Can you overdose on Xanax
Table of Contents
Can you overdose on Xanax?
Xanax the drug generically known as alprazolam, the most prescribed drug affecting the mental state of patients.
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved the use of Xanax to treat anxiety and panic disorders associated with agoraphobia (the fear of not being able to escape in situations need escaping, or that they won’t get help when they need to), it is also useful in anxiety and panic disorders not associated with agoraphobia.
It is also used in anxiety associated with depression.
Xanax is also one of the recreational drugs (drugs used for euphoria and leisure, not for medical uses).
So, can you overdose on Xanax?
To answer this question, we have to get to know the mechanism of action, and the usual doses for Xanax.
Uses:
- Uses approved by the FDA
- Anxiety
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorders associated with agoraphobia or not associated with
- Uses not approved by the FDA
- Insomnia (sleeping problems)
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Depression
Mechanism of action:
Xanax belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines.
It works by potentiating the effect of some neurotransmitters in the brain.
Xanax is 90% bioavailable after absorption.
The concentration reaches the peak after 1-2 hours of the immediate-release forms, 9 hours after the extended-release one, 1.5-2 hours after taking the disintegrating tablets.
It is processed by the kidneys and getting out in the urine.
Can you overdose on Xanax?
Let’s get introduced to the doses first.
Administration:
Xanax is available in many oral dosage forms (tablets, disintegrating tablets, extended-release tablets, and oral solutions)
Food doesn’t affect the absorption of Xanax, otherwise, it should be taken with food if you have an upset stomach.
The orally disintegrating tablets should not be getting out from the original pack, as it may affect the tablet.
The extended-release tablets should be swallowed as it is, it should not be chewed, crushed, or broken.
Dosage:
The dosages are determined according to the age and weight of the patients, and the medical condition.
The doctor will keep modifying the dose to reach the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.
Adults’ dosage:
- 25 to 0.5 mg orally every 8 hours per day
- The dose may be increased as needed in intervals of 3 – 4 days
- Maximum dose: 4 mg/day
Geriatrics’ dosage:
- 25 mg orally every 8 or 12 hours per day
Panic disorders
Extended-release tablets
Adults’ dosage:
- Starting the dose with 0.5 – 1 mg once a day
- Maintenance dose: 3 – 6 mg a day
- Maximum dose: 10 mg a day
Geriatrics’ dosage:
- 5 mg once a day
Other oral dosage forms
Adults’ dosage:
- 5 mg 3 times a day
- Maximum dose: 10 mg a day
Geriatrics’ dosage:
- 25 mg orally every 8 or 12 hours per day
Dosages are modified in patients with hepatic impairment and debilitated patients.
Never stop taking Xanax at once, the dose should be decreased gradually or else it may be the reason for serious withdrawal effects.
Withdrawal symptoms include headache, insomnia, restlessness, hallucinations, confusion, depression, nausea, or seizures.
Take Xanax as soon as you remember, but if it is the time for the next dose, don’t double the dose, or else you may have symptoms of overdose.
Can you overdose on Xanax?
Yes, you can, taking too much Xanax may cause undesirable side effects.
- Drowsiness
- Poor coordination
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Unresponsiveness
- Anxiety
- Agitation (Anxiety and nervousness)
Physician findings on physical examination:
- Nystagmus (not normal eye movements)
- Hallucinations
- Slurred speech
- Ataxia (incoordination, imbalance, and problems in speech)
- Coma
- Hypotonia (decreased muscle tone)
- Weakness
- Altered mental status
- Amnesia (memory problems)
- Paradoxical agitation (agitation, confusion, excessive movement, and other features)
- Respiratory depression
- Hypotension
Mixing Xanax with other drugs or with alcohol can even be fatal.
The lethal dosage of Xanax varies according to many factors:
- Weight, age of the patient
- Individual differences of metabolization
- Preexisting medical conditions like problems of heart, kidney, or liver
Older patients are at higher risk of overdosing as they are more sensitive to doses.
Management of overdosing from Xanax:
Like overdosing from any other medication, the first thing to do is to assess the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation.
Blood glucose levels should be measured if you notice any signs of altered mental status.
The main step to do is good supportive care and close monitoring of the patient.
On the other hand, overdosing on benzodiazepines including Xanax is rarely fatal.
In the end, patients are completely safe to get out of the hospital if they remain 6 hours without symptoms.
Patients who intentionally overdosed should have psychiatric help.
Overdosing is specifically dangerous when used in combination with opioids, FDA has released a black box warning including this issue, this can cause breathing problems, coma, and even death.
Using Xanax with alcohol can also cause the same problems.
Take Xanax under the supervision of a doctor to avoid the above risks that may be caused by it.
