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HomeAddictionPrescription DrugsBenzodiazepineXanax Overdose
Xanax Overdose

11 Minutes

Edited & medically reviewed by THE BALANCE Team
Fact checked

Xanax is known for its fast-acting relief. Like any other drug, Xanax is not without its side effects and it can be quite dangerous especially if one takes it without a prescription or takes more than the prescribed dosage. Knowing about the risk of overdose, identifying the signs, and understanding how to act when an overdose occurs may be lifesaving for users and their friends or family.

Xanax is a drug in the benzodiazepine class and is available only with a prescription. It is mainly used to treat anxiety disorders, and panic disorders and sometimes to provide short-term relief from the symptoms of anxiety. In general, benzodiazepines act on the neuronal signals in the brain and increase the action of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which has a calming effect [1]. It works very fast to help with symptoms of anxiety, tension, and even obsessive thoughts, which is why it is so popular.

Why Xanax Is Commonly Prescribed

Xanax is commonly used because it offers a quick solution to anxiety and panic disorders. Patients with anxiety disorders may begin to feel better within 30 minutes to an hour after taking the drug [1]. Due to its rapid action and sedating effect on the body and the mind, it is often prescribed.

Side Effects and Risks of Misuse and Overdose

While Xanax is helpful, it has a high potential for addiction and can lead to an overdose. It can create a feeling of well-being or happiness and therefore, the drug may be abused by taking it in large doses or using it more than the recommended times. Due to this possibility of abuse, Xanax is often used in the wrong way. It can also lead to physical dependence, which makes the user more likely to have an overdose. It is dangerous to abuse Xanax and even more so when one takes it with other substances such as alcohol or opioids.

An overdose is defined as the consumption of a potentially lethal dose of Xanax, which the body cannot break down. Xanax overdose can be deadly because it suppresses the CNS which in turn reduces the rate of respiration and heartbeat. In severe cases, it may cause coma, brain damage, or even death.

How Overdose Can Occur

Xanax overdose is a state where a patient has taken an excessive amount of the drug at a time or has combined it with other depressants like alcohol or opioids [2]. Xanax causes the slowing down of the body’s systems but when taken with other drugs that act on the CNS, the effects are enhanced. This is usually accidental as people do not know the combined impact of taking different substances into the body.

The Causes Of Xanax Toxicity

Several factors can determine how soon an overdose can happen. These are the age, weight, metabolism rate, and general health status of the person in question. Some of the factors that increase the risk include; past substance abuse, mental illness or other illnesses, and use of different medications. Also, the use of Xanax without a prescription or for fun leads to the risk of overdose [2].

Physical Symptoms of Xanax Overdose

  • Slurred speech
  • Extreme drowsiness or fatigue
  • Weakness and incoordination
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Slow or difficult breathing
  • Loss of consciousness

Psychological and Behavioral Signs

Some of the psychological symptoms include; memory loss, poor judgment, and odd behaviors. Some patients may have increased nervousness or irritability before they become very exhausted [2]. A person could look like he or she is disoriented, or even like he or she is in a stupor, and the speech might be slow and uncoordinated.

How Symptoms Vary Based on Dosage

In mild cases, the symptoms of an overdose may not be very visible but drowsiness, confusion, and slurred speech are some of the symptoms. When the dose is gradually increased, the effects will be worse and the affected individual may develop difficulty in waking up or even breathing. It is important to be able to identify these symptoms because a Xanax overdose can progress rapidly.

Central Nervous System Depression

The primary mode of action of Xanax in an overdose is the suppression of the CNS which is the part of the body that regulates the breathing and heart rate. When the CNS is over sedated then the body is left with no energy to perform its normal functions. This is why breathing becomes shallow or stops completely in severe cases and the heart may also beat slower or in an irregular manner [1].

Impact On Breathing And Heart Rate

The breathing of the individual becomes difficult or very slow when one takes too much Xanax. If the breathing rate decreases too much, then there is a danger of hypoxia (oxygen is not delivered to the brain), which may cause brain damage, coma, or death. The heart rate may also be erratic or even extremely low which is another factor that makes an overdose fatal.

