Author: Alex Thompson

Can You Overdose on Xanax? Dosage, Symptoms, and Treatment

We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

If not taken whole, the drug is released into the body all at once increasing one’s chances for overdose. Administration of active charcoal, hemodialysis, or whole bowel irrigation does not usually play a role in the treatment of Xanax overdose. The prescribed amount typically ranges from 0.25 to 0.5 milligrams (mg) per day. This amount may be split between three doses throughout the day. Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol, an over-the-counter painkiller. According to some estimates, the lethal dose of acetaminophen in adults is approximately 7,500 to 10,000 mg.

It is important to note that you should only take Xanax as often as your doctor prescribes it. Taking a higher dose than prescribed or using it more often than prescribed can increase your risk of overdose, physical dependence, tolerance and addiction. If your current dose of Xanax is not helping you, talk to your doctor to explore other alternatives — never adjust the dose on your own.

Co-Occurring Disorders

To find another treatment program, browse the top-rated addiction treatment facilities in each state by visiting our homepage, or by viewing the SAMHSA Treatment Services Locator. Signs of an overdose vary depending on the type of drug taken. However, they can also be highly toxic when taken in high doses or when used in any way other than prescribed. Having poor health or certain health conditions may affect how much of a drug it takes to fatally overdose. People who have developed a tolerance to a drug may not experience fatal consequences after taking the average lethal dose.

Is the dosage of Xanax based on body weight?

Because of this, doctors will often provide supportive care and monitor the person closely, ensuring they are safe while waiting for Xanax to wear off. A Xanax overdose can be fatal, especially when Xanax is taken with another drug. Seek emergency help immediately if you suspect a Xanax overdose. Symptoms can progress quickly, leading to death or other serious complications.

How Dosing Is Determined: Terms To Understand

Read more about the lethal dose of Benadryl (diphenhydramine). However, a person can still overdose on melatonin and experience side effects. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the lethal dose for THC is an estimated 4 g in a 154-pound human. People who use cocaine regularly and in high doses may have a higher tolerance for cocaine.

Xanax Overdose

  1. The lethal dose of carfentanil, an illegal fentanyl analog, is uncertain.
  2. There is no evidence to suggest that taking excessive doses of melatonin can be fatal.
  3. Non-fatal overdose may result in temporary or permanent health consequences.
  4. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol or other drugs, call us now to speak with a Recovery Advocate.
  5. For example, certain antidepressants, especially fluvoxamine, have a drug interaction with Xanax that may increase the risk of an overdose.

Medical interventions are rarely needed if the person has overdosed on Xanax alone with no other substances involved. In rare cases, doctors may prescribe flumazenil, a benzodiazepine reversal drug. However, flumazenil can carry health risks like seizures and heart rhythm abnormalities, so it is not widely used. Due to its life-threatening risks when combined with other substances, a Xanax overdose should only be treated in a medical setting. Doctors can monitor your vital signs and mental status while Xanax works its way out of your body. As a Schedule IV controlled substance, Xanax carries a risk of abuse, addiction and dependence.

Lethal Dose Of Caffeine

If someone is experiencing signs of a Xanax overdose, seek help immediately by calling 911 or contacting the National Capital Poison Center. Emergency personnel can also use gastric lavage, commonly known as stomach pumping, to treat a Xanax overdose. During a gastric lavage, a tube is inserted into the stomach and the drug is pumped out. As Xanax overdose becomes more apparent, the warning signs increase and the symptoms become more severe or even life-threatening. Because the drug acts quickly to calm the body and brain, early signs of overdose may be similar to normal Xanax side effects.

You can never be sure how Xanax will interact with your individual body chemistry or other medications or drugs you’re taking. If you suspect a Xanax overdose has occurred, seek emergency medical care right away. You should always talk to your doctor about any medications you’re taking. This includes over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, and other nutritional supplements. This will help your doctor choose the right medication and dosage to reduce your risk of drug interaction. People older than 65 have an increased risk for serious side effects, including an overdose.

Taking lethal doses of a drug, including those prescribed by a doctor, can be deadly. If you suspect someone you know has taken a lethal dose of a drug, call right away. The lethal dose of alcohol is about 330 grams in a 154-pound, healthy adult. Taking barbiturates with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants can be fatal in smaller doses. Do not take barbiturates with alcohol, opioids, or other depressants without talking to a doctor.

For someone who fits the criteria of a substance use disorder, it will likely be beneficial to discuss their potential treatment options for substance use disorder recovery. (7) These multiples are very rough estimates of the relative risk of overdose deaths of Xanax compared to four other common drugs. Data were from multiple sources, some of which differed significantly from each other.