What is Xanax?
Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These drugs work by calming the central nervous system. Specifically, they decrease unusual excitement in the brain and release a calming chemical into the body.
Doctors often prescribe Xanax for anxiety, but it’s also used to treat:
- depression
- premenstrual syndrome
- muscle spasms
- insomnia
- seizures
- agoraphobia (fear of open or crowded spaces)
Xanax comes in two forms: a tablet or liquid. It must always be prescribed by a licensed doctor.
What causes a Xanax overdose?
Xanax is a type of tranquilizer. When taken in large doses, it can slow someone’s breathing. In some cases, the user takes too much medication and has a severe reaction.
When Xanax is combined with opioids and alcohol, this can create a lethal combination, cause breathing to stop, and lead to a fatal overdose. Always follow the instructions on your medication’s label to help prevent an overdose.
Signs of a Xanax overdose
Thousands of people overdose on benzodiazepines every year. And in many of these cases, Xanax is involved. It’s important to know the signs of a Xanax overdose so you can get help or help someone else experiencing an overdose. Overdose symptoms can range from mild to serious, such as coma and even death.
According to the American Addiction Centers, a Xanax overdose can look a lot like alcohol intoxication.
These are the symptoms of a Xanax overdose:
- appearing drowsy
- confusion
- dizziness
- impaired coordination
- unsteady gait
- slurred or slowed speech
What to do if someone ODs on Xanax
The American Addiction Centers has set guidelines for what to do if someone is overdosing on Xanax. You should:
- Call 911 immediately.
- If the victim is conscious, try to keep them alert and talking.
- If the victim is unconscious, roll them on their side.
- Do not induce vomiting.
- Do not consume alcohol or other drugs while waiting for help to arrive.
How to prevent an overdose
A Xanax overdose can be intentional or accidental. An overdose is more likely to occur when Xanax is combined with other substances, such as alcohol, opioids, and other benzodiazepines.
That’s why it’s important to take Xanax exactly as your doctor prescribed and to follow the medication’s label carefully.
It’s also important that you do not share your prescription with others or take other’s medication, as often, people are taking other medications that may negatively interact with Xanax.
Treating Xanax Overdose at Skyward Treatment Center
After treatment for a Xanax overdose, the next step is to get professional help to quit prescription drug abuse. Skyward Treatment Center provides compassionate care for prescription drug addiction in Houston and surrounding areas. Our programs include outpatient and inpatient residential options that cater to your specific condition.
Our dedicated addiction treatment team is here 24/7 to help you become drug-free. We also offer same-day admissions. Call 713-815-4471 or complete our online form to learn about our treatment options.
Sources
https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/addiction-treatment-recovery/prescription/xanax-overdose-facts
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-8171-367/alprazolam-oral/alprazolam-extended-release-oral/details
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4020178/