Xanax Overdose Symptoms: Treating Addiction, Withdrawal and Side Effects

Drug overdose is one of the biggest problems the US has ever faced. A recent study published by Texas State University revealed that 15% of drug overdoses were associated with benzodiazepine misuse, such as Xanax and Valium. However, Xanax is prescribed for mental illness treatment. But people often misuse it for recreational purposes. The only way to curb those is to recognize Xanax overdose symptoms in a timely and get addiction treatment right away. 

ChoicePoint Addiction Rehab offers a thorough treatment for your Xanax overdose and Xanax addiction. Get in touch to know more 844.445.2565.

CALL NOW FOR FREE SCREENING

Xanax: A Prescription for Caution, Not Misuse!

Xanax (Alprazolam), like other benzodiazepines, is relatively safe to use, but it is considered a Schedule IV substance, which means it has a high potential for chemical dependence and addiction. Xanax is primarily used for mental illnesses such as:

• Anxiety
• Panic disorders
• Agoraphobia
• Pre-menstrual syndrome

Xanax, being a CNS depressant, works by reducing brain activity by binding to GABA receptors in the brain, controlling rest, sleep, and relaxation cycles. However, long-term use or misuse has high risks of dependency and addiction. One should learn how much Xanax is too much, so it must be used with caution and only with the practitioner’s advice.

Xanax Can Cause You to Overdose?

Many people ask, “Can you overdose on Xanax?”. Of course, if someone misuses Xanax, it can lead to an overdose. Research has suggested that Xanax, unlike other benzodiazepines, is more toxic, causing severe complications and overdose side effects. 

Several conditions make a person overdose on Xanax, such as:

• The presence of other substances, such as opioids, alcohol and other drugs
• Age, gender, and genetics
• Building tolerance due to long-term use
• Accidentally using more than the prescribed amount
• Recreational use
• Body’s metabolism
• Underlying medical conditions of heart, kidney, and liver

All of the above factors contribute to a person’s overdose, resulting in severe complications such as dependence and addiction. 

Xanax Overdose Symptoms: Recognizing the Red Flags!

Xanax overdose happens when someone uses it above the prescribed amount or gets high in a short interval of time. These symptoms begin shortly after use and may persist until the body processes the medication. Some immediate overdose signs include:

• Urination difficulties
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Drowsiness
• Joint pain
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Impaired coordination

In case of a severe and sudden overdose of Xanax, respiratory arrest causes decreased oxygen levels to the brain, resulting in hypoxic brain injury and ultimately causing coma, leading to death. Call 991 or seek immediate professional help! 844.445.2565.

Xanax Dosage Guide

Signs and Symptoms That You Are Getting Addicted to Xanax

Addiction is a chronic disease that affects the physical, mental, and spiritual status of a person. However, when a person gets addicted to Xanax, it might show signs, including:

• Inability to stop Xanax despite wanting to
• Obsession with procuring Xanax
• Social isolation due to Xanax dependency
• Being aggressive or offensive if trying to stop

Addiction leads to tolerance and behavioral changes, and one might try to increase the Xanax dose, which can lead to overdose and fatal complications described below.

Long-Term Side Effects Of Xanax Misuse

Xanax overdose leads to severe complications and can even become fatal if unsupervised. Long-term misuse leads to severe complications such as:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Seizures
• Extreme mood swings
• Hallucination

Whenever Xanax overdose symptoms or side effects occur, it is considered a medical emergency, and thus, immediate help should be sought to overcome unpleasant consequences. 844.445.2565.

Assess Your Xanax Dependency: Initial 5 min Screening Test

We have designed a free addiction assessment test for you according to DSM-5 substance use disorder criteria to know the initial symptoms of addiction. Check yourself and call 844.445.2565 to discuss with our 24/7 virtual expert!

Free Addiction Assessment

Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.

Warning: Risk of Combining Xanax With Other Drugs

Intentional Xanax use can be fatally dangerous, especially when combined with other drugs such as:

• Mixing it with opioids causes severe sleepiness, respiratory depression, coma, and death

Research suggests that 93% of overdose deaths are due to benzodiazepines, which also involve opioids. FDA has also issued a black box warning of possible death due to benzo and opioid mixing.

• Xanax and alcohol abuse can cause a synergistic effect, enhancing both high effects and side effects.
• Mixing with cocaine causes accelerating brain damage due to compounding effects

Xanax Addiction Treatment: Reclaiming an Effective Recovery

If someone suspects any Xanax overdose or develops Xanax addiction, they should immediately seek medical help from ER or rehab treatment experts for a possible savior. Otherwise, it might result in a tangle of difficulties. Xanax overdose and treatment are possible with a comprehensive treatment plan that includes the following.

