Are you suffering from fatty liver and worried if it could be due to Xanax? Or the doctor has held Xanax responsible for your acute liver injury. Well, he may be right.
Xanax is beneficial for anxiety disorder when used in appropriate amounts according to the prescription of the doctor. Xanax is broken down in your liver, and its excessive or long-term use causes liver problems. Using Xanax alongside other depressants, whether medications or alcohol or drugs, is also harmful to your liver.
This detailed article will help you in understanding the impacts of Xanax on your liver. You will also learn how to use it safely and what to do if you are suffering liver problems with Xanax use. Let’s find out more below.
Understanding Xanax Metabolism
Xanax metabolism is done in our liver. Different enzymes break down food or other chemicals in your liver, helping the body efficiently consume it.
CYP3A4 is the enzyme that breaks down Xanax in your liver. It is divided into two types of compounds: a-hydroxy alprazolam and 4-hydroxy alprazolam. After this, it becomes less toxic and ready for withdrawal through your urinary system.
This metabolism can be fast and slow depending upon the person’s liver health. Physical symptoms like height, weight, body mass, and general health can also affect it. Metabolism can also be slow compared to healthy people in older or weaker people.
How Does Xanax Affect Your Liver?
Xanax affects your liver primarily depending on two factors. The amount of dosage you use and the time you use it. Alcoholic beverages or other drugs usage alongside Xanax can also make it difficult for your liver to break down. It can result in affecting your liver in several ways. Here are some ways in which the liver affects your liver.
Fatty Liver
The first effect that Xanax might cause is fatty liver. Fatty liver is caused by the spread of fats in your liver. Here are some of the common problems that might be caused by fatty liver.
- Confusion
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling in your legs
- Weakness
- Drowsiness
- Jaundice
- Nausea
- Weight loss
Acute Liver Injury
Acute liver injury is a severe condition that happens when your liver suddenly stops working. Overdose is the main cause of acute liver injury. It can lead you to low blood sugar bacterial and fungal infections.
Cirrhosis Of The Liver
Xanax can also cause cirrhosis of the liver. It is a severe condition in which your damaged tissues replace your healthy ones. Cirrhosis of the liver is divided into four different stages.
- Steatosis (Inflammation of the liver)
- Scarring (fibrosis of the liver)
- Cirrhosis
- Liver failure
Damage Nerve Tissue
Another effect that Xanax might cause is damage to your nerve tissue. Damage nerve issues can lead you to serious problems like;
- Tingling
- Burning sensation
- Loss of sensation
- Severe pain
Symptoms Of Unhealthy Liver
Long-term Xanax use can seriously affect your liver. Here are some of the common symptoms of an unhealthy liver. Contact your doctor as soon as you notice any liver problems if you are using Xanax.
- Pale or stool
- Vomiting blood
- Chronic fatigue
- Jaundice
- Swelling
- Itchy skin
- Dark urine
- Abdominal pain
- Deceased diet
- Feeling nausea
- Tendency to bruise easily
Tips To Protect Your Liver From Xanax
You must be very careful with Xanax usage. The best way is to use it according to the doctor’s prescription. It is enough to keep you safe from all the side effects of Xanax. Here are some practical tips to protect your liver from all the possible side effects of using Xanax.
- Avoid drugs and alcohol; Avoid all other drugs like Marijuana, weed, cocaine, and alcohol if you are using Xanax. Even a little beer is also harmful to your health.
- Avoid other depressants. Using other depressants like gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), barbiturates, opioids, etc., with Xanax can seriously damage your liver. Inform your doctor about it if you are using any of them before taking Xanax.
- Other medications: Your other medicines can also interact with Xanax and damage your liver. Avoid all other medications and use them only after your doctor’s approval.
- Healthy Diet: A healthy diet can make your liver healthy and improve your performance. A healthy diet will help you reduce the effects of Xanax on your liver and keep it safe.
- Regular exercise: Regular exercise also improves your liver’s health. It will also help you make your liver more healthy and break down Xanax.
Final Words
Xanax is safe for your liver if used in prescribed amounts for the recommended period. Nut Xanax abuse is bad for your liver and health. It can cause severe damage to your liver and can even result in liver failure in some cases.
Following our practical tips will help you prevent any damage to the liver and other side effects caused by Xanax. But if you have started feeling liver problems with Xanax, consult your physician as soon as possible and get the necessary treatment.