What Happens If You Take Methadone and Xanax​?

The road to recovery from addiction is long and treatment can include various therapies, medications, and holistic approaches. For those dealing with opioid use disorders, methadone is frequently prescribed to assist in reducing or eliminating the use of heroin and other opioids. Moreover, individuals recovering from opioid addiction often face mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression, which may lead them to use medications like Xanax for relief. However, the combination of methadone and Xanax poses significant risks, potentially resulting in increased substance abuse and overdose.

Methadone is classified as a long-acting full opioid agonist and is categorized as a Schedule II controlled substance by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. It is specifically designed for treating opioid use disorders and can only be dispensed through certified opioid treatment programs. When taken as directed, methadone is generally safe and effective, especially when integrated into a comprehensive treatment strategy that includes behavioral therapies. On the other hand, Xanax is a potent anti-anxiety medication with a high potential for abuse and addiction. Both drugs act as central nervous system depressants, and their concurrent use can amplify each other’s sedative effects, significantly raising the risk of a potentially fatal overdose. Additionally, this combination can lead to increased chances of developing substance abuse issues.

While some individuals may use both medications responsibly to address genuine health concerns, often unaware of the associated dangers, others may misuse them to enhance euphoric sensations. Regardless of the intent, the abuse of methadone and Xanax tends to follow a similar trajectory, with high doses of benzodiazepines being commonly abused among those on methadone treatment.

Can You Overdose on Methadone and Xanax?

Taking opioids like methadone, along with other central nervous system depressants like Xanax, increases the risk of life-threatening overdose. Xanax, a benzodiazepine known for its calming and sedative properties, is frequently prescribed to alleviate anxiety and insomnia—common issues during opioid withdrawal. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that in 2021, nearly 14% of overdose fatalities involving opioids also included benzodiazepines. The combination of methadone and Xanax is particularly dangerous, as both can induce sedation and impair respiratory function, which are key factors in overdose deaths. Research conducted in North Carolina revealed that patients taking both medications faced a tenfold increase in overdose death rates compared to those on opioids alone.

Healthcare providers prescribing these medications must exercise extreme caution and carefully weigh the potential benefits against the associated risks. Moreover, some individuals may misuse Xanax alongside methadone without medical supervision. While methadone is effective in alleviating withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioid use disorders, such as heroin addiction, it does not produce a euphoric high. However, some users mix Xanax with methadone, believing it mimics the euphoric effects of heroin. These pleasurable effects can lead to substance abuse and addiction, leading individuals back into the vicious cycle of addiction. Additionally, those who obtain Xanax illegally may encounter versions laced with fentanyl, which significantly increases the risk of overdose.

How Much Methadone and Xanax Does It Take to Overdose?

Mixing medications without prior consultation with a healthcare professional can pose serious dangers. It is particularly critical to avoid combining methadone and Xanax unless prescribed by a doctor. Additionally, informing any prescribing physician about all medications you are currently taking is essential, as they might unintentionally prescribe something that could interact negatively with your existing treatments.

Methadone is typically dispensed under strict medical supervision, making it challenging for patients to exceed their prescribed amounts, as they usually need to visit a clinic daily for their doses to prevent misuse. In contrast, those prescribed Xanax often receive a month’s supply, which can lead to the temptation to take more than directed. Adhering to prescribed dosages is vital, as even a slight increase can result in severe side effects, including respiratory issues and overdose. Moreover, timing is crucial; taking Xanax and methadone too close together can elevate the risk of toxic levels in the system. For instance, if you miss a dose and take it later, followed by your regular dose the next day, the cumulative effects could lead to a methadone and Xanax overdose.

The amount of methadone and Xanax that could lead to an overdose varies from person to person. Factors such as age, weight, frequency of use, and overall health play significant roles in how the body processes these medications. A smaller individual who is not accustomed to taking Xanax with their methadone may be at a higher risk of overdose compared to a larger, healthier person who regularly uses Xanax.

What Are the Side Effects of Methadone and Xanax?

Xanax and methadone are both classified as central nervous system depressants, sharing some side effects such as drowsiness and slowed breathing. However, unlike Xanax, which is primarily used to treat anxiety, methadone is designed to help manage pain by regulating the body’s pain response.

Methadone can cause several mild side effects, including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

On the other hand, Xanax is associated with a range of more serious side effects, such as:

• Slurred speech
• Tiredness
• Drowsiness
• Memory problems
• Agitation and aggression
• Hallucinations
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Depressed mood
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Xanax has a short half-life, which often leads users to take it more frequently, resulting in a rapid development of tolerance. Exceeding the prescribed dosage can result in a potentially fatal overdose. Moreover, combining methadone and Xanax can significantly increase the risk of respiratory depression, coma, and overdose.

Can Mixing Methadone and Xanax Kill You?

Benzodiazepine misuse is prevalent among patients at methadone clinics. Combining substances without a thorough understanding of their interactions can be extremely dangerous, and the combination of methadone and Xanax can be fatal. A study published in the National Library of Medicine revealed that in three overdose cases involving the simultaneous use of methadone and alprazolam, another benzodiazepine, the methadone levels were significantly lower than those typically seen in other methadone overdose cases. This indicates a heightened risk when these two drugs are used together. Both Xanax and methadone have a depressant effect on the respiratory system, which can lead to respiratory failure. If the oxygen supply to the brain is compromised, irreversible brain damage can occur within just 3 to 5 minutes, potentially resulting in death shortly after that. Their sedative properties can further hinder breathing by preventing the diaphragm from contracting, essential for lung expansion and oxygen intake.

Access Personalized Addiction Treatment for Methadone and Xanax at Resurgence Behavioral Health

At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we specialize in crafting individualized treatment plans for a wide range of substance use disorders, including common drug addictions to methadone and Xanax. Our programs focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of addiction, equipping patients with essential tools for achieving lasting sobriety. We also provide dual diagnosis treatment to tackle co-occurring issues such as anxiety, along with offering alternative therapies to traditional medications like Xanax. Our medical detox programs are designed to assist individuals in overcoming opioid use disorders and discontinuing methadone use. Each tailored treatment plan incorporates a blend of behavioral health therapies, medications, and holistic methods to cater to the specific healing requirements of every individual.

If you are facing challenges with methadone or Xanax, reach out to Resurgence Behavioral Health today at 855-458-0050 to discover more about our treatment options or to schedule your initial intake.

External Sources

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Methadone 
• National Institute on Drug Abuse – Benzodiazepines and Opioids 
• National Library of Medicine – Detection of Alprazolam in Three Cases of Methadone/Benzodiazepine Overdose 

David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.

Research | Editorial