Dual Diagnosis- Overcoming Xanax Addiction and Mental Illness

Xanax treatment begins with analyzing why it was necessary in the first place. As Xanax is prescribed for mental illness, it is evident that a person will have a co-occurring disorder while experiencing Xanax overdose or addiction. Such conditions need special assessments and consideration before beginning rehab treatment. 

That is why Dual diagnosis is the most suitable option for Xanax overdose and mental illness treatment to quit Xanax once and for all without its further needs.

Medical Detox Assisting Recovery for Xanax Withdrawal and Overdose

Overcoming any drug overdose isn’t easy. People mostly get overdose due to tolerance and addiction buildup. And with addiction comes withdrawal when trying to quit. When starting treatment, medication-assisted detox helps to alleviate withdrawal symptoms of Xanax addiction or overdose, such as

• Tremors 
• Sweating
• Headache
• Muscle twitching
• High breathing and heart rates
• Seizures 

Withdrawal symptoms usually occur after 8-12 hours of the last Xanax dose. However, it can be complicated if someone has overdosed on Xanax. Experts can still manage unpleasant symptoms while administering detox with the help of FDA-approved medications such as: 

• Flumazenil, an antidote for Xanax dependence
• Naltrexone and buprenorphine (Subutex) if someone has polysubstance use disorder 

This process takes about two weeks on average. Research suggests that DEA-certified practitioners must govern these medications only in inpatient settings to avoid mishaps as they are conscientious of medication management.

Behavioral Therapy & Counseling-Recovering Xanax Psychosocial Impacts

It is pertinent to know that Xanax affects not only physically but also mentally, causing psychological withdrawal and psychosocial problems such as:

• Anxiety and depression
• Delirium tremors
• Panic attacks
• Hallucinations
• Inability to concentrate
• Exclusion from social gathering
• Overacting behavior
• Irritation and aggression
• Disputed familial relationships

Medication or detox alone won’t cover up these mind-boggling symptoms. However, such psychological catharsis can be achieved with the help of psychotherapy, including:

• Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT) mends negative behaviors leading to Xanax overdose and addiction
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) reinvigorates aggressive behavior that might be the most significant contributing factor to Xanax overdose  

Xanax overdose puts a massive heap of trauma on the individual, their friends and workplace, and family members experiencing such lethal symptoms to their loved ones. Counseling such as:

• Individual
• Group
• Family

It involves personal development, helps build relationships with the outside world, and mends ties with family members after a potential overdose or addiction relapse with the consultation guidance of psychiatrists.

You Should Know: Xanax is the most common benzodiazepine, leading to emergency visits due to misuse and overdose.

We Accept Most Insurance Programs

ChoicePoint- Xanax Addiction Treatment & Rehab

We know how hard it is to overcome Xanax dependence alongside mental illness. A soul mind is only possible if chemicals won’t interfere with normal functioning. And Xanax is one of those benzodiazepines highly affecting it. But Choicepoint has the solution to your problem with its expert-oriented rehab having a wide range of insurance options and personalized treatment for:

• Students, veterans, expecting mothers, LGBT, and criminal justice.

So, fill out this form to confirm your insurance and call 844.445.2565 to book an appointment and get the help you seek!

Common Queries Regarding Xanax Overdose

You might be wondering some questions regarding Xanax and its addiction, including:

How Addictive Is Xanax?

Xanax is a highly addictive drug. That is why it is one of the most abused substances worldwide. Its calming and anti-anxiety effects on the brain make its users euphoric and dependent, hence leading to addiction that, after a while, becomes a nightmare.

What to Do if Someone Overdoses on Xanax

Some of the initial steps to help someone getting overdose symptoms include:

• Call 911 immediately or seek medical assistance 844.445.2565
• Lay the person on their side
• Try to keep them awake and breathing
• Hydrate them quickly to increase drug metabolism

Don’t try to curb the overdose symptoms on your own; always seek professional help to avoid fatal consequences!

Is 1 MG of Xanax a Lot?

A standard starting dose of Xanax for new users is 0.25-0.5 mg. It depends on the circumstances in which a person is taking 1mg. If someone takes 1mg initially, it is a high dose and may cause side effects, but for regular users, 1 mg can be taken as a higher dose of treatment.

What Happens if You Take Too Much Tranquilizers?

The first and foremost effects of too many tranquilizers include

• Respiratory depression
• Low oxygen to the brain
• Brain death
• Coma 
• Ultimately death

Seek immediate help or call 911 for emergency assistance!

What Is the Highest MG of Xanax You Can Take?

The maximum prescribable dose of Xanax is 10mg, but this should be taken only with the practitioner’s advice for certain mental illnesses.

How Much Xanax Is Too Much?

The starting dose for Xanax as a mental illness treatment is 0.25-0.5 mg, and it should not be for more than 14 days; otherwise, taking too much Xanax will lead to addiction and overdose.