Xanax is a Benzodiazepine; also known as a “Benzo(s).” Xanax is a class IV controlled substance due to a strong potential for abuse. Xanax, for some people, can be really easy to get addicted to because of its euphoric, relaxing effects. Those who have struggled with drug abuse or are in recovery for drug addiction should be very careful when getting prescribed Xanax due to it’s highly addictive effects that Xanax produces. Traditionally, Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety & panic disorders, help to treat seizures, used for sedation purposes pre-op for surgery and also it is used for alcohol withdrawal. There are different types of benzos and they are all used for different purposes, here are some examples of different types of benzodiazepines:
- Quazepam (Doral)
- Midazolam (Versed)
- Clorazepate (Tranzene)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- Oxazepam (Serax)
- Estazolam (Prosom)
- Triazolam (Halicion)
- Temazepam (Restoril
- Flurazepam (Dalmane)
What Are The Side Effects From Xanax?
People who become addicted to Benzodiazepines are chasing the feeling of euphoria and relaxation. Other side effects of Benzos, like xanax are:
Short Term:
- Memory impairment
- Disorientation
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Drowsiness
- Lack of motor skill function
Long term:
- Anxiety
- Memory Loss that could possibly lead to a diagnosis of Dementia
- Issues with motor skills
- Problems with speaking or body movements
- Death
When Xanax is consumed with Alcohol. These effects are enhanced.
Mixing Xanax With Alcohol
A lot of the times when people mix Xanax and Alcohol together, they wake up and do not remember anything from “the night before,” or what they did when they were under the influence of both xanax and alcohol, which is very terrifying to not have control over yourself.
Mixing Alcohol and Xanax is extremely dangerous for many reasons. Consuming too much of each individually is even dangerous on their own. There is a reason why doctors who prescribe benzodiazepines to their patients say to not mix those pills with any alcohol. Alcohol and Xanax are both depressants and sedatives. Both Xanax and Alcohol slow down the brain activity and slows down the activity of the nervous system. When consuming too much of both it can cause respiratory failure, cardiac issues and an accidental overdose that could lead to death. Study shows that those who drink more alcohol than Xanax when combined can increase the rate at which someone will pass out or become unconscious. When someone consumes more Xanax than alcohol when combining the two, they experience passing out, oversedation or becoming unconscious much faster. It will also produce more feelings of euphoria, a big decrease of feelings of anxiety, cognitive issues and lack of motor skills. Xanax and Alcohol increase the effects produced by the other. As mentioned above, not only could mixing the two lead to unconsciousness, respiratory failure but it can put someone in a comatose state as well.
Looking To Get Help?
Looking to get help? If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms from both the Xanax and Alcohol, it might be time to start seeking and reaching out for help. Here are some of the withdrawal symptoms that are common for both Xanax and Alcohol
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
- Nausea & vomiting
- Tremors
- Loss of appetite
- Sweating
- Restlessness
- Agitation and/or irritability
- Anxiety
- Headache
- Seizures (in some cases)
- Insomnia
- Faster heart rate
- Depression
Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
- Seizures (in some cases)
- Anxiety/ Panic attacks
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Sweating
- Irritability and /or agitation
- Depression
- Restlessness
- Sleep disturbances or insomnia
- Tremors or shakiness
- Heart Palpitations
- Disoriented or confusion
- Headache
Article source: beginningstreatment.com