This drug has boxed warnings which inform doctors and patients about side effects and drugs that are harmful. These warnings, from the food and drug administration (FDA) are the most serious. Using benzodiazepines with opioid drugs makes you more susceptible to severe sleepiness, respiratory depression, coma and death.
Xanax should not be administered with an opioid unless there are no other available options. Taking benzodiazepines, even as recommended, can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal if you stop using the drug suddenly. Withdrawal can lead to death. Taking this drug can also cause misuse and addiction. Misuse of Xanax increases your risk of overdose and death. This medication should be used as prescribed by your doctor.
Xanax is a brand name for alprazolam, a drug used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Xanax is part of a group of anti-anxiety drugs called benzodiazepines.
Xanax and alcohol are similar because they are both depressant. That means it slows down nervous system activity.
Severe side effects of Xanax are:
- Memory problems
- Seizures [1]
- Loss of coordination
Severe side effects of drinking too much alcohol are:
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Impaired coordination
- Alcohol poisoning
Xanax and alcohol can cause serious harm when taken together, boosting their individual effects.
Do you want to know more about the side effects, overdose, and long-term effects of combining Xanax and alcohol? Then, stay with me!
Xanax and Alcohol Interaction
Using Xanax with alcohol will increase the side effects of both substances. Experts don’t know why it occurs like this. However, they suspect it has to do with the interactions between Xanax and alcohol in the body.
Studies show that the presence of ethanol, the major content in alcoholic drinks, can elevate the maximum concentration of alprazolam in the blood. In turn, this can cause both an enhanced high or “buzz” as well as enhanced side effects. The liver also needs to do extra work, since it degrades both alcohol and Xanax in the body.