Can You Overdose on Xanax?

Xanax is often prescribed to help people manage anxiety and panic disorders. When taken as directed, the medication can offer relief from overwhelming feelings. However, Xanax is a powerful Schedule IV drug and can be dangerous if misused. Taking too much Xanax or mixing it with other substances can lead to a severe overdose, putting lives at risk. 

This page explores how a Xanax overdose happens, the signs to watch for, and what to do if someone overdoses on benzos. Knowing these signs can be a lifesaver, both for those taking Xanax and their loved ones. You’ll also discover how to connect with compassionate and effective treatment for prescription drug addiction.

What is Xanax?

Xanax, known by its generic name alprazolam, is a prescription medication mainly used to treat anxiety and panic disorders [1]. It belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, which work by calming the brain and CNS (central nervous system). When someone feels anxious or panicked, Xanax can quickly bring relief by helping them feel more relaxed. Doctors usually prescribe it in small doses and for short-term use because of its strength and potential for addiction. 

The drug works by enhancing a chemical in the brain called GABA [2]. GABA’s job is to reduce nerve activity, which helps people feel less tense. By boosting GABA, Xanax can calm racing thoughts, relax muscles, and slow down breathing and heart rate. This effect is beneficial for those who struggle with overwhelming anxiety. That said, the brain can start to rely on Xanax, leading to dependence and addiction. People may also need higher doses over time, which increases the risk of overdose. 

Xanax is normally prescribed in small amounts, with doses ranging from 0.25mg to 2mg daily. Doctors recommend taking it only as prescribed and caution against any changes to the dosage without medical guidance. Regrettably, some people misuse Xanax by taking larger amounts or mixing it with other substances to feel its effects more rapidly or more intensely. The medication can be dangerous when misused. Its relaxing effects on the brain and body can become extreme, especially if it’s combined with alcohol, opioids, or other depressants, which can dramatically increase the risk of an overdose on Xanax.

Xanax Overdose Symptoms

Recognizing the signs of Xanax overdose can be life-saving, as an overdose is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. A person may accidentally overdose by taking too much Xanax, taking doses too close together, or combining it with other substances. The drug slows down the brain and body, so the signs of overdose often look like extreme versions of its usual effects. These symptoms can range from drowsiness to life-threatening complications like respiratory failure.

Some common symptoms of a Xanax overdose include: 

• Extreme drowsiness: While drowsiness is a normal side effect of Xanax, overdose causes a profound level of sleepiness. The person may be unable to stay awake or respond when spoken to.
• Slurred speech: A person overdosing on Xanax may struggle to speak clearly. Their speech may become slow, garbled, or hard to understand.
• Loss of coordination: Overdose can impair physical control, making it hard for someone to walk steadily. They might stumble, fall, or sway, unable to keep their balance.
• Confusion: Xanax overdose can prompt severe disorientation, making it hard for the person to focus or understand what’s happening around them.
• Respiratory depression: One of the most dangerous signs of Xanax overdose is slowed or shallow breathing. Xanax—especially in large amounts—can reduce the body’s urge to breathe. The symptom is intensified if other CNS depressants like alcohol or opioids are involved.
• Blue tint to lips or fingernails: When breathing slows too much, oxygen levels in the blood drop, sometimes causing the lips, nails, or skin to turn blue (cyanosis). This is a serious warning sign of oxygen deprivation and a potential indicator of a life-threatening overdose [3].
• Coma or death: If an overdose goes untreated, it can lead to coma and death. The likelihood of fatal outcomes is much higher if Xanax is combined with other depressants.

