This article aims to discuss the legality of Xanax in Nigeria. We’d tell you whether this medication is legal in Nigeria, and also provide you with a brief run-down of its use, side effects, precautions, and best ways to use it. Read on.
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Is Xanax Legal in Nigeria?
Yes, Xanax is legal and approved for use in Nigeria. However, as a psychotropic substance, Xanax is a controlled drug listed under Schedule IV of the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971, of which Nigeria is a signatory. As a controlled substance, there are some restrictions on the importation, manufacturing, procurement, storage, distribution, sale, and dispensing of Xanax in Nigeria.
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What is the Position of the Law on Xanax in Nigeria?
Nigeria is a signatory to several international Conventions which guide the regulation and control of controlled substances, including narcotics, psychotropic substances, and precursor chemicals. The UN Convention of Psychotropic Substances of 1971 (adopted in 1988), is the international convention that gives guidelines for the regulation and control of psychotropic substances such as Alprazolam (of which Xanax is a common brand) in Nigeria.
According to the aforementioned International Convention, psychotropic substances, including Alprazolam, are listed under Schedule IV of the said Convention. The provisions of the Convention of Psychotropic Substances of 1971, which are enforceable by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC), impose some restrictions on the importation, manufacturing, procurement, storage, distribution, sale, and dispensing of Xanax in Nigeria.
The UN Convention of Psychotropic Substances of 1971 empowers only registered pharmacists to import, manufacture, procure, store, distribute, sell, compound, and dispense psychotropic substances, like Xanax per the extant rules and laws in Nigeria.
Pharmacists in charge at the facility level (hospital, clinic, health centers) are charged with the responsibility of stocking psychotropic medications such as Xanax. They are also responsible for dispensing Xanax and other psychotropic substances to the patients and wards of health facilities as prescribed by the physician. Basically, pharmacists are responsible for the rational dispensing and use of Xanax in Nigeria.
Furthermore, empowers registered physicians of member states, including Nigeria, to fill in, sign, and stamp prescription forms of psychotropic substances such as Xanax. Given this, at the facility level (i.e. hospitals, clinics, etc), only licensed medical practitioners, dental surgeons, and veterinary surgeons can prescribe Xanax for the treatment and management of diagnosed ailments. This invariably implies that Xanax is not an over-the-counter drug that could be bought without a physician’s prescription. Therefore, sharing Xanax with someone not prescribed the drug is against the law.
The authority on which we base this section of this article is the National Policy for Controlled Substances.
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What is Xanax and What are its Uses?
Xanax is a common brand of Alprazolam medication, classified as a psychotropic substance according to the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971. Xanax belongs to the class of medications called benzodiazepines, which when ingested, alters the central nervous system of the body to produce a calming effect as a result.
Xanax is mainly used to treat the panic and anxiety symptoms that are common with panic disorder. This medication works by enhancing the effects of a certain natural chemical in the body (GABA), which produces a calming effect.
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How to Use Xanax Oral
Just as with every other drug, Xanax should be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Usually, doctors prescribe that patients take Xanax once daily in the morning. To reduce the likelihood of experiencing side effects, it is recommended that Xanax should not be taken with a high-fat meal. The proper way to ingest Xanax is to swallow the tablet whole. This medication should not be chewed or crushed as doing so releases all the drugs at once, which increases the risks of side effects.
Although Xanax is effective in treating symptoms of panic disorder, this medication has a risk of abuse and addiction. Patients with a history of substance use disorder (such as overuse/addiction to drugs and alcohol) are more likely candidates to abuse Xanax. Taking this medication exactly as prescribed reduces the likelihood of addiction.
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What are the Side Effects Associated with Xanax?
Almost all, if not every drug has associated side effects, however, some may be more pronounced than others. For Xanax, the common side effects include but are not limited to drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and constipation. Normally, these side effects should not last for long or get worse. But if any of the side effects of the drugs get worse, the patient should promptly contact his pharmacist or doctor.
One way to deal with dizziness and lightheadedness associated with Xanax is for the patient to get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. However, we should point out that a physician would not knowingly prescribe a medication that poses greater risks of side effects than what benefits the patient. To this end, patients who adhere to the instructions and prescriptions of their doctor do not experience serious side effects.
In the event of rare but serious side effects such as yellowing eyes or skin, seizures, loss of coordination, mood changes, swelling of the tongue/face/throat, or trouble breathing, medical help should be sought promptly.
Note that the side effects we mentioned here are not the complete list of all the possible side effects. Therefore, a patient who experiences any side effect not mentioned here should consult their doctor right away.
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Precautions to Put in Mind Before or During Xanax Use
Patients are advised to always tell their doctors of their allergic reactions before taking Xanax and other benzodiazepines. Certain inactive substances in Xanax may lead to allergic reactions or other problems. Also, before taking Xanax, patients should tell their doctors their medical history, particularly those relating to liver disease, glaucoma, severe lung/breathing issues, or a history of substance use disorder.
Furthermore, patients should not drive, operate machinery or perform any task that requires them to be alert after ingesting Xanax. This is because the drug might make them dizzy or drowsy. It is also advised that taking alcoholic beverages and tobacco smoking be avoided when taking Xanax.
Conclusively, pregnant women, lactating mums, and those planning to get pregnant may not take Xanax as it may harm the unborn baby and newborn. Older adults taking Xanax are more sensitive to side effects like loss of coordination, so extra attention should be paid to such patients to prevent them from falling.