For those who struggle with anxiety and panic attacks, Xanax can be a helpful tool to calm your nervous system. But what happens when you combine this medication with other substances like alcohol? Oftentimes, it can cause dangerous side effects that put your health in danger.
With the abuse of Xanax prevalent today, it’s even more important to be aware of the negative effects of mixing it with alcohol and other types of drugs. We’ll take a look at what Xanax is used for, the dangers of combining it with other substances, and safe practices for taking this medication.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is the brand name for the medication, alprazolam. It’s used to treat anxiety and panic disorders by calming your nervous system. This medication creates a calming effect by attaching to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain. GABA is the neurotransmitter responsible for slowing down nerve signals.
As Xanax attaches to GABA receptors, it makes it easier for GABA to attach to these receptors as well. This can physically relax your body and help relieve anxiety. However, it also can make you feel drowsy and cause coordination problems.
Medications similar to Xanax include Valium, Ativan, Klonopin, and Restoril. These drugs like Xanax can produce similar results, but it’s best to talk with your doctor about the best treatment options if you struggle with an anxiety disorder or a panic disorder.
How Do You Take Xanax?
Xanax is taken orally in a tablet or liquid form. The tablet may either be a Xanax pill that you swallow or an orally disintegrating tablet that you put on your tongue. You may have also heard the term Xanax bar. Xanax bars come in a rectangular form that can be broken up into smaller pieces. The different colors differentiate the strength of the pill. While white is the most common color, there are other variations like blue or peach Xanax.
Xanax Dosages
Xanax comes in increments of .25 mg. Your doctor will likely start you on a small dose and increase it as needed. It’s important to take only the amount prescribed by your doctor to decrease the chances of an overdose or becoming addicted.
Side Effects of Xanax
As with other mood-altering medications, Xanax can cause side effects. While some are more serious than others, it’s important to communicate with your doctor if you experience any adverse effects of Xanax.
Xanax side effects can include dizziness, disorientation, joint pain, nausea, fatigue, and weight changes. In certain cases, more serious side effects may occur. If this happens, you’ll want to seek emergency treatment right away. Serious side effects include:
- Confusion
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty with balance or coordination
- Seizures
- Severe skin rash
- Shortness of breath
- Yellowing eyes or skin
Is Xanax Addictive?
Xanax is very addicting. It is a fast-acting drug which means you often feel the effects fairly quickly after taking it. This can make Xanax more susceptible to abuse, and those who have a history of substance abuse may be more vulnerable to becoming addicted. It’s also a highly sought-after drug in the illicit market because of its ability to make you feel a euphoric high.
When taken illegally, it’s often used in higher doses than the recommended therapeutic amounts, which increases the chance of addiction. Ultimately, you’ll want to take precautions if you are prescribed Xanax. Only take the prescribed amount and don’t mix the medication with other substances that could cause dangerous side effects.
Leading Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center in Nashville, TN
If you or somebody you love struggles with substance abuse, we are here to help. Brentwood Springs Detox Programs is a leading center for drug and alcohol rehab in Middle Tennessee. Our compassionate team provides evidence-based care to help you break the pattern of addiction and start your healing journey. Contact us at (615) 560-7545 to learn more about starting your detox journey.
Xanax Interactions
There are a number of substances that can interact with Xanax and cause dangerous side effects. We’ll cover what are the dangers of taking Xanax with other substances like alcohol, Adderall, and opioids.
Xanax and Alcohol
When Xanax and alcohol are combined, it can cause several adverse side effects that can turn dangerous. Taken together, they can cause a more intense “buzz” and also worsen the side effects of each, such as:
- Mood
- Sedation
- Memory impairment
- Headache
- Low blood pressure
- Blurred vision
Long-term Effects of Xanax and Alcohol
When Xanax and alcohol are taken together long term, you can become dependent on them and experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop. You could also run the risk of developing serious conditions like liver failure, cognitive impairments, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. If you are dependent on both Xanax and alcohol, it’s important to work with a trusted detox program to safely stop taking the substances.
Adderall and Xanax
While alcohol and Xanax both have depressant effects on the central nervous system, Adderall is a stimulant. Since these two medications work in two different ways, is it okay to take them together?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labels for Xanax and Adderall don’t list interactions between the two, but it’s still best to use caution. It’s also worth noting that since the two drugs have opposite effects on the nervous system, neither may be as effective.
Certain factors can increase the risk of dangerous side effects when taking Adderall and Xanax together. This includes taking more than the prescribed dose or combining the two drugs with other substances like alcohol or opioids. If you have a medical condition, like heart disease, this can also increase the chances of a dangerous drug interaction.
H3: Opioids and Xanax
Mixing opioids and Xanax can cause dangerous side effects, and, in the most severe cases, lead to death. In fact, the FDA has issued its strongest warning against mixing opioids with benzodiazepines (like Xanax).
If for any reason your medical team has prescribed both medications, you’ll want to follow the dosage instructions very closely. Symptoms like lightheadedness, dizziness, difficulty breathing, extreme sleepiness, or unresponsiveness signal that you should seek emergency care immediately.
How to Safely Use Xanax
The safest way to use Xanax is to take the medication exactly as prescribed and avoid mixing it with other substances that can cause unsafe interactions. If you ever have a question about how Xanax interacts with another substance, always talk to your medical team first. It’s important to be upfront about any other substances you’re taking to avoid dangerous side effects.
Keep in mind that it can also be dangerous to take Xanax long term because you can quickly develop a tolerance to it. This causes the need to up your dosage to feel its effects. If you find yourself becoming overly dependent on Xanax, you may want to talk with your doctor about alternative ways to cope with your anxiety. This could include therapy, another type of medication, or mindfulness exercises like meditation or yoga.
Xanax Withdrawal
If you’ve decided to stop taking Xanax, it’s important to do so under medical supervision. This can help you avoid more serious withdrawal effects. You’ll likely taper off of the drug to lessen the side effects.
Xanax withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Blurry vision
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Seizure
- Suicidal thoughts
- Uncontrolled movements
You may also experience long-term symptoms after your withdrawal, like cognitive difficulty, muscle twitches, and ringing in the ears.
Where to Turn For Xanax Detox
For those who are addicted to Xanax and choose to detox, doing so in a detox center can provide you with the support you need to get clean in a safe way. This can be especially important if you are taking Xanax along with another substance, as withdrawal symptoms can be intensified.
A detox center provides medical support to monitor your withdrawal symptoms along with mental health services in a healing environment. Your treatment team will monitor your progress and help you set up healthy habits to put into practice after your detox.
Get The Help You Need At Any of Our Brentwood Springs Detox Programs
If you’re ready to make a change in your life and break free from substance abuse, we are here for you. At Brentwood Springs Detox Programs, we offer a personalized approach to detox – taking time to understand your story and your long-term goals. Our program offers comprehensive treatment plans to heal your body, mind, and soul.
If you or a loved one is ready to start the drug detox journey, our compassionate team at Brentwood Springs Detox Programs is here to answer any questions you may have. Learn more about the addiction services we offer when you call (615) 560-7545.
