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Every time we are prescribed a new medication, a doctor or pharmacist goes over the list of side effects and possible concerns. This is standard across the United States and allows us to make an informed decision on whether to take the medication or not.
But what if someone gave you a medication – a random pill from an unlabeled bottle – would you trust it all the same? This is the risk of taking illicit substances even if they say they are “prescription alprazolam.”
Yet just last August, in a span of only three days, six people overdosed on illicit and possibly fake prescription drugs right here in Eugene.
Here at Serenity Lane, we understand how substance use can take over lives. As one of the oldest nonprofits in Oregon, we believe in bringing education to the public on topics surrounding substance use. Today, we are diving into what happens during an alprazolam overdose and how to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Alprazolam is one of many types of benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines, sometimes known just as benzos, are medications most often used for anxiety, panic, and seizure disorders.
Many of us are familiar with the fact that prescription medications can have brand and generic names. Even when prescription medications are misused, they can be more well-known by street and brand names. In the case of alprazolam, it is the generic name of Xanax.
Xanax is often prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. However, Xanax can be misused as it increases the action of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) leading to a euphoric effect and a slowed central nervous system.
Nearly any substance or medication you take can lead to an overdose when taken outside of medical advice. The same is true with Xanax and other forms of alprazolam.
Benzodiazepines impact our central nervous system. The central nervous system is responsible for many vital functions, including breathing and regulating body temperature. Alprazolam causes this system to slow down, which helps assist with seizures, anxiety, and panic attacks. When too much is taken, however, it can lead to breathing halting altogether. When the body is no longer receiving oxygen, it can cause organs to fail including the heart and brain.
Xanax, when prescribed by a medical physician and taken in ordinance with the doctor’s instructions, rarely results in an overdose by itself. Taking too much Xanax, mixing it with other substances, or taking it without a doctor’s medical advice increases the chances of experiencing an overdose.
When it comes to a Xanax or alprazolam overdose, most signs involve mood changes and trouble with coordination. These signs can be exacerbated if Xanax is mixed with alcohol or opioids. Common symptoms of alprazolam overdose include:
Because benzodiazepines like alprazolam are central nervous system depressants, an overdose can mimic alcohol poisoning or an opioid overdose. However, with alprazolam, the person can experience intense shifts in behaviors that distinguish a Xanax overdose from others.
As we mentioned above, alprazolam overdoses are not typically life-threatening on their own. This is because the effects of benzodiazepines are typically short. A Xanax overdose causes acute sedation and mood changes. Respiratory depression can occur, but it is uncommon in strictly alprazolam use alone.
While this may have you thinking a Xanax overdose is not a medical emergency, it still requires medical attention. The mental side effects of a Xanax overdose alone warrant medical attention, as well as the physical symptoms. Acute sedation, for example, can happen even when the person is conscious, resulting in not knowing where they are or who they are with. This can cause outbursts of confusion and even violence as the person tries to put the pieces together.
The thing with overdoses is that they don’t discriminate against age, race, or beliefs. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t risk factors. Being able to spot these risk factors can help you better prevent experiencing an overdose.
One way to determine if a loved one is at risk for a Xanax overdose is knowing its street names. Alprazolam can go by bricks, footballs, z-bars, xanny, xanny bars, and others. If you hear your loved one using these terms or see them in text, it is time to have a conversation about possible alprazolam use and what happens during an overdose.
Calling for help is the first step in treating a Xanax overdose. Stay with the person until medical personnel arrive and move them to a quiet place away from others. Do your best to keep them calm but if they react with violence, keep yourself safe.
Unlike opioid overdoses, there is no over-the-counter medication to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines. There are pharmaceutical options but they require a doctor for administration.
If the person loses consciousness, help them to the ground and lay them on their side. This will help keep their airway clear in case of vomiting. When help arrives, be honest with paramedics about all substances taken if you know. This will help them provide the best course of treatment.
Taking a prescription medication is a normal part of life and no one begins taking it hoping to become dependent on it. This can happen to anyone, but thankfully, there is hope to end the cycle through trusted treatment providers. A benzo rehab program is the first step to addressing the causes behind your substance use and start working toward recovery. Daily therapies will help you understand the underlying causes of alprazolam use disorder and allow you to develop coping skills to be used in the future.
You are not a problem, you are a person with goals and ambitions – take the leap to get back to yourself without Xanax.
You don’t have to wait to begin a treatment program, Serenity Lane is open 7 days a week for admissions into our detox and residential program. Our dedicated team is always available to answer any questions or concerns you have about beginning a benzodiazepine treatment program. Call us today at 800-543-9905 to learn more about our treatment options.
Finding serenity in long-term recovery.
How much alprazolam does it take to overdose?
There is no set amount of alprazolam that triggers an overdose. Many factors can affect the amount including weight, dosage, frequency of taking, pre-existing health conditions, and polysubstance use. The only way to prevent an overdose is to avoid illicit alprazolam use or to take it as prescribed by a medical physician.
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