also treat insomnia. In addition, they can help alleviate the anxiety that people with bipolar depression often experience. Xanax is one of the newer entries in the tranquilizer line, and it is the most commonly prescribed.

Xanax About Xanax

Alprazolam (Xanax) belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are tranquilizers or anti-anxiety medications. They work by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in your brain. GABA is a chemical messenger that helps your brain function and carries signals from your brain to the rest of your body. Increasing GAMB levels helps calm and relax people. It also helps people sleep.

Xanax may be prescribed to treat the symptoms of the manic phase of bipolar disorder. These symptoms include:
- racing thoughts and speech
- high energy
- decreased need for sleep
- difficulty concentration
- impulsivity
- impatience
Xanax may offer an advantage over other benzodiazepines because it is believed to be useful in treating depression as well as in raising the level of mania.

Xanax side effects Xanax side effects

Drowsiness is the most common side effect associated with Xanax. Other symptoms that may occur while taking Xanax include:
- drowsiness or tiredness
- frivolity
- concentration difficulty
- lack of coordination
- sadness
- lack of enthusiasm
- slurred speech
Xanax may increase the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. These CNS depressants may include:
- pain relievers
- sedatives
- antihistamines
- muscle relaxers
Xanax risks and dependency risk

Xanax and other benzodiazepines can become addictive even if taken for short periods of time. People taking Xanax also often develop tolerance to the drugs and need to increase the amount of the drug in order for it to still be effective.

Do not take Xanax if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant. If you are breastfeeding, check with your doctor before taking Xanax.

Many people experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking Xanax, including:
- anxiety
- irritability
- nausea
- vomiting
- tremor
- convulsions
- attacks
Xanax should only be discontinued under medical supervision. Your doctor will help you gradually reduce your medications to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Learn more

Xanax for bipolar disorder