Published on 25 July 2023

Can You Overdose On Xanax: Symptoms and Their Treatment

Xanax (Alprazolam) Can-You-Overdose-On-Xanax
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Many people worldwide suffer from anxiety and panic disorder. It is because of various reasons depending on an individual, but the most common reasons are stressful events, traumatic situations, alcohol, or due to genetics. Due to genetics, Anxiety or panic disorder can be transferred to further generations.

With the help of a few symptoms, one can quickly identify anxiety or panic disorder by experiencing changes in the body, such as feeling nervous, sweating, trouble sleeping, breathing heavily, sleep disorders, or shivering. Anxiety has different types: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and substance-induced anxiety disorder.

When you are going through these symptoms, you need to get help from your doctor immediately. If it gets severe, the curable speed can be slow. As there are many drugs to treat the condition, Xanax is a preferred drug for most individuals. But you should know about its overdose Ins and Outs.

What Is Xanax?

Many doctors prefer Xanax for anxiety in their patients. It has been an effective drug in treating panic and Anxiety disorders. Most doctors do not prescribe Xanax as an off-label drug, but if the need arises, they might suggest you for other anxiety issues.

It is also known for its generic drug called Alprazolam. Both have the same active ingredients, which work efficiently in the body, but the only difference is their inactive ingredients. Generally, it is not approved for people below 18 years of age. 

Where to get Xanax: People get scammed by fake and fraudulent pharmacies. Always seek health advice from a doctor and get a prescription for Xanax and buy only from pharmacies that ask for a prescription for controlled medications

Doctors mostly prescribe Farmapram Alprazolam 2mg and  Ksalol 1mg to anxiety patients in the USA

How Does Xanax Work?

The quick-reacting Xanax takes minutes, or within an hour, the drug starts to show effects on your condition. It is termed a Benzodiazepine drug class medicine. The working mechanism of Xanax is defined by increasing the neurotransmitter effects in your body, also known as GABA receptors.

These neurotransmitters work as a signal to the brain from the nerve cells. You will experience changes in your condition after medicinal properties are boosted. Eventually, you will feel relaxed and calm, and free from stress.

Can You Overdose On Xanax?

Chances are high for overdosing on Xanax. If an individual consumes more than the recommended dose, they may experience symptoms of death. Even when a person consumes Xanax with other substances like opioids or alcohol can be termed as an overdose because both substances have properties that can lower the breathing pattern and cause trouble with smooth breathing.

Overdosing can be performed either mistakenly or purposely, but both situations can lead to severe effects on your body. It is always better to take Xanax just as their General practitioner prescribers. 

Statistics On Overdose And Addiction Of Xanax

Xanax is a controlled substance in the USA. Statistics show that Xanax is among the most illicitly purchased drugs on the black market, as per the USA DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency). Xanax is among the most abused drugs compared to other medicines in the Benzodiazepine drug class. The percentage of Xanax overdoses has risen to more than 519% in 2019-2020. People who have overdosed on Xanax are likely to die. 

Symptoms Of Xanax Overdose

Whenever you overdose on Xanax, it shows specific symptoms; you should immediately notify your doctor. Informing your doctor will help you from healing at the quickest time possible. The overdose will depend on the amount of Xanax you consumed, your body's sensitivity towards Xanax, or what you overdosed on, such as opioids, alcohol, or Xanax.

Mild Symptoms

If you are experiencing mild symptoms, do not panic; talk to your doctor about it and get things solved. 

  • Poor coordination
  • Confusion
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Tremors
  • Slow reflexes
  • Slurred speech

Severe Symptoms

If you neglect the mild symptoms, they can turn into severe symptoms. If you feel such effects on your body, get quick help from your medical practitioner and solve things.

  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Heart issues
  • Hallucinations

What To Do If You Overdose Xanax?

If you experience any symptoms, you should first contact the doctor. It is better to contact the helpline number for quicker attention. You can either call 911 or your personal doctor for immediate guidance.

Once you reach the hospital, the very first thing doctors will want is to get the medicine from your body by performing in different ways. Later you will be given various treatments according to the overdose percentage. 

Possible Side Effects

Side effects are common when you are on any drug. When the drug is used for recovering mental health, there is a bit more chance of causing side effects. It can cure with time if you have been affected by common side effects, but severe effects need genuine focus.

Common side effects

Serious side effects

Dry mouth

Blurred vision

Changes in sex drive

Breathlessness

Nausea

Severe allergic reactions

Trouble breathing

Memory impairment

Dizziness/ vertigo

Increased heart rate

The above-mentioned side effects are affected commonly. If you experience any other effects, consult your doctor immediately.

Dosage Of Xanax

The amount of dosage that should be taken for your condition should be prescribed by a licensed doctor. Before taking the medicine, know how it should be consumed and the essential instructions should be followed. Usually, the dose will differ according to an individual's various factors.

  • Initial Dose: 0.25mg to 0.5mg 
  • Continuation Dose: 0.25mg to 0.5mg (As per need)
  • Maximum Dose: 4mg (This dosage should not exceed)

The above-mentioned is a standard dosage prescribed to most people. If an individual does not feel changes, the doctor will either change the dose or the medicine depending on the need and the effectiveness. 

Precautions Of Xanax

If you consult a doctor for anxiety issues, you should tell your medical history and be clear about all the medicines you consume for other conditions. It will help you from unnecessary effects on your health.

Do not take Xanax if:

  • You are allergic
  • You are older than 65 years.
  • You suffer from liver or kidney problems
  • You have breathing problems or lung disease
  • You are about to get pregnant or already have a baby in your womb.
  • You breastfeed

Read all the necessary information on the medicine leaflet for detailed information. Also, get proper advice from the doctor you consult.

Also, Read

Bottom Line From Practical Anxiety Solutions

You should never overdose on Xanax. It would be the wrong decision that one can take. If mistakenly you have taken two doses at once, you should contact your medical practitioner for a quick treatment. As side effects can vary, common symptoms can be cured with time, but severe effects should be taken into consideration and take emergency help.

The recommended dosage can be varied according to the person, so do not compare with another person who has been prescribed the same drug but with a different dose. Always get a prescription from a doctor who has a doctor's license.

Frequently asked questions

You can get Xanax in different forms: Oral concentration, Oral Disintegrated tablets, long-acting tablets, and short-acting tablets.
Xanax consumption can vary depending on what type of tablet you consume. It will be recommended by the doctor you are consulting.
You should not drive while you are on Xanax. This can make you feel dizzy. Also, you should not use heavy machinery or work that needs focus.