Can You Overdose on Xanax?
Is it Possible to Overdose on Xanax?
A person can overdose on Xanax, a brand name for alprazolam. Numerous people who suffer from anxiety and panic disorders rely on it to stay calm and cool and manage their symptoms. When used correctly, it can be incredibly efficient. While the medication certainly has its benefits for people who need it, Xanax bars and other forms of this medicine are often misused. But exactly how much Xanax is too much — and what are the signs to look out for in a loved one who might be at risk of drastic outcomes from Xanax abuse? Let’s explore the issue and help you understand how to help.
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What Is Xanax?
Xanax is a benzodiazepine medication prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorder that works by stimulating specific neurotransmitters in the brain. It comes in a pill form and should only be used at the prescription and recommendation of a doctor. Men and women over the age of 65 may experience higher reactions to the drug, so they might need smaller doses. How much Xanax is too much depends on each person and how they respond to its effects. Are you suffering from a panic attack, or do you merely need help calming your nerves enough to fall asleep at night? You should never take more than the prescribed amount of Xanax, even if you missed a dose.
Xanax usually takes 60 minutes to kick in and can be effective for approximately six hours. People who take it may become drowsy or even dizzy. If this occurs, make sure not to get behind the wheel of a car, operate heavy machinery, or do other things that require mental alertness. Standing or sitting up too quickly may even lead to fainting spells. It’s best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Xanax.
What Are Some Signs of Xanax Abuse?
If you are ever concerned about precisely how much Xanax is too much, there are some pretty straightforward Xanax abuse symptoms to watch out for. Recognizing these indications may be the difference between an issue being ignored and successfully managed:
- Dizziness.
- Drowsiness.
- Upset stomach.
- Changes in your sex drive.
- Deep depression, including self-harm and even suicidal thoughts.
- Allergies, including itchiness, hives, rashes, and swelling of the face, tongue and throat.
- Central nervous system (CNS) depression that can decrease your heart rate and cause you to lose consciousness.
Similar issues that may arise from taking too much Xanax include trouble meeting important obligations, whether they are for work, family, school, or your own health. Some people even take it after it causes personal problems, such as a rocky marriage. Many times, a person wants to quit using the drug, but cannot fall asleep unless they take it. To make matters worse, a user’s tolerance builds up, requiring more Xanax to be effective, along with some unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit. These can include everything from massive headaches, upset stomachs, and sweating to more severe conditions, such as delirium, seizures, and throbbing pain in the neck and spine. A person can actually have intense cravings for it if they’ve become addicted.
Why Do People Abuse Xanax?
People trying to manage their anxiety or panic disorder might depend on Xanax, and even if they follow the prescribed dosage, they might build up a higher tolerance to it after a long period of use. As soon as people start taking more than their prescribed amount, it is considered abuse. The same can be said for those who take the powerful drug without a legal prescription. Xanax prescriptions skyrocketed in the late ‘90s and remained popular for approximately 20 years. Because many people do not realize precisely how much Xanax is too much, there have been overdoses. The number of prescriptions written has since dropped.
People can also develop psychological dependencies on Xanax after relying on it for too long. To make matters worse, it can be rather dangerous to suddenly stop cold turkey, as the overall effects of withdrawal are often intensified. Even today, Xanax is still sometimes abused by young men and women because it is rather easy to get a prescription to treat anxiety at a walk-in clinic. While many drugs are used to create feelings of euphoria, Xanax is often abused by distressed people trying to relax their minds and bodies. It sedates its users, allowing them to fall asleep or relax for several hours.
How Long Does It Take for Xanax to Wear Off?
According to a Healthline article, Xanax takes full effect in one to two hours and can remain in their system for about 22 hours. Some reports indicate that alprazolam wears off in as little as six hours and lasts in others for more than 26 hours. Of course, the numbers all depend on various factors, such as one’s age, weight, metabolism, dosage, and tolerance. Taking other medications can also affect how long it takes to wear off. Xanax will be entirely out of the bloodstream in two to four days, though the effects will cease long before that. That is why doctors may write prescriptions for up to three pills a day. Make sure to speak to your physician about how much Xanax is too much for you to ingest.
Resurgence Can Help You Overcome the Risks of Xanax Abuse or Addiction
Overcoming an addiction is a critical step toward a better future, and that’s why it’s so important to find the right Xanax treatment center if you need help. At Resurgence Behavioral Health in California, we offer a mix of medically supervised detox, effective one-on-one and group therapy options, and comprehensive programs that are required to overcome a Xanax addiction and achieve lasting recovery. There are even rehab programs created specifically for veterans, as well as couples. In other words, you and anyone you care about now have options to stop struggling once and for all with our effective Xanax addiction treatment — and it can literally be a lifesaver. Call us today at 855-458-0050 to learn more about how we can help.
External Sources
- Healthline — How Long Does Xanax Last?
- Statista — Number of Alprazolam Prescriptions in the U.S. from 2004 to 2021
- Medical News Today — How Long Does Xanax Last?
