Can Xanax treat dizziness? (+3 treatment options)
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
In this article, we will discuss whether Xanax treats dizziness. We will also explore the potential treatment options for dizziness.
Can Xanax treat dizziness?
Xanax does not treat dizziness. However, Xanax may have a calming effect that could indirectly reduce dizziness associated with certain mental disorders such as anxiety, or panic attacks, but it does not directly treat dizziness or the other underlying causes of dizziness.
Xanax, (alprazolam), is a prescription drug that belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Its primary use is to manage and treat symptoms of anxiety and panic disorders. Xanax works by agonizing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid, which in turn helps to reduce the symptoms associated with anxiety and promote relaxation (2).
What does research suggest?
According to research, no evidence supports the role of Xanax in the management of dizziness. Xanax may cause dizziness as a side effect when used by individuals. However, it can not be used in the treatment of dizziness itself (1).
Xanax is primarily prescribed for the treatment and management of anxiety disorders and panic disorders. It may have a calming effect that indirectly reduces the associated symptoms of anxiety including dizziness, but can not target the dizziness induced by other underlying causes such as high blood pressure and migraines (2).
What are the potential treatment options for dizziness?
Dizziness can be associated with various underlying conditions, so the treatment of dizziness depends upon its underlying cause. Your healthcare provider may recommend different interventions for dizziness based on the root causes of dizziness.
Lifestyle changes
Drinking water: Dizziness can be associated with an unhealthy lifestyle of individuals. Such as dehydration may trigger dizziness and headaches in some people, which can be treated by drinking a sufficient amount of water daily. Identifying the underlying cause of dizziness is helpful in the appropriate management of it.
Reduce salt intake: Dizziness can be associated with high salt intakes in certain conditions such as Meniere’s disease, which can be managed by reducing the salt intake, which in turn balances the fluid in the inner ear and reduces dizziness (5).
Avoid alcohol: If you are experiencing dizziness due to high alcohol intake, then by avoiding alcohol you can reduce the incidence and severity of dizziness.
Regular exercise: Dizziness can also be associated with underlying stress, which can be managed by regular exercise and stress management strategies.
Treatment of underlying medical conditions
Dizziness can also occur as a symptom of various underlying health conditions. It is important to identify and manage those conditions, so you can get relief from dizziness and their other associated symptoms. Your healthcare provider may prescribe you medications based on your medical condition.
Underlying health conditions
There are certain underlying health conditions that can be responsible for triggering dizziness in individuals such as,
- High blood pressure
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Migraines
- Anemia
- Neurological disorders
- Ear infections
- Lyme diseases
- Hypoglycemia etc
If the dizziness is associated with these or any other medical condition, it can not be reduced until you get treatment for your underlying health conditions. If you experience dizziness due to your underlying medical conditions, it is necessary to consult your healthcare provider so he can guide you based on your factors.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe you a specific class of medications to treat your underlying medical condition responsible for dizziness such as, antiemetics can be prescribed for treating nausea and vomiting whereas antihypertensive can manage your high blood pressure.
The choice of medication is made by your healthcare provider, so it is important to not take any medication on your own and reach out to your healthcare provider for appropriate treatment.
Discontinuation of medications responsible for dizziness
Dizziness can also occur as a side effect of certain medications such as antidepressants (Citalopram), antipsychotics (aripiprazole), and anticonvulsants ( phenytoin) etc. Discontinuing these medications or switching to other medications can also be helpful sometimes to reduce dizziness (4).
However, you should never discontinue any medication abruptly without consulting your healthcare provider because it may lead to withdrawal effects that further worsen your condition. Always consult your healthcare provider before discontinuing any medication to avoid any unwanted side effects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, based on my knowledge and experience, Xanax can not be used for the treatment of dizziness. It might help in the management of dizziness if the underlying cause of it is anxiety because Xanax is primarily prescribed for these conditions.
In my opinion, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider even if you know the underlying cause of your dizziness. Do not take any medication for dizziness without consulting your healthcare provider.
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References
1.-
Ruiz AT. A double-blind study of alprazolam and lorazepam in the treatment of anxiety. J Clin Psychiatry. 1983 Feb;44(2):60-2. PMID: 6131066.
2.-
George TT, Tripp J. Alprazolam. [Updated 2023 Apr 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538165/
3.-
Ait-Daoud N, Hamby AS, Sharma S, Blevins D. A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal. J Addict Med. 2018 Jan/Feb;12(1):4-10. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000350. PMID: 28777203; PMCID: PMC5846112. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5846112/
4.-
Chimirri S, Aiello R, Mazzitello C, Mumoli L, Palleria C, Altomonte M, Citraro R, De Sarro G. Vertigo/dizziness as a Drugs’ adverse reaction. J Pharmacol Pharmacother. 2013 Dec;4(Suppl 1):S104-9. doi: 10.4103/0976-500X.120969. PMID: 24347974; PMCID: PMC3853661. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3853661/
5.-
https://www.De Luca P, Cassandro C, Ralli M, Gioacchini FM, Turchetta R, Orlando MP, Iaccarino I, Cavaliere M, Cassandro E, Scarpa A. Dietary Restriction for The Treatment of Meniere’s Disease. Transl Med UniSa. 2020 May 31;22:5-9. PMID: 32523900; PMCID: PMC7265917. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7265917/
