Mixing Xanax with Alcohol and Drugs
Xanax is an increasingly popular benzodiazepine drug used as short-term treatment for the following:
- Panic disorders
- Anxiety
- Seizures
- Insomnia
- Other psychiatric problems
Xanax is classified as a central nervous system depressant and was first introduced in the 1960s as a tranquilizer. It fell out of favor, along with other drugs in the benzodiazepine family, in the 1970s, but made a significant comeback in the 1980s and 1990s. While it is has a serious potential for dependency and addiction, it has been deemed safer than previous forms of treatment.
Combining Xanax and Alcohol
It is extremely dangerous to drink alcohol while taking Xanax, as alcohol is also a central nervous system depressant. Alcohol is also likely to increase the intensity of Xanax’s side effects, which include the following:
- Changes in appetite
- Sexual dysfunction
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Trouble concentrating
- Shakiness
- Respiratory failure
- Hallucination
- Seizures
- Intense emotional changes
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Incoherence
In some cases alcohol may actually reverse the intended effect of Xanax. For example, anxiety patients may find that combining Xanax and alcohol causes extreme anxiety. However, the most common and dangerous effect of combining Xanax and alcohol is the drastic and potentially fatal decrease in respiratory function.
Combining Other Drugs and Xanax
Xanax should not be mixed with other drugs unless specifically prescribed by your physician. There are many potential Xanax combination side effects that range from mildly uncomfortable to potentially fatal. It is important for patients to be forthcoming and honest with their doctor before taking Xanax and to follow all dosing instructions precisely.
Need Help Finding Xanax Addiction Treatment?
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