Xanax Overdose: What to Do During the Most Dangerous Xanax Side Effect

Understanding the risks associated with Xanax abuse is crucial for anyone using this medication or caring for someone who does. Xanax, commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders, carries a significant risk of overdose when misused. Xanax overdose can be fatal.

This article aims to provide you with essential information on the causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies for Xanax overdose. By educating yourself, you can take proactive steps to ensure your safety or the well-being of your loved ones.

Is It Possible to Overdose on Xanax?

Yes, the calming effects produced by Xanax (alprazolam) are sufficient for a person to gain reliance on it, especially a person with underlying mental disorders. If consumed without the guidance and recommendation of a doctor, Xanax can cause hazardous consequences, including high chances of overdose.

Alprazolam, a controlled substance intended to treat panic attacks and anxiety disorders, is marketed under the trade name Xanax. Overdose with Xanax is probable, especially if combined with other medicines or treatments. The combination of Xanax and alcohol may additionally be lethal.

Xanax belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. These medications function by increasing the production of a neurotransmitter in the brain known as GABA or gamma-aminobutyric acid. This neurotransmitter relieves tension by creating sensations of relaxation.

As per the National Vital Statistics Report (NVSS), most serious or life-threatening overdoses occur when Alprazolam is combined with other substances, often opioid pain relievers or liquor. In case you are using Xanax, make sure your physician is aware of any additional medicines you are consuming. They may suggest a different drug.

What Is the Usual Xanax Prescription Dose?

The recommended daily dose is usually between 0.25 and 0.5 milligrams. This quantity can be divided into three doses during the day. Your physician may progressively increase The amount you take once the side effects are under control.

In rare circumstances, the recommended dose can be as much as 10 milligrams daily.

What Is a Fatal Dose of Xanax?

The quantity that might contribute to an overdose differs greatly between people. Many variables influence this, including:

• If the person is combining Xanax with other painkillers, opioids, or alcohol

• Body weight of the person

• Age of the person

• The metabolization rate at which the body digests the drug

• If the person has co-occurring mental or physical conditions (liver or kidney damage)

According to the FDA, the LD50, the chemical composition or amount that triggered 50% of the rodents to perish, varied from 331 to 2,171 milligrams per kg of total body weight in clinical investigations in rats.

What Are The Symptoms of a Xanax Overdose?

High doses of Xanax or any other benzodiazepines might result in mild to serious side effects. In many circumstances, fatality is also a probability. The severity of your indications will be based on the following:

• The quantity of Xanax consumed

• The susceptibility of your body's chemicals toward depressants

• If you have combined other medications while consuming Xanax

Mild to Moderate Symptoms

• Increased heart rate

• Reduced sense of reflexes

• Seizures

• Improper coordination

• Irritation and agitation

• Reduced concentration

• No control over muscle movements

Serious and Potentially Lethal Symptoms

• Comatose or a state of unconsciousness

• Epileptic attacks

• Chest pain

• Irregular pulse rate

• Respiratory problems

• Delusions

What Are The Typical Side Effects of Xanax Misuse?

Xanax, like most drugs, can cause modest adverse effects regardless of low doses. The following are the most frequent side effects:

• Fainting or passing out frequently

• Hazy vision

• Drowsiness

• Irregular sleep cycle

• Migraine

These side effects are minor and disappear within a few days or weeks. If you encounter these negative consequences, this does not indicate that you have a drug overdose. It would help if you kept your physician aware of any adverse reactions you suffer. If they worsen, your healthcare provider might lower your prescription dosage or transfer you to an alternative medicine.

How to Act In Case of a Xanax Overdose

In the event of a Xanax overdose, immediate action is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected individual. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you suspect someone has overdosed on Xanax.

1. Recognize the Symptoms

Look for signs such as extreme drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, slow or difficult breathing, and unresponsiveness.

2. Call Emergency Services

Dial emergency services immediately. Provide them with as much information as possible, including the person's age, weight, the amount of Xanax taken, and any other substances involved.

3. Do Not Leave the Person Alone

Stay with the individual while waiting for medical help to arrive. Monitor their condition and ensure they remain as calm and comfortable as possible.

4. Try to Keep Them Awake

If the person is conscious but drowsy, try to keep them awake and engaged in conversation. This can help prevent them from slipping into unconsciousness.

5. Place Them in the Recovery Position

If the individual is unconscious but breathing, place them on their side in the recovery position. This helps maintain an open airway and prevents choking in case of vomiting.

6. Provide Information to Paramedics

When emergency responders arrive, give them all the relevant details about the overdose. This includes the type of medication, dosage, time of ingestion, and any known medical conditions.

