Xanax is usually prescribed to treat general anxiety and panic disorders, as well as anxiety brought on by depression. The way the drug reduces anxiety is by slowing the flow of chemicals to the brain that may have become unbalanced. Yes, it is possible to overdose on Xanax, however it is very difficult to do so. Xanax is well known as a relatively safe drug. So what does it take to overdose on Xanax?
Overdosing on Xanax
Typically, a very high amount of Xanax is needed to overdose. Of course factors like age, body weight, metabolism, previous Xanax exposure, etc also matter. If the drug is taken along with other medications or alcohol, then the risk of overdose will increase. In addition, taking Xanax for non medical reasons, or snorting it also increases the risk of overdose.
When an individual takes large amounts of Xanax, it can cause drowsiness and impaired judgment, putting them in danger. Taking a high dose of the drug, or mixing it with other drugs can cause slowed heartbeat or breathing problems. Shallow or slowed breathing is the biggest danger of an overdose, as it can cause breathing to stop completely.
How Much is Too Much?
The doctor recommended dose of Xanax is 2 mg, to be taken at one time. That is the highest amount. A starting dose is sometimes as low as 0.75 mg per day. There have been reports of people taking up to 2000 mg of Xanax, which is 1000 times the recommended daily dose, with little to no side effects. This makes Xanax an extremely safe medication when taken solo.
Because it takes a very high dose of Xanax to overdose, and even higher amounts to experience long term health effects of death, it is not classified as a narcotic. The risk of addiction to Xanax is very low as well.
While it can be unpleasant and even dangerous to take high doses of Xanax, medically it is unlikely to harm the user, if taken alone. High doses taken habitually can cause withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, which can be serious.
Signs of an overdose on Xanax may include:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Confusion
- Feeling lightheaded
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Fainting
- Coma
Despite its relative safety, Xanax should only be taken under prescription and not for recreational purposes.
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