Xanax Overdose
Speak To A Professional Confidentially
Table of Contents
Xanax is a benzodiazepine drug commonly prescribed for individuals dealing with certain issues related to their mental health. Xanax is a brand name for alprazolam. The medication is prescribed in certain doses, depending on the patient’s issue and the severity of the problem.
Unfortunately, Xanax is often misused. In some cases, not only are people using the medication without a prescription, but they may also take a dose that is not safe or is too intense for their bodies. This could lead to a Xanax overdose, which could be extremely dangerous.
It is crucial to know what to do if you or a loved one is dealing with a Xanax overdose. You should also be aware of the signs and symptoms and the required treatment. Xanax addiction and overdose should always be addressed, no matter what.
What Is Xanax?
Xanax or alprazolam is a medication used to treat anxiety. Most of the time, a healthcare professional will prescribe it in the treatment of certain anxiety disorders like panic disorder. It is a benzodiazepine drug, and it should be used on a short-term basis only.
The drug works by affecting the communication between the body and the brain. As it is a benzodiazepine, it can raise the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA levels in the brain – therefore, it slows down the nervous system. This leads to enhancing one’s sleep and reducing their stress levels.
The body absorbs Xanax very quickly, so it doesn’t take too long for the effects to hit. At the same time, its effect duration is shorter compared to other benzodiazepines, which is what may cause someone to keep abusing the drug. This may slowly lead to an addiction, which can only be treated in a rehabilitation center.
Xanax Abuse
Xanax is quite an addictive drug. A lot of people rely on it due to its ability to relieve anxiety symptoms. They may even use it when they are unable to sleep or when they are stressed and need to calm down.
So, Xanax consumption has increased, and while its calming effects are heavenly, many people fail to realize the danger behind the drug. It can result in a Xanax addiction, which is very hard to quit. If one is addicted to the drug and tries to give up on it, they will deal with withdrawal, something that can only be taken care of under medical supervision.
Despite Xanax being considered more toxic compared to other benzodiazepine drugs, it is still commonly prescribed for treating anxiety.
The medication is not hard to get, and even people without prescriptions have started consuming alarming amounts of the drug. As a result, the addiction and overdose potential is extremely high.
Prescribed Xanax Dosage
The Xanax dosage that is usually prescribed is between 0.25 and 0.5 milligrams per day. Most of the time, the doctor will tell the patient to split the amount between three daily doses.
In some cases, a healthcare professional will decide to increase the patient’s dose in order to control the symptoms. It may even reach 10 milligrams per day.
Xanax consumed in very large doses can be lethal. How much it takes for the drug to be deadly depends on each individual, though. There are a few factors that determine how fatal various amounts of Xanax are, including the person’s age, weight, preexisting conditions, whether the drug is combined with other substances, and how the body metabolizes the alprazolam.
Clinical studies were done on rats, and the dose that caused half of the animals to die was LD50 and it went from 331 to 2,171 mg per kilogram. But animal studies cannot always translate for humans, so overdoses can happen any time the dose is higher than the one prescribed.
Reaching a Xanax Overdose
Xanax overdoses are very likely to happen, particularly in people who have been using the drug for very long periods or consumed high amounts. It is also more likely to happen in people who mix Xanax with other medications or drugs, as well as alcohol.
In fact, the majority of the bad or deadly overdoses occur when someone takes Xanax with alcohol or other drugs, particularly opioid pain medications.
Symptoms of an Overdose
A Xanax overdose can lead to various symptoms, which will differ in intensity in each individual. Here are the potential side effects of an overdose:
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Reduced reflexes
- Slurred speech
- Uncontrolled movements of the muscles
- Increased heartbeat
- Tremors
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Chest pain
- Impaired coordination
- Coma
- Death
How long does xanax stay in my system?
Overdose Prevention
You can prevent a Xanax overdose as long as you don’t use it without a prescription, but also if you follow the doctor’s prescription if you were given this medication. You should always keep track of your Xanax consumption, either on a phone or notebook.
In case you notice that you suddenly increased your Xanax dose, you should immediately talk to your doctor. This is a useful way to make sure you do not develop an addiction or end up overdosing.
Another way to make sure you don’t overdose is to refrain from using the drug in combination with other medications, drugs, or alcohol.
Treating Xanax Overdose
As soon as you suspect an overdose in yourself or another person, you should call for help. In the U.S., you can call the 1-800-222-1222 number for the National Poison Control Center and listen to their instructions.
But in case of severe symptoms, seeking local emergency services will be more suitable.
Once someone has overdosed, they will be taken to an emergency room or hospital. Then, activated charcoal may be administered to possibly decrease some of the symptoms and absorb the medication. The stomach may be pumped for removing the remaining medication.
Professionals may also give flumazenil, a benzodiazepine known for reversing the Xanax effects. Then, when the symptoms go away, the individual may have to stay in the hospital to be monitored for a while.
Real Deal is Here For You
Real Deal can help you ditch a Xanax addiction, decreasing the likelihood of an overdose. Not only will you be able to stop your addiction through a great detoxification program, but you can also go to therapy for potential mental health issues that may have been encouraged. Moreover, our sober living program will offer you peaceful accommodation, where you will be far away from any temptations and will be able to learn new skills and take care of yourself.
Don’t wait any longer – call for help as soon as an overdose occurs in a loved one. You may end up saving a life.