As its popularity in treating anxiety has soared over the years, Xanax — known in its generic form as alprazolam — has simultaneously become one of the most widely abused prescription drugs. The medication helps users feel relaxed and calm; sometimes sleepy and sometimes lightheaded. In those ways, it resembles another popular substance used for relaxation and calm: alcohol.
A university chemical psychologist says alprazolam is “actually alcohol in pill form.” Like use of alcohol, use of alprazolam can result in a DUI in the state of Colorado.
In studies of driver reactions to a therapeutic dose of alprazolam (1 milligram), some participants had difficulty keeping their vehicles in their lanes, while others had to be stopped from driving because they were too drowsy to continue. So it’s not surprising that Denver drivers who use alprazolam are sometimes pulled over and charged with DUID (driving under the influence of drugs).
New users of the medication are especially prone to difficulties driving, experts say. They caution new users to become familiar with the effects of the drug before they drive after taking it.
A recent news article stated that in Alabama, alprazolam has passed marijuana as the number two cause of impaired driving. Last year, 29 percent of DUI cases in the state involved Xanax/alprazolam while 23 percent involved marijuana.
For Denver residents facing charges of driving under the influence of a prescription drug, prosecution can be more complex than in an alcohol-related case. An attorney experienced in impaired driving charges involving alprazolam, Valium (diazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam) or Ativan (lorazepam) can assess the evidence and your legal options.