What Happens If You Take Too Much Xanax? Understanding the Overdose Risks
Most medications may cause side effects that can be serious or mild. To give you an idea of what might occur with Xanax, we’ve listed some of the medication’s more common side effects below. Keep in mind that we haven’t included all the potential side effects. As the Xanax overdose worsens, essential organs like the liver and kidneys may suffer because of a lack of oxygen and proper blood flow.
Overdose can cause severe respiratory depression, where breathing becomes very slow or stops. Immediate medical intervention is necessary to prevent life-threatening complications in overdose cases. Alprazolam is one of the most widely abused prescription drugs around the world. The medication can also create a feeling of euphoria when taken in larger doses, which is why cases of overdosing on Alprazolam are so common.
Xanax Dosage
For this reason, it is important not to adjust your Xanax dose without first getting permission from your doctor. As an FDA-approved medication, Xanax is safe and effective when taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. However, as a Schedule IV controlled substance, it can increase the risk of abuse, addiction and dependence, especially if not taken as prescribed. Taking more Xanax than prescribed or taking it more often than prescribed can increase your risk of Xanax addiction and overdose. Benzodiazepines like Xanax are intended for short-term use under strict medical supervision. However, both intentional and accidental misuse increases the risk of overdose.
Lethal Xanax Dosages
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- This condition requires immediate medical attention, as it can quickly become life-threatening.
- Talk to your doctor about drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
- This effect may last for a few days after you Stop taking alprazolam.
- If you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health, Xanax may not be the right choice for you.
- Doctors can monitor your vital signs and mental status while Xanax works its way out of your body.
Xanax overdose is a severe risk that highlights the need for responsible use of this powerful medication. While Xanax can be beneficial for certain mental health conditions, understanding its potential for overdose and dependency is essential. Recognizing the symptoms, knowing the risk factors, and following prevention strategies are vital steps in lowering the chances of an overdose. In cases of overdose, timely medical intervention can be life-saving, highlighting the significance of awareness. With guidance from healthcare professionals and safe usage techniques, it is possible to use Xanax effectively and responsibly without compromising health. Treatment for someone who overdosed on Alprazolam and other benzodiazepines includes supportive care, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Preventing a Xanax Overdose
The federal government regulates controlled substances because taking them may lead some people to misuse the drugs. If you have anxiety, your medical professional may recommend that you take a prescription drug called Xanax. The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience.
What may interact with this medication?
Hence, early intervention is necessary to prevent this problem from getting worse. People typically abuse can you overdose on xanax medication to relieve pain, stay awake, get high, or fit in their social circle. Because of its pleasurable effects, they continue to seek drugs and feed their addiction despite its consequences. If you notice any of the warning signs listed above, call 911.
When you take Xanax, it helps your brain release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of euphoria. If you take the drug every day, then your brain becomes accustomed to this euphoric feeling. Paroxetine is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and …
Keep in mind that we haven’t listed all types of drugs that may interact with Xanax. Your medical professional or pharmacist can provide more details as well as information on other possible interactions. It’s important to talk with your medical professional before taking Xanax. You should discuss your overall health and any medical conditions you may have. Drugs other than benzodiazepines can also be used to treat anxiety. They work differently in your body to relieve anxiety symptoms.
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- This deep state of unconsciousness is a medical emergency that necessitates urgent intervention to prevent permanent damage or death.
- The mix of alprazolam and fentanyl is a deadly combination and is very likely to cause lethal outcomes.
- A doctor may give adults flumazenil injections if they have overdosed on benzodiazepines.
- Elderly patients are more sensitive to Xanax’s effect and are generally prescribed smaller doses to prevent adverse reactions.
A more severe allergic reaction may also occur, but this is rare. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may include swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing. You may also experience swelling under your skin, often in your lips, eyelids, hands, or feet. If you’re concerned about weight gain or loss with Xanax, talk with your medical professional. They can recommend healthy ways for you to manage your weight.
CNS depressants include opioids, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, medications for sleep, alcohol, and street drugs. Talk to your care team about all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you take. Call emergency services right away if you have slow or shallow breathing, feel dizzy or confused, or have trouble staying awake. While rare, it is possible to experience overdose-like symptoms even at standard dosages if Xanax is used with other substances, such as alcohol or certain medications. Factors such as tolerance, body weight, metabolism, and prior health conditions can also impact how the drug affects the body. Following medical guidance and avoiding interactions with other substances reduces this risk.
Coma occurs due to the drug’s depressant effects on brain activity, making the individual unresponsive. At this stage, medical intervention is necessary, as extended unconsciousness can cause long-term damage or even death if untreated. Recognizing the signs of Alprazolam overdose can be difficult as they are similar to other medical conditions. In fact, early Xanax overdose symptoms resemble the side effects of the standard use of the drug, including difficulty focusing, drowsiness, dry mouth, headaches.