A patient prescribed alprazolam (Xanax) for symptoms of anxiety shares with the nurse that, "I'm concerned about getting off this medication." Upon which fact will the nurse base the response to the patient's concern?
a. Long elimination half-life will result in a manageable withdrawal treatment plan.
b. Rapid absorption and distribution to brain cells make withdrawal more difficult to manage.
c. Sensitivity of the mesencephalic reticular activating system makes addiction un-likely.
d. The combination of medication with an antidepressant often positively impacts withdrawal.
ANS: B
In general, shorter-acting benzodiazepines are more difficult to taper and potentially cause more problems with withdrawal. The remaining options are neither true nor relevant.
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