Xanax overdose

Xanax overdose

Xanax is alprazolam, which has two forms regular Xanax and Xanax XR.

They belong to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, working as anxiolytics.

Xanax works in the management of anxiety, panic disorder, and anxiety associated with depression, and premenstrual syndrome (off-label).

To understand the Xanax overdose and the symptoms caused due to it, we have to understand the dosage and administration.

Administration:

Xanax is only available in oral dosage forms.

Tablets, extended-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and oral solutions with many concentrations.

Extended-release tablets are swallowed as a whole without crushing, chewing, or breaking.

Orally disintegrating tablets are taken out of the cover just before taking it as it is highly affected by air and moist.

Oral solutions are taken with a special measuring device or measuring syringe, don’t use the household spoons to make sure you are taking the correct dose.

Dosage:

It is not used in children younger than 18 years old.

 

Adults

Treatment of anxiety:

0.25 – 0.5 mg 3 to 4 times per day

The dose is increased gradually in 3 – 4 days

The dose not to exceed 4 mg per day

Treatment of panic disorder:

Immediate-release tablets

0.5 mg every 8 hours

The average dose is between 5 – 6 mg per day

The dose not to exceed 10 mg per day divided into 3 doses

Extended-release tablets

0.5 – 1 mg every day

The average dose is between 3 – 6 mg per day

Treatment of anxiety associated with depression:

1 – 4 mg per day divided into 3 doses

Treatment of premenstrual disorder:

0.25 mg every 6 – 12 hours

Start the treatment on day 16 – 18 of menses

The dose not to exceed 3 – 4 mg per day

Dosing modifications:

Renal impairment: it is not studied and must be used with caution

Advanced hepatic impairment:

Immediate release: The dose is decreased to 0.25 mg every 8 – 12 hours, and maybe increased if needed as tolerated

Extended-release: 0.5 mg per day, and maybe increased if needed as tolerated

Geriatrics

Treatment of panic disorder:

Immediate-release tablets

The starting dose is decreased to 0.25 mg every 2 or 3 times per day

The dose is increased if necessary and tolerated to 5 – 6 mg per day as an average dose

Extended-release tablets

Start the dose by 0.5 mg per day

The dose is increased if necessary and tolerated to 3 – 6 mg per day

Treatment of anxiety associated with depression:

The initial dose is decreased to 0.25 mg every 8 – 12 hours

The dose is increased if necessary and tolerated to 1 – 4 mg per day

Dosing considerations:

The doctor prescribes the lowest effective dose to avoid undesirable side effects like ataxia (disorder affecting coordination, balance, and speech) and oversedation.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can, if it is the time for the next dose; don’t take two doses at one time.

If you take two doses at one time, you may be subjected to Xanax overdose.

Xanax overdose symptoms:

• Extreme drowsiness
• Confusion
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of balance or co-ordination
• Light-headedness
• Fainting

If you feel any of these symptoms, you must seek medical attention at once.

Mixing Xanax with other drugs or with alcohol especially increases Xanax overdose susceptibility.

Another factor is taking the drug for high doses and a long duration.

When drinking alcohol while using Xanax dangerous side effects or even death may occur.

Xanax side effects:

Not just overdosing causes side effects but also the regular dose does that but with different aspects and extents.

Consult with your doctor at once if you feel:

• Weak or slow breathing
• Lightheadedness that may proceed to faint
• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Hyperactivity
• Decreased need for sleeping
• Racing thoughts
• Agitation or talkativeness
• Double vision
• Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes due to liver problems)

Falls and accidents are more common in elders as the drug stays in their systems.

Common side effects:

• Ataxia
• Cognitive dysfunction
• Constipation
• Urination difficulties
• Drowsiness
• Dysarthria (motor speech disorder)
• Fatigue
• Memory problems
• Skin rash
• Weight changes
• Anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia (sleeping disorder)
• Decreased libido (sexual drive)
• Increased or decreased appetite

Less common side effects:

• Hypotension
• Sexual disorder
• Muscle twitchings
• Increased libido

Warnings:

• Xanax may lead to addiction, misusing the drug may be extremely dangerous, take this medication under the supervision of a doctor to avoid any abuse.
• Opioids are specifically dangerous when combined with Xanax, severe drowsiness and shallow breathing is the top side effects of this combination.
• Xanax is a federally controlled substance that has to be used under the control of a doctor.
• Xanax can cause severe allergic reactions, if you suffered from any blisters, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, and limbs, consult with your doctor immediately to stop the drug.
• Xanax is a drug that should not be stopped immediately and stopped gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Xanax is an antianxiety drug used for several types of anxiety and panic disorders use it correctly and you will have the most benefit from it.

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