What to Do if Someone Overdoses on Xanax

If someone shows signs of an overdose on Xanax, taking quick action can save their life. Here’s what to do: 

• Recognize the signs: Before acting, try to confirm that the person is showing signs of a Xanax overdose—see the signs outlined above. If they are unresponsive or hard to wake, they may be in a severe stage of overdose.
• Call 911: Immediately dial 911 or the emergency number in your area. Describe the person’s symptoms and let the dispatcher know that they may be experiencing a Xanax overdose. If you know of any other substances the person may have taken, mention this as well. Don’t wait to see if the person sleeps it off, as Xanax overdose can rapidly worsen. Emergency responders can provide oxygen and medication, stabilizing the person before reaching the hospital.
• Keep the person awake and alert: If the person is responsive, keep them awake and engaged. Speak to them calmly and encourage them to stay alert. If they are drifting off, talk to them or gently nudge them. Keeping them awake can prevent further complications, as the risk of serious breathing problems or choking increases if they lose consciousness.
• Place them in the recovery position: If the individual becomes unresponsive or struggles to breathe, place them in the recovery position. This involves laying them on their side, with their top leg bent and their head slightly tilted back. This position keeps their airway open and can help prevent choking if they vomit. It also reduces the chance of their tongue blocking their airway.
• Monitor breathing and heart rate: Carefully observe their breathing and heart rate while waiting for help. If their breathing slows to a dangerously low rate or stops entirely, be prepared to perform CPR. Slow or shallow breathing, long pauses between breaths, or a weak and irregular pulse are signs their condition is worsening. Inform emergency responders of any changes you notice.
• Administer naloxone if opioids are involved: If you suspect the person may have mixed Xanax with opioids, administer naloxone (Narcan) immediately if you have access to it. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose, restoring breathing in many cases [4]. While it won’t reverse a Xanax overdose, it may help in cases where opioids are involved.
• Stay with them until help arrives: Remain with the person until medical help arrives. Even if their condition seems to improve, do not leave them alone. Overdose symptoms can come and go, so the person may still be in danger even if they seem more alert. First responders will evaluate them and decide if additional treatment at a hospital is necessary.
• Be honest with emergency responders: When help arrives, tell first responders everything you know about the person’s drug use, including other substances they may have taken. Relevant information can help inform the treatment approach for Xanax overdose.

Xanax overdose can quickly turn fatal. Acting quickly can prevent the overdose from progressing to coma, brain damage, or death. Do not hesitate to seek help if you suspect an overdose on Xanax. 

Xanax Addiction & Overdose Statistics

In the United States, about 30.6 million adults use benzodiazepines like Xanax [5]. Among these, 5.3 million misuse the medication. Any misuse of Xanax can trigger the rapid development of dependence and addiction. 

Xanax misuse leads to thousands of ER visits each year, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) [6]. Benzo overdose visits to ER continue to increase, with 2020 data showing that 93% of overdoses on benzos like Xanax also involved opioids. In 67% of cases, this was the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl. 

Young adults aged 18 to 25 are most likely to misuse Xanax. Recreational use is common among this demographic. Older adults aged 50 to 64 tend to use Xanax through prescriptions. Any sustained use can lead to dependence and addiction. 

Women statistically receive more prescriptions and are more prone to misusing Xanax for stress relief, while more men misuse the medication for its recreational effects.

Whether used as prescribed or misused, Xanax is associated with dependence, addiction, and overdose. The medication should be used only short-term and as directed.

Xanax Overdose Treatment

When someone overdoses on Xanax, quick and effective treatment can prevent life-threatening complications. Medical professionals have methods and tools to help stabilize a Xanax overdose and minimize damage to the body and brain. Xanax overdose treatment involves immediate support for breathing, medication to counteract symptoms, and close monitoring to ensure recovery.

Emergency response and stabilization

The priority when treating a Xanax overdose is to stabilize the person’s breathing and circulation. In an emergency, responders may give oxygen or insert a breathing tube if the individual is struggling to breathe on their own. This support helps ensure the brains and organs get enough oxygen, preventing potential brain damage due to lack of oxygen, also known as hypoxia. If a person has also taken opioids, medical staff might administer naloxone.

Flumazenil administration

Flumazenil is a medication that can act as an antidote to benzodiazepine overdose [7]. It works by blocking the effects of benzos on the brain, helping to counteract symptoms like slowed breathing or extreme drowsiness. However, flumazenil can trigger sudden withdrawal symptoms in people dependent on Xanax, leading to seizures and other complications. The medication will only be used when doctors believe the benefits outweigh the potential dangers.

