Does Xanax give you energy? (3+ findings)
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 or not Xanax gives you energy, research findings on the relationship between Xanax and boosting energy, and what to do if Xanax causes fatigue or lethargy.
Does Xanax give you energy?
No, Xanax doesn’t give you energy, Xanax calms and relaxes you rather than giving you energy.
Xanax is the brand name of the medication alprazolam. Alprazolam belongs to the group of drugs known as benzodiazepines, it is used to treat panic and anxiety disorders. It works by reducing excessive mental stimulation. (1)
Gamma Amino-Butyric Acid (GABA) is a brain molecule that induces relaxation and serenity. Xanax works by enhancing the effects of GABA. As a result, the brain activity is lowered by Xanax. (2)
Individuals respond differently to anxiolytics, so it’s difficult to gauge how these medications will make you feel before taking them. Make sure you take your medication as directed, and contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about any adverse effects.
What does research suggest?
According to research, two large, randomized clinical trials comparing alprazolam (Xanax) to placebo were conducted.
To investigate the symptoms of panic and anxiety disorders, plasma concentrations in the range of 20-40 ng/ml have been involved.
Larger concentrations are linked to more pronounced CNS depressive effects. The most frequent adverse effects of Xanax were sleepiness, dizziness, lethargy (lack of energy), headaches, memory loss, and depressive symptoms.
These effects resulted from the drug’s pharmacological action in enhancing the effects of GABA in the brain.
The study came to the conclusion that, after carefully weighing the advantages and disadvantages of treatment, Xanax can be used efficiently and safely when administered appropriately.
It has been reported that patients treated with Xanax frequently report experiencing extreme fatigue (loss of energy) as a side effect of its use. (3)
As an anxiolytic, Xanax does not increase serotonin levels in the brain like antidepressants do, so it cannot make you feel energized.
What should you do if Xanax causes persistent fatigue or lethargy?
If Xanax causes persistent fatigue or lethargy that affects your daytime activities (you feel fatigued during work or driving), you should consult your healthcare provider.
The best course of action will be determined once your healthcare provider assesses your case. They might advise attempting alternative therapies with fewer side effects such as Lorazepam or modifying your Xanax dosage.
Selecting an initial dose is the first stage in the tapering or lowering of the dose process. In order to achieve this, your healthcare provider must consider the dosage and duration of your medication.
It usually takes at least 8 weeks to discontinue Xanax. Healthcare providers frequently reduce the dosage by 25% for each 1/4 of the withdrawal period. For example, if you are taking a dose of 6mg daily, this dose will be reduced to 4.5 mg for 2 weeks, then will be reduced to 3mg for another 2 weeks, and so forth. (4)
You can attempt the following techniques to deal with your lack of energy and lethargy in the interim: (5)
Self-care techniques to increase your energy levels
Exercise often: Exercising regularly might help with fatigue and low energy. Include the things you enjoy doing in your daily routine. Endorphins are released during exercise and have the ability to elevate mood and lessen fatigue.
Keep a healthy lifestyle: Make sure you have a balanced lifestyle by eating a healthy and balanced diet rich in important vitamins, and minerals that can provide you with energy, and getting enough hours of sleep (7-8 hours of sleep).
Developing a daily healthy balanced routine and engaging in self-care activities can enhance general well-being.
Manage your body weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of HD (Heart Disease), type II diabetes, and some cancers. Excess weight can also affect the production of hormones that lead to decreasing your energy levels. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can reduce these risks.
Drink plenty of water and natural juices: consuming fluids makes people feel less tired and fatigued, which helps them to be more attentive, focused, and energized.
Conclusion
To the best of my understanding and research, Xanax is an anxiolytic, it helps you stay calm and relaxed and does not energize you. If you feel lethargic and exhausted after taking Xanax, talk to your physician about changing your medication or dosage, and engage in self-care activities to boost your energy.
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References
1.-
Alprazolam: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684001.html#:~:text=Alprazolam%20is%20used%20to%20treat,abnormal%20excitement%20in%20the%20brain.
2.-
George TT, Tripp J. Alprazolam [Internet]. Nih.gov. StatPearls Publishing; 2019. 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. Journal of Addiction Medicine [Internet]. 2017 Aug;12(1):4–10. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5846112/
4.-
How to Taper off Xanax | American Addiction Centers [Internet]. American Addiction Centers. 2019. Available from: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/xanax-treatment/weaning-tapering
5.-
Physical Wellness Toolkit [Internet]. National Institutes of Health (NIH). 2017. Available from: https://www.nih.gov/health-information/physical-wellness-toolkit#:~:text=Get%20active&text=Moving%20more%20and%20sitting%20less,when%20it%20comes%20to%20movement.
