Does Xanax help with stomach pain? (+3 factors)
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
This article will address a number of topics, including whether or not Xanax relieves stomach pain, its potential effects on pain relief, studies and scientific evidence supporting its efficacy in treating stomach pain, additional factors that may contribute to stomach pain, and Xanax alternatives to consider if you experience stomach pain while taking the medication.
Does Xanax help with stomach pain?
Xanax can help with stomach pain but it is important to note that Xanax is neither a painkiller nor an antispasmodic medication. It is not intended for pain relief and should never be used solely for that purpose.
It is a recognized fact that anxiety and related symptoms can upset the gastrointestinal tract and cause stomach-related issues. These symptoms, often associated with anxiety can be managed by Xanax – not because Xanax is an effective painkiller or a medication used for gastrointestinal issues, but because Xanax is an anxiolytic that can manage anxiety, which can trigger gastrointestinal disturbances.
Therefore, Xanax primarily addresses the root cause and may not serve as a painkiller directly. While Xanax might exhibit some gastro-relaxant properties, its use for that purpose is not approved by the FDA.
What does research suggest?
A study was carried out, according to research, to determine how alprazolam (Xanax) affected acid reflux and esophageal motility.
A clinical investigation with ten healthy participants was conducted utilizing a randomized design. Two groups of participants were formed: one group received a placebo while the other group was given one tablet of alprazolam (0.25 mg) to be taken three times per day.
In both the drug and placebo groups, motility, PH monitoring, and esophageal motility were monitored.
The lower ESP (Esophageal Sphincter Pressure) and motility were not significantly affected by alprazolam. However, there was a notable drop in the pressure of the upper ES.
More importantly, during the study’s alprazolam phase, 1/3 of the volunteers experienced high levels of acid reflux during their sleep. This impact was most likely caused by alprazolam’s suppression of the CNS interfering with the regular processes of acid clearance during the night.
According to the study’s findings, Xanax can relieve the pressure on the upper esophageal sphincter, and it can be taken on an empty stomach without causing side effects. As a result, Xanax can ease stomach pain. However, there is a risk of acid reflux while taking Xanax, so caution must be used. (1)
What factors can contribute to stomach pain while taking Xanax?
There are several factors that can contribute to gastritis (stomach pain) while taking Xanas, some of which include: (2)
NSAIDS: Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs, such as naproxen and ibuprofen can damage the stomach lining and increase the risk of stomach pain in certain individuals.
Certain medical conditions: People who have medical disorders such as Helicobacter pylori infection, peptic ulcer (ulcers in the stomach and intestine), auto-immune diseases, and a history of stomach surgery are more prone to experiencing stomach pain while taking Xanax.
Alcohol and smoking: Their use can aggravate gastric pain symptoms as they irritate the stomach and can cause inflammation in the stomach.
Spicy food: eating a lot of spicy or acidic food can aggravate gastritis.
Stress: Gastritis can be brought on by ongoing stress.
What medications are used for stomach pain?
There are several medications that can be used or prescribed for your stomach pain.
If you experience gastritis while taking Xanax, consult your healthcare provider immediately. They will assist you in identifying the precise cause of your stomach pain by performing the appropriate tests, and provide you with advice on how to use Xanax.
Your healthcare provider may lower your dosage or switch you to another anxiolytic that is less prone to cause gastric adverse effects such as oxazepam, temazepam, or chlordiazepoxide. They are proven to be well-tolerated by many individuals. (3)
You should not alter your medication without first speaking with your healthcare provider.
Medications that lessen stomach acidity
Additionally, your physician might recommend medications that lessen stomach acidity, such as:
- Antacids like Tums, and Maalox.
- H2-antagonists such as famotidine and cimetidine.
- PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors), if your gastritis is severe and inflaming the stomach wall, PPIs can be prescribed to reduce the risk of peptic ulcers. Examples of PPIs include Omeprazole and Esomeprazole. (4)
Conclusion
According to my knowledge and research, Xanax may be able to relieve stomach pain in certain people. Studies have shown that Xanax may lower the pressure in the upper esophageal sphincter, which in turn may assist in relieving stomach discomfort. If you use Xanax and have stomach pain, talk to your doctor about reducing the dosage or switching to a different medicine. If needed, they can also prescribe antacids or H2-antagonists to relieve your stomach pain.
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References
1.-
Singh S, Bailey RT, Stein HJ, DeMeester TR, Richter JE. Effect of alprazolam (Xanax) on esophageal motility and acid reflux. The American Journal of Gastroenterology [Internet]. 1992 Apr 1 [cited 2023 Oct 27];87(4):483–8. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1553935/#:~:text=Upper%20esophageal%20sphincter%20pressure%2C%20however,alprazolam%20phase%20of%20the%20study.
2.-
Abdominal (Stomach) Pain: Causes & When To Call The Doctor [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2022. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/4167-abdominal-pain
3.-
Edinoff AN, Nix CA, Hollier J, Sagrera CE, Delacroix BM, Abubakar T, et al. Benzodiazepines: Uses, Dangers, and Clinical Considerations. Neurology International [Internet]. 2021 Nov 10;13(4):594–607. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8629021/
4.-
Vestergaard P, Rejnmark L, Mosekilde L. Proton Pump Inhibitors, Histamine H2 Receptor Antagonists, and Other Antacid Medications and the Risk of Fracture. Calcified Tissue International. 2006 Aug;79(2):76–83. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16927047/
