Xanax has a
Highlights
- Mixing Xanax and alcohol can slow the brain’s activity down so much that it increases the risk of serious side effects, including respiratory depression, blackouts, and fatal overdose.
- Combining these substances can result in long-term liver damage, impaired memory, and potential addiction.
- Signs of alprazolam and alcohol abuse include extreme drowsiness, memory lapses, and mood changes.
- Withdrawal from Xanax or alcohol alone is challenging, but withdrawing from both can be life-threatening and requires medical supervision.
Figures show that the number of alprazolam prescriptions exceeds
In the United States in 2010, alcohol was involved in
The Mechanism of Action of Xanax
Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam, a benzodiazepine that is primarily used in the management of anxiety. But how does it work? Xanax is a sedative and acts as a central nervous system depressant, enhancing a vital neurotransmitter, known as GABA. GABA is one of the main inhibitory transmitters that helps to slow down brain activity, promoting a sense of calmness. This also results in the sedative properties for which alprazolam and other benzodiazepines are prescribed, including muscle relaxation, a reduction in brain activity, and sleep regulation.
Side Effects of Xanax
Some of the common side effects of Xanax are the following:
- Drowsiness
- Light-headedness
- Dry mouth
- Low blood pressure
- Increased salivation
- Skin allergy
Usually, mild to moderate side effects do not require medical attention, but it’s necessary to see a doctor if you notice a severe allergic reaction, changes in memory and speech, severe drowsiness or unsteadiness, and other disturbing symptoms.
The Mechanism of Action of Alcohol
Alcohol also exerts a depressive effect on the central nervous system, enhancing the effects of GABA and slowing down the brain’s activity. The main issue with alcohol is that it is often consumed in a social setting, which contributes to more frequent use as one wouldn’t drink that much alone.
Additionally, frequent use of alcohol can, in some cases, lead to binge drinking. The CDC reports that approximately
Side Effects of Alcohol
Some of the common side effects of alcohol consumption are listed below:
- Poor vision
- Headaches
- Inability to concentrate
- Reduced reaction times
- Impaired coordination
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
The Danger of Mixing Xanax and Alcohol
As was mentioned above, almost one-third of benzodiazepine-related visits to the emergency department result from mixing these medications with alcohol. Xanax is a sedative, so mixing it with alcohol can intensify the effect of the other on the body. This can cause severe, even fatal, consequences. Below is a list of some of these more serious outcomes:
- Respiratory depression. Both substances work by increasing the amount of GABA in the brain, slowing down many vital functions. So, mixing them can cause your brain to slow down to the point where it forgets to tell your body to breathe, and this can be fatal. This is known as respiratory depression, a condition that causes low oxygen levels, unconsciousness, and in extreme cases, death.
- Impaired memory and cognitive function often occur after mixing Xanax and alcohol. As both of them slow down the brain’s activity, they can alter one’s ability to process information, form memories, and make decisions. This can also result in blackouts.
- Risk of overdose. Symptoms of Xanax overdose can include but are not limited to extreme drowsiness, confusion, impaired reflexes, and loss of consciousness. Without immediate medical treatment, a Xanax and alcohol overdose can be fatal. Benzodiazepines were involved in
16.8% of overdose deaths [5*] in the United States between January 2019 and June 2020. - Liver damage. The liver processes all medications and other substances we consume. However, when consumed together, alprazolam and alcohol put extra strain on this organ. Chronic use of alcohol alone can lead to substantial damage to the liver, and when combined with alprazolam, the risk is even higher. The liver may also struggle to metabolize both substances at the same time, leading to toxicity and long-term damage, such as
liver cirrhosis and liver failure [6*] . - Addiction and dependence. Xanax is a highly addictive substance, and addiction can take effect in as little as three to four weeks. When combined with alcohol, the risk of developing an addiction to either or both substances (known as polysubstance abuse disorder) increases.
Signs That Someone Is Mixing Xanax and Alcohol
When someone is combining Xanax and alcohol, the increased sedative effects trigger several noticeable signs and symptoms. One of the most commonly observed signs is extreme drowsiness and tiredness, resulting from the increased action of GABA. Also, this combination can impair the brain’s ability to coordinate muscle movements and speech. Memory lapses or blackouts, where individuals cannot recall events that happened after they had taken the mix, and mood changes, such as sudden emotional shifts or increased irritability, may also occur.
If you notice any of these signs and suspect that someone is mixing Xanax and alcohol, it’s important to seek help. Contact your local healthcare professional, or reach out to the many organizations focusing on medication and alcohol addiction treatment.
Xanax Use Versus Misuse
It can be challenging to spot when someone is abusing Xanax as it has many real-world medical uses. A Xanax prescription can only be administered by a medical professional, in-person or online, and if one is prescribed Xanax, they should follow the received instructions. Normal use of Xanax means that the person is taking the medication as it has been prescribed and for a valid medical diagnosis. Misuse, on the other hand, can take on several different forms, including:
- Taking alprazolam in a way that differs from how it is prescribed
- Taking a higher dose of the medication than what is prescribed
- Taking this medication without a proper benzodiazepine prescription
- Using alprazolam with other substances, such as alcohol
Can I Drink After I’ve Stopped Taking Xanax?
Alcohol consumption is harmful to health regardless of the amount even when you are not taking any medications. It is also important to be cautious when consuming alcohol once you have stopped taking Xanax as the medication can linger in your system for some time. Typically, Xanax will stay in your system for around 2.5 days, but this depends on many different factors, such as your age and the dose you were taking. If you have any questions about drinking alcohol after you have stopped taking alprazolam, speak to a healthcare professional.
Xanax Withdrawal
Xanax withdrawal can be a challenging process, particularly if it has been taken for a long time or at a high prescribed dose. The
Alcohol Withdrawal
Dangers of Mixing Alcohol With Other Benzodiazepines
Mixing alcohol with other benzodiazepines, such as Valium, Ativan, or Klonopin can cause serious health implications. As with Xanax, when other benzodiazepines are combined with alcohol, their effects can be amplified to a dangerous level, leading to the symptoms and serious side effects we have already discussed.
Final Thoughts
Mixing Xanax and alcohol is far more dangerous than many people realize; their combined effects can have serious consequences. Recognizing the signs of misuse and understanding the severe risks involved is important to protect your health and identify those at risk around you.
