Can you overdose on Xanax? Before we answer the question of whether someone can overdose on Xanax, we should figure out exactly 1) what Xanax is. 2) How Xanax is prescribed. 3) How Xanax is and can be abused.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is the brand name of a benzodiazepine called Alprazolam. Benzodiazepines like Xanax are central nervous system depressants. This property alone makes it an ideal treatment for anxiety disorder. Which is why it’s so commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. It’s a potent and rapid acting sedative, when ingested. It can chemically reduce feelings of anxiety and fear, calm sensations of nervousness, and even alleviate panic attacks when administered properly.
Upon consumption, Xanax rapidly stimulates feelings of calm and relaxation. It can even act as a sleep aid. Both qualities are ideal for treating an anxiety disorder. However, their rapid onset and relatively quick duration of effect makes it extremely easy to abuse. This quality also makes benzodiazepines like Xanax can be extremely dangerous. Especially and particularly if they are not taken as prescribed. Because it acts so quickly, Xanax abuse is extremely possible. And in the worst cases, Xanax abuse can lead to overdoses.
What is an Overdose?
To put it simply, an overdose is the result of someone taking more of a drug than their body can safely process. This can lead to serious side-effects as the body is unable to harmlessly discharge the drug and its byproducts within the system.
There can be a range of symptoms from an overdose. And they range from the moderate to the gravely serious. Overdoses can be fatal. Although, they aren’t always. But in all cases, they’re worth taking seriously. The specific treatment for an overdose depends on the substance involved. In many cases, emergency medical attention is necessary. And in all cases, emergency medical services should be immediately contacted, if you believe that someone around you is in the process of overdosing.
The severity of an overdose can vary. Depending on the substance involved, the amount consumed, the individual’s tolerance, and their overall health. Overdoses can have both short and long-term health consequences. Receiving immediate medical attention is crucial to preventing a xanax overdose. But the question isn’t whether or not you can overdose on any substance. The question is can you overdose on Xanax? And Xanax overdoses require Xanax abuse.
How can Xanax be abused?
The same anxiety relieving properties that make Xanax an effective treatment option when prescribed by a licensed physician make it an extremely easy substance to abuse. Xanax abuse refers to the non-medical or recreational use of the prescribed substance. Typically for the purpose of achieving a high, a feeling of euphoria. Or other effects unrelated to its intended medical use.
Abusers may take larger doses of Xanax than prescribed to intensify its effects. They may crush Xanax tablets and snort the powder to experience a quicker and more intense onset of effects. Some individuals may combine Xanax with alcohol or other drugs to enhance its effects. Which can be extremely dangerous. And even increase the risk of overdose. Any attempt to misuse a drug as potent and dangerous as Xanax is incredibly dangerous and must be avoided. Many people who misuse Xanax don’t even know the answer to the question “Can you overdose on Xanax”?
Can you overdose on Xanax?
So, can you overdose on Xanax? The short answer is…yes. Much like an opioid or opiate overdose, Xanax acts a depressant on the central nervous system. One of the most significant risks of a Xanax overdose is respiratory or cardiac rate depression.
Xanax, like other benzodiazepines, can slow down the rate and depth of breathing. In an overdose, these effects can become severe, leading to shallow or labored breathing, or in some cases, complete respiratory failure, where a person stops breathing altogether. Overdosing on Xanax can affect heart rate and blood pressure. It may lead to bradycardia (a slow heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), or arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms). No matter the case, this can lead to a significant amount of pain and suffering.
Xanax overdoses can also lead to nausea, vomiting, seizures, and in rare cases, severe muscle weakness. In severe Xanax overdoses, individuals may become unconscious or comatose, making it difficult to respond to stimuli or receive medical attention. Without immediate medical intervention.
How can you prevent a Xanax Overdose
The best way to prevent a Xanax overdose is with treatment. Xanax abuse is often the product of addiction. And addiction is treatable. At ARIA FL’s treatment program, we have the dedicated and trained staff required to treat benzodiazepine addiction, prevent overdoses and give anyone struggling with Xanax use the chance to avoid the grim finality of a Xanax overdose.
Can you overdose on Xanax? Not if you get help now!
At the Addiction Recovery Institute of America, our addiction specialists provide expert care for individuals who are struggling with substance use disorders. Our goal is simple: to provide each of our clients with the tools they need to achieve long-term recovery. When you enroll in any one of the programs at ARIA, you are committing to sobriety. We are dedicated to holding up our end of the bargain by designing individualized substance abuse treatment programs that serve each of our client’s individual needs. To get in contact, Call us at (844) 973 2611 or head over to our Contact Us page, fill out our information form and our representatives will get back to you as soon as possible.