Supportive care and monitoring

Once the person is stabilized, they will likely receive supportive care, which is designed to help their body recover and manage any lingering overdose effects. Supportive care typically includes IV fluids to maintain hydration and medications to help with blood pressure or heart rate if they are too high or low. Doctors and nurses will closely monitor vital signs—such as heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure—to ensure the person remains stable. In severe cases, the person may be placed in an ICU (intensive care unit) for continuous monitoring and specialized care. ICU treatment may be necessary for those with severe respiratory issues or other complications from the overdose. Here, medical staff can quickly respond to changes and provide intensive support if the person’s condition worsens.

Avoidance of activated charcoal and stomach pumping

For many drug overdoses, doctors may use activated charcoal or gastric lavage (stomach pumping) to remove any remaining drug from the stomach. However, these methods are rarely effective for Xanax overdoses. Xanax is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, so by the time a person shows overdose symptoms, most of the drug has already left the stomach and entered the system. As a result, activated charcoal and stomach pumping are generally not helpful in treating Xanax overdose and are seldom part of the treatment plan.

Managing respiratory issues

If the person’s breathing is dangerously slow, they may be given respiratory stimulants to help increase their breathing rate. In severe cases, a mechanical ventilator ensures proper oxygen flow until the body starts to recover. This type of breathing assistance allows medical staff to control the person’s oxygen intake, reducing the risk of further complications from oxygen deprivation.

Long-term monitoring for complications

 A Xanax overdose can have lingering effects on the brain and body, especially if breathing or heart rate is compromised during the event. After initial treatment, medical staff may continue monitoring the person for any complications like neurological damage or respiratory issues, as these can take time to appear. In some cases, a person may experience cognitive or physical changes following a severe overdose, and additional medical evaluations may be needed to check for long-term effects. Some people may also develop memory issues, coordination problems, or other cognitive challenges as a result of oxygen deprivation during the overdose. Doctors will look out for any such signs to ensure the person receives the right care after leaving the hospital.

Transitioning to recovery and addiction support

Following an overdose, many people will need ongoing support to prevent future incidents. Hospital staff may recommend a detox program or substance use treatment for individuals showing signs of dependence on Xanax. The goal is to help them stop using Xanax safely and manage any withdrawal symptoms in a controlled environment. Detox programs often include medical supervision to address both physical and mental health needs, reducing the risk of relapse or another overdose. After detox, longer-term addiction treatment is often recommended. Rehab programs focus on teaching coping skills, managing stress, and building strategies to avoid substance misuse. These programs may include therapy, support groups, and other resources to help individuals regain control over their lives and reduce their reliance on Xanax or other substances.

Preventing future overdoses

One of the primary goals of Xanax overdose treatment is to help prevent future incidents. Healthcare providers may discuss safer medication options with the individual if they need ongoing treatment for anxiety or panic. They may also provide guidance on how to use medications safely, including advice to avoid mixing Xanax with alcohol or other drugs. 

Get Compassionate and Effective Addiction Treatment at a Premier California Rehab

If you or someone you care about needs help getting back on track from prescription drug misuse, reach out to California Detox. 

We treat all addictions and mental health issues with immersive inpatient programs at our luxury rehab in Laguna Beach, California. 

After tapering off Xanax under close supervision during medical detox, you will transition to inpatient treatment at our beachside facility. The unique nature of all Xanax addictions means treatment plans are personalized. Therapies include: 

• Counseling
• Motivational therapy
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Talk therapy
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Holistic therapies
• Aftercare 

Begin your recovery from benzo addiction and prevent Xanax overdose by calling 888-995-4208. 

Sources 

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538165/ 

[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3684331/ 

[3] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003215.htm

[4] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/naloxone 

[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6358464/ 

[6] https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7034a2.htm 

[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470180/