Long-Term Effects Of Xanax Toxicity

Altered mental status, hypotension, respiratory depression, and sedation are some of the long-term consequences of Xanax overdose which may cause brain damage due to lack of oxygen, memory loss, and poor cognitive function [1]. Although some people may live through an overdose, they will develop numerous physical and psychological problems in the process, complicating the recovery process.

First Aid for Suspected Overdose

If you think someone has taken too much Xanax, it is crucial to act fast. First, try to keep the person awake. Roll them onto their side to avoid choking in case they vomit. Look for signs of poor or rapid breathing and count their pulse.

The Role of Medical Professionals

Healthcare professionals should be consulted in the management of any suspected overdose. Call the police, as only professionals can provide the necessary care and give the patient a chance to survive. Medical personnel can provide treatments that cannot be given in other facilities, including giving oxygen therapy or using drugs to reverse the impact of Xanax.

When to Seek Emergency Help

In case the person is unresponsive, has difficulty breathing, or is unconscious, you should call for an emergency. These are some of the symptoms of severe overdose and the patient should be taken to the hospital immediately. If the symptoms are mild at all, it is advisable to seek medical treatment to avoid aggravation of the symptoms of overdose.

Activated Charcoal In Overdose

The first treatment for a Xanax overdose may include the administration of activated charcoal. This substance prevents the body from taking in more of the drug if it is given within a short time after the patient has taken Xanax. Activated charcoal is known to adsorb the drug in the stomach and thus minimize the quantity that gets into the bloodstream [w]. It is not a cure but can help in managing an overdose if the patient is taken to the hospital in good time.

Flumazenil As An Antidote For Xanax Overdose

On occasion, doctors may administer a drug called flumazenil that works opposite to the effects of benzodiazepines like Xanax. Flumazenil acts by binding to the receptors in the brain that are targeted by Xanax and thus, counteracts its depressant action [1]. However, it is not always employed since it can cause withdrawal signs or convulsions, especially in patients who are on Xanax. It is given in a controlled manner in a hospital to reverse the effect of the sedative in the overdose.

Supportive Care: Oxygen, IV Fluids And Monitoring

Other than the above-mentioned treatment, management of a Xanax overdose is mainly through supportive care. Oxygen therapy may be required if the patient’s breathing has become very slow. The drug is also eliminated from the body with the help of IV fluids that are used to hydrate the body. 

Where the patient’s breathing or heart rate is unstable, particularly in severe cases, vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation should be checked frequently. Sometimes, a patient may require mechanical ventilation to help him or her breathe.

Safe Dosage Guidelines

Perhaps the first and most viable way of avoiding Xanax overdose is through taking only the amount that has been recommended by the doctor. Doctors recommend certain quantities depending on the patient’s health, body weight, and how much his or her body can handle. Consequently, taking more than the prescribed dosage, however slightly, can lead to complications, especially for first-time users of the drug. Xanax has a low toxicity index, which implies that there is a close relationship between the effective dose and the toxic dose.

The Importance of Following Prescriptions

For those who are using Xanax, they need to adhere to the doctor’s prescription. Not using the substance for recreational purposes and not taking larger amounts of the substance without the advice of a doctor can greatly reduce the chances of an overdose. It is also important not to combine Xanax with alcohol or drugs such as opioids which slow down the central nervous system. Patients must share with their healthcare providers other substances they are using to make sure that they are safe when taking their medications.

Warning Signs Of Developing Dependence

Xanax addiction can develop within a short time even for people who are using the drug as directed by a doctor. If any of these signs are noticed, it is advisable to consult a doctor or look for Xanax addiction treatment centers or support groups for addicts.

The Dangers of Mixing Xanax with Other Substances

Combining Xanax with other substances, also known as polydrug use, greatly raises the likelihood of Xanax toxicity and overdose. Xanax is especially hazardous when taken with other substances that also suppress the central nervous system such as alcohol or opioids [1]. Both substances depress the respiratory system and the circulatory system and the combined effect of the two substances can be fatal. Most of the deaths result from the use of Xanax in combination with other substances, the effects of which the user may not fully understand.

