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Can You Overdose on Xanax? Risks, Symptoms, and Prevention

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 11 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 11 minutes

Learn about the risks of Xanax overdose, its symptoms, and what to do if one occurs.

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In the top 200 medications administered in the United States are four benzos: alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), and lorazepam (Ativan).

In 2021, over fifteen million people across the United States with anxiety disorders were prescribed Xanax. While the drug is very popular, the risk of misuse of this medicine should not be disregarded. Sadly, within a year, over 5.3 million reports of drug abuse are made about this prescription.

When attempting to break free from Xanax, it is typical for individuals to face intense withdrawal symptoms leading to reuse (mostly in even larger quantities), hence risking overdose.

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Xanax's Medical Uses & FDA Approval

What is Xanax?

Xanax is a benzodiazepine that doctors prescribe for its effects of depressing the central nervous system.

The Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Xanax for the immediate or short-term management of GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) and panic disorders. 

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Mechanism of Action & Off-Label Use of Xanax

How Does Xanax Work?

Xanax acts on the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) to promote serenity and relaxation. It diminishes cerebral activity to alleviate panic attacks and anxiety disorders.

The drug has calming effects and helps relax muscles. It is also effective in controlling severe anxiety and panic attacks.

However, some applications do not conform to the original purpose for which the drug was made in what is known as off-label use. Off-label usage refers to the application for purposes not officially sanctioned. Always adhere to your doctor’s recommendations about the usage of prescribed substances.

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Signs & Symptoms of Xanax Overdose

What is an Overdose?

An overdose happens when you use or consume a chemical in quantities that are much higher than those that are prescribed. Overdosing on drugs can have catastrophic consequences or cause extreme toxicity.

Benzodiazepine overdