Xanax Overdose
Xanax in excessive doses may lead to symptoms such as slow reflexes, breathing problems and drowsiness. When you combine Xanax with other medications or alcohol then life-threatening symptoms are a risk. Treatment for Xanax overdose may require stomach pumping, supportive care, or the use of various medications.
An Introduction to Overdosing with Xanax
Xanax (alprazolam) is commonly used in the
treatment of anxiety and
panic disorders. Like most medications, overdosing on Xanax is very possible. The effects associated with overdosing on Xanax is dependent on various factors including if the drug taken in conjunction with street drugs, alcohol or other drugs, as well as the amount of Xanax consumed.
Symptoms of Xanax Overdose
Various symptoms may arise if excessive Xanax is taken. The common symptoms reported with an overdose include:
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Problems with coordination
- Coma
- Slow Reflexes
- Problems breathing
- Impaired coordination
- Loss of life
- Sleepiness
- A slowed heart rate
- Unconsciousness
- Difficulty talking or walking
The
symptoms for Xanax overdose can be life threatening, particularly if Xanax is taken in combination with other medications such alcohol or drugs, both of which have an effect on the brain.
Xanax Overdose Explained
Addiction to Xanax is the result of trying to suppress undesirable emotions through overuse of the medication. Addiction to Xanax has become a major health issue to many people who continue to use the drug daily or rely on it to fall asleep at night. Xanax addiction can occur rapidly and is a severe health condition for many individuals. People who abuse Xanax usually take it by crushing the drug down, dissolving it in water and injecting it like heroin. Additionally, they may snort it like cocaine or chew it orally.
Xanax is a depressant that will regulate the alertness and wakeful areas within the brain and it has similar characteristics to sedative and alcohol barbiturates. Xanax boosts the receptors that inhibit the stimulation of the central nervous system, thereby causing the counter effect of inhibiting the receptors that stimulate action in the nervous system. To put it another way, if a motor vehicle was your nervous system, the drugs would help you to apply the brakes but also make it difficult for you to pump the gas.
Overdosing on Xanax occurs when your body contains more Xanax than it can process safely. Abusers of Xanax are constantly trying to seek a high and tread a fine line between death and serious injury. When you overdose on Xanax you are continually exposing yourself to life-threatening symptoms.
Whilst Xanax overdoses are often accidental, there are also cases that occur due to suicide attempts or chemical addictions. Always seek the guidance of a medical professional should you overdose or if you have any suicidal thoughts. You may also need to obtain help from a therapist or medical specialist to get a referral to a program or psychologist to assist you with any possible
depression or addiction issues.
Treating Xanax Overdoses
Treatments for Xanax overdose do vary. Any overdoses that have occurred suddenly usually require pumping of the stomach or specific medications. An antidote such as Flumazenil (Romazicon) is often useful for benzodiazepine overdose. Supportive care may also be required to treat secondary symptoms caused by the overdose. An example of the supportive options for treatment includes:
- Intravenous line or (IV) to administer fluid
- Treatment to secondary symptoms
If you believe you have consumed more Xanax than prescribed, seek immediate medical attention immediately.