How Alcohol And Other Drugs Increase Overdose Risk

Some of the most popular substances that people may inadvertently use together with Xanax include alcohol. Both substances work to depress the CNS and when used together, the effects are increased, upping the chances of an overdose. Other substances, including opioids or even some prescribed medicines, can cause the same consequences, so it is crucial for people who take Xanax to understand how different substances may work together. Combining drugs can also make treatment difficult because the body’s response to several substances is not always certain.

Why Polydrug Use Complicates Treatment

It is also difficult for healthcare professionals to treat an overdose when a person has consumed more than one substance. Polydrug use is even more challenging for medical treatment since all substances have to be treated in the course of the therapy. For instance, flumazenil can be used to treat the symptoms of Xanax but it will not work on other drugs such as alcohol or opioids hence other treatments may be required. This makes the situation even worse and the way to recovery even harder.

Physical And Mental Health Consequences

Just because someone has survived a Xanax overdose does not mean that they are safe. Some of the long-term effects may include memory loss, difficulty in concentration, and overall poor mental functioning. Other physical symptoms such as chronic respiratory problems may also develop especially if the overdose leads to severe harm due to lack of oxygen. Some people may also have long-term effects such as fatigue or other physical ailments after an overdose.

Recovery Challenges After Overdose

Coming off a Xanax overdose is a difficult process in terms of the body and the mind. Some people have psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, and guilt among others. Physical recovery can include dealing with chronic illnesses, and mental recovery may need the services of a counselor or a therapist. Most Xanax addiction treatment centers offer a complete treatment plan that encompasses both the physical and the psychological aspects of the patient to enable them to start over again.

Strategies For Avoiding Relapse

It is therefore important to avoid relapse after a Xanax overdose to ensure that the patient does not suffer from another overdose in the future. People should endeavor to look for help like Xanax addiction treatment, which could be in the form of inpatient or outpatient treatment, counseling, and or support groups. 

Going for a Xanax group will also help in giving one the morale that he or she needs, but treatment plans include checking on the patient’s psychological state and advising him or her to change certain behaviors to deal with anxiety or panic disorders without the use of Xanax. Building a good support network is crucial to prevent relapse and future overdoses.

Common Misconceptions About Xanax Safety

It is a widely believed myth that since Xanax is a prescription drug it is harmless. Though Xanax is a useful drug when taken in the right manner it is not without its dangers. This is because the masses tend to believe that since it is a prescription drug, it is safe to overdose or use it to get ‘high’. This is a misconception, and the wrong use of the substance can lead to addiction or overdose since the drug is often abused or taken without a doctor’s prescription or in combination with other substances.

Another myth is that Xanax is safe if taken in moderate quantities. The fact of the matter is that even a small amount of the substance is dangerous, especially to people who have never taken it before or those who combined it with alcohol or other downers.

The Reality Of Tolerance And Dependency

This is true because anyone who takes Xanax for a long time will be able to build tolerance and dependence. Tolerance is when a person requires more Xanax to get the same result after some time. This becomes a misuse since people take more than the recommended dosage to get the relief or high they desire. 

When tolerance develops, the user becomes dependent on the substance, meaning that if he discontinues the use of the substance, he will experience withdrawal symptoms. Some of the symptoms that can be experienced include severe anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and in the extreme, seizures.

Others also fail to realize just how fast dependency can grow. However, when used as directed, the body develops tolerance to Xanax in a few weeks, and it becomes hard to do without the help of a doctor. Xanax addiction treatment is usually a combination of detoxification and therapy and may need a well-coordinated program.

Facts About Overdose Risk At Low Doses

One of the most important pieces of information about Xanax is the fact that overdose can happen at relatively low levels when the drug is mixed with other substances. Most individuals believe that combining a small amount of Xanax with alcohol or opioids is harmless, but this is a deadly mistake. 

The combination of the two can be toxic to the body and to the central nervous system, causing respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, and in some cases, death. That is why it is recommended to follow the prescription and not to combine Xanax with other substances unless the doctor’s recommendation.

Furthermore, the chances of developing an overdose are higher if one takes Xanax if they have other health conditions such as breathing difficulties, heart complications, or liver diseases. These factors can hinder the metabolism of the drug in the body and this means that even at a low dose the patient may be at a high risk of developing toxicity.

1. Healthline. Can You Overdose on Xanax? ;

2. Medical News Today. What to know about Xanax overdose. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326551

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