7. Do Not Administer Any Other Substances

Avoid giving the person anything to eat or drink, and do not try to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by medical professionals.

8. Follow Up with Medical Professionals

After the immediate crisis is managed, ensure the individual receives proper medical evaluation and follow-up care. This may involve hospitalization, monitoring, and treatment for potential complications.

By acting quickly and following these steps, you can provide critical assistance in the event of a Xanax overdose, potentially saving a life.

What Is The Treatment for Xanax Overdose?

Treating a Xanax overdose involves several critical steps, from immediate emergency interventions to long-term medical care and support. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the treatment process:

1. Immediate Medical Attention

• Emergency Response: The first step in treating a Xanax overdose is to call emergency services. Emergency medical personnel can provide life-saving interventions on the scene, such as ensuring the person’s airway is open and they are breathing properly.

• Hospitalization: Upon arrival at the hospital, the individual will likely be admitted to the emergency room for intensive monitoring and care. Medical staff will perform a thorough assessment to determine the severity of the overdose.

2. Gastric Lavage

In some cases, medical professionals may perform gastric lavage, also known as stomach pumping, to remove the remaining Xanax from the stomach if the overdose was recent. This procedure helps to minimize the absorption of the drug into the bloodstream.

3. Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal may be administered to bind the Xanax in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing further absorption into the bloodstream. This is most effective when given soon after the overdose.

4. Administration of Flumazenil

Flumazenil, a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, can be used to reverse the effects of Xanax. This medication blocks the action of Xanax on the brain, helping to counteract the overdose symptoms. However, its use is typically limited to severe cases and must be administered by a healthcare professional due to the risk of serious side effects.

5. Supportive Care

• Monitoring Vital Signs: Continuous monitoring of the individual’s vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, is essential to ensure their stability.

• Breathing Support: If the person’s breathing is severely compromised, they may require mechanical ventilation or supplemental oxygen to maintain adequate oxygen levels in the body.

• Intravenous Fluids: IV fluids may be administered to maintain hydration and support overall bodily functions during recovery.

6. Long-Term Care and Monitoring

• Observation: After initial treatment, the individual may need to stay in the hospital for observation to ensure there are no delayed effects or complications from the overdose.

• Psychiatric Evaluation: A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation is often necessary to address any underlying issues such as addiction, mental health disorders, or intentional misuse. This helps in planning appropriate follow-up care and treatment.

7. Rehabilitation and Counseling

• Detoxification Programs: For those with a dependence on Xanax, a supervised detoxification program can help safely manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of future overdoses.

• Therapy and Counseling: Individual and group therapy sessions can provide essential support, helping individuals understand the root causes of their substance use and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

• Support Groups: Participating in support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can offer a sense of community and shared experiences, fostering long-term recovery and relapse prevention.

Treating a Xanax overdose is a complex process that requires immediate medical intervention and comprehensive follow-up care. By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of the overdose, individuals can achieve a safer recovery and reduce the risk of future incidents.

Understanding Xanax

Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, is a prescription medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. It is commonly prescribed to manage anxiety disorders and panic attacks. As a central nervous system depressant, Xanax works by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps to produce a calming effect on the brain and nerves.

What Is Xanax Used For?

Xanax is primarily used to treat anxiety disorders, which can manifest as excessive worry, tension, or fear that interferes with daily life. It is also effective in managing panic disorder, characterized by sudden and recurrent panic attacks that include physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, and dizziness. By providing relief from these symptoms, Xanax helps individuals regain a sense of normalcy and improves their overall quality of life.

How Does Xanax Work?

The mechanism of action of Xanax involves its interaction with GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability. When Xanax binds to GABA receptors, it amplifies GABA's natural calming effects, resulting in a sedative and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) impact. This enhanced GABA activity helps to slow down brain activity, easing anxiety and panic symptoms.

However, the potent effect of Xanax on the brain also contributes to its potential for misuse and dependence, making it crucial to follow prescribed guidelines and use it under medical supervision.

Struggling With Xanax Abuse? Don't Risk a Xanax Overdose – Seek Help Today

Understanding the risks and treatment options for Xanax overdose is vital for anyone using this medication. By recognizing the signs of overdose and knowing how to respond, you can help prevent potentially life-threatening situations.

If you or a loved one is struggling with Xanax misuse or addiction, The Forge Recovery Center is here to provide the support and resources needed for recovery. Our compassionate and experienced team is dedicated to helping you achieve a healthier, drug-free life.

Reach out to us today and take the first step towards recovery.

Written by

Brian Moore

Content Writer

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

July 21, 2024