Author: Alex Thompson

Xanax Overdose: How Much Xanax Can Cause You to Overdose? Learn More

It interacts with a natural chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is designed to facilitate rest, relaxation, and sleep. When you take Xanax, it works to make GABA more effective, causing more pronounced inhibitory effects on the nervous system. This can cause feelings of sedation, anti-anxiety, hypnosis, and increased comfort. Overdosing on Xanax can result in mild to severe side effects. No matter the severity of the side effects, a person who is experiencing a Xanax overdose should seek immediate medical attention.

If you stop taking Xanax, you will typically follow a slow taper schedule (a gradual decrease). Although Xanax is not FDA-approved specifically for dental procedures or as a muscle relaxer for muscle spasms, your doctor may prescribe it for these conditions. They will determine your dose based on research and medical consensus. Additional clinical trials of Xanax for off-label uses are ongoing. Read below for information about typical (“normal”) doses of Xanax. There are specific dosing guidelines for taking Xanax with ritonavir.

What are the Symptoms of a Xanax Overdose?

If you or your loved one experience a Xanax overdose, a thorough evaluation by a medical professional after you are medically stabilized may be recommended. You may have an increased risk of withdrawal and dependence if you take more than 4 milligrams (mg) of Xanax per day. If you have been taking Xanax for a long period of time, your risk may also be increased. Note that withdrawal and dependence are also possible with lower doses and after taking Xanax for a short time.

Xanax Side Effects & Signs of Abuse

However, the most common way people overdose on benzodiazepines is when an opioid or another depressant is involved. If Xanax is combined with alcohol or an opioid, it can potentiate the other substance. When drugs that have similar effects are combined, it can cause the side effects to be more intense.

What if I miss a dose?

Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You’ll likely start with Xanax 0.5-mg tablets three times per day. If you respond well to the drug and your doctor increases your daily dosage, they’ll do it slowly by 1 mg every 3 to 4 days. The highest dose reported by the drugmaker is 10 mg daily, but it’s uncommon to take that high of a dose. Most severe or fatal overdoses happen when Xanax is taken with other drugs — especially opioid pain medications — or alcohol. If you’re taking Xanax, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you’re taking.

Xanax side effects

However, the use of flumazenil is quite uncommon due to the risk of seizures that this medication causes. Dosages can vary significantly, ranging from 0.25 mg starting doses to 10 mg Xanax “bars” for severe cases. Given this variability, one can most certainly overdose on Xanax if consumed recklessly. Xanax has a boxed warning for the risk of withdrawal and dependence.

Xanax and overdose

Even a small amount of fentanyl can be deadly, especially when combined with a benzodiazepine. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. If you or a loved one are overdosing on Xanax, opioids, or any other drug, call 911 immediately or seek medical help at once. The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Xanax for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. If you are experiencing any withdrawal symptoms, talk with your doctor right away.

What to Do if Someone Overdoses on Xanax

  1. Xanax is a central nervous system depressant, which means that it works in the brain by slowing down the nervous system.
  2. Talk with your doctor about lifestyle changes and other medications that may be effective alternatives to improve your sleep.
  3. In most cases where someone takes too much Xanax and overdoses, the act is unintentional.
  4. Your breathing, blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate.
  5. If you do choose to misuse Xanax recreationally or mix it with other substances, keep your doctor informed.

In the case of an overdose, emergency personnel will transport you to the hospital or emergency room. However, the results of animal studies don’t always translate directly for human specifications. Overdose is possible at any dose higher than your prescribed amount. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Our treatment facility is accredited by the Joint Commission and LegitScript Certified.

They can help you understand your individual risk of interaction and overdose, as well as watch for any changes to your overall health. Talk to your doctor if you think your dose needs to be increased. However, you should keep you doctor informed about any side effects you’re experiencing. If they’re more severe, your doctor may want to reduce your dosage or switch you to a different medication.