Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for people dealing with anxiety and panic disorders. It works by calming your brain and body, making it easier to manage stress and overwhelming thoughts. The active ingredient in Xanax boosts the effect of the neurotransmitter called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This slows down your nervous system to help you feel more relaxed. Because of its effectiveness, many people rely on it to deal with mental health challenges.
However, even though Xanax can help treat anxiety and panic, it also carries risks, especially if it’s misused or taken without medical guidance. This blog will explore how someone could overdose on Xanax and the main causes of this dangerous situation. Whether you’ve been prescribed Xanax or are trying to help someone you care about, it’s important to understand the risks.
1) Taking a Higher Dose of Xanax Than Prescribed
Benzodiazepines like Xanax are specifically designed to calm your body and mind. When you take it as directed by your doctor, it can be effective. The problem begins when you take a higher dose than prescribed or use it in a way it wasn’t meant for. This behavior can lead to serious side effects. You might experience confusion, extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, or even pass out.
It’s rare for someone to have a fatal overdose on Xanax alone, but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Taking too much can severely depress the central nervous system, which controls functions like breathing and your heart rate. This can make you feel weak, disoriented, or leave you unable to react in an emergency.
The body isn’t built to handle such high doses, and repeated misuse increases the risk of overdose. You might also develop tolerance over time, meaning you’d need more of the drug to feel its effects, which can put you on a dangerous path leading to withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop.
2) Mixing Xanax With Other Substances
Taking Xanax on its own already comes with risks, but combining it with other substances like alcohol or opioids can be deadly. These combinations are especially dangerous because both Xanax and those substances are central nervous system depressants. When taken together, they slow your bodily functions even more, increasing your chances of overdose deaths.
For example, alcohol intensifies the effects of Xanax, making it harder to stay alert, focus, or even breathe properly. Opioids like fentanyl or prescription painkillers also combine poorly with Xanax. The outcome may include severe respiratory depression, where your breathing slows down so much that it can stop entirely.
Sadly, many drug overdoses occur because people unknowingly use these dangerous combinations. If you or someone around you shows any Xanax overdose symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or unconsciousness, you need to call 911 immediately.
3) Taking Fake Xanax Unknowingly
Fake pills on the street look exactly like real prescription Xanax, but they often contain harmful substances you wouldn’t expect. One of the most dangerous trends is counterfeit Xanax pills mixed with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that’s much stronger than morphine. Even a small amount of fentanyl, when combined with something like Xanax, can be deadly.
When you take fake Xanax, you have no way of knowing what’s in it or how strong it might be. This is one of the leading causes of benzodiazepine overdose today. These counterfeit pills are a huge risk, especially since some people unknowingly buy them online or from unreliable sources. This practice greatly increases the risk of overdose.
Unfortunately, many people think they’re taking medication to help their anxiety, but the fake pills can lead to life-threatening situations. The best way to keep yourself safe is to only take medication that’s been prescribed for you by a medical professional.
Best Anxiety Treatment in Orange County, CA
Xanax can offer relief for anxiety and panic disorders, but it’s not without serious risks if misused. If you feel like you’re struggling with managing your anxiety or unsure if your current treatment is working, don’t try to self-medicate. While it may seem like an easy fix, it’s always better to connect with a professional who can guide you safely.
At Story Wellness, a trusted mental health center in Orange County, CA, we specialize in helping people find the right solutions for their mental health challenges. We can also recommend Xanax addiction treatment options if you suffer from substance abuse. Together, we can develop a plan to address your needs so you can feel safer and healthier.
