How Does Xanax Abuse Affect The Eyes?

Xanax abuse includes many serious side effects, including effects on the eyes. Eye problems from Xanax use may include blurred vision, watery eyes, and even yellowing eyes.

Xanax belongs to the drug class benzodiazepines, which have a calming effect on the central nervous system (CNS), making them “CNS depressants”.

When taken at high doses, Xanax’s sedative effects are somewhat similar to those of opioids like fentanyl.

Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam. This drug has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of panic disorders, panic attacks, and anxiety disorders.

When taken at higher doses or in any way other than under the medical advice of healthcare professionals, physical dependence on Xanax can occur.

Effects Of Xanax Abuse On The Eyes

Xanax abuse can affect the eyes in multiple ways, including making them watery, blurry, or even leading to yellowing of the eyes.

Watery Eyes

One study showed that watery eyes can result from the abuse of benzodiazepine drugs, including Xanax. Watery eyes are not a serious impairment, and they may not even require medical attention.

If watery eyes persist for a long time or become a major issue, contacting a healthcare provider might be necessary.

Blurred Vision

Blurred vision can also result from abuse of benzos like Xanax. Sometimes, this blurred vision could get serious enough to make reading difficult.

Yellowing Of The Eyes

In rare cases, Xanax abuse may cause yellowing of the eyes. Yellowing of the eyes is a sign of jaundice, a condition that often results from liver damage.

Is Eye Yellowing Caused By Xanax Abuse Dangerous?

Eye yellowing is a symptom of jaundice, a condition that is usually linked to liver damage.

In rare cases, abuse of benzos like Xanax can cause damage to the liver, which then results in yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.

Jaundice on its own is not dangerous, but the condition often points to liver damage which can be fatal if left untreated.

Xanax Effects On The Eyes May Point To Overdose

Many of the early signs of Xanax overdose resemble the typical side effects of abusing the drug. Watery eyes, yellowing eyes, and blurred vision may or may not point to overdose.

Other possible early signs of Xanax overdose could include:

• drowsiness/sleepiness/tiredness
• lightheadedness
• dry mouth
• respiratory depression (slow/difficult breathing problems)
• headache

Treatment Options For Xanax Addiction

Xanax abuse and addiction can have devastating effects on physical and mental health.

A few of the possible outcomes of people who use Xanax to get high include life-threatening overdose, memory problems, suicidal thoughts, and crippling withdrawal symptoms.

Some people who abuse Xanax may swap the drug out for other benzos like diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or clonazepam (Klonopin).

Prescription drug abuse is not any safer than abuse of illicit drugs like cocaine or heroin.

Treatment for Xanax abuse usually starts in detox, which is a safe and medically monitored environment where a person can go through withdrawal symptoms.

Next, an inpatient treatment program is recommended for many people. Inpatient care is an opportunity to focus entirely on one’s recovery while receiving treatment every day.

Find Treatment For Substance Abuse At Bedrock Recovery Center

Bedrock Recovery Center is one of the east coast’s top addiction treatment facilities. We specialize in inpatient detox and treatment programs that are tailored to fit our clients’ needs.

Bedrock serves the entire east coast of the U.S. and our treatment programs are offered to everyone ranging from young adults to older people.

If you or a loved one has been struggling with substance abuse, now is the time to act. Call our helpline today to connect with an addiction specialist and learn more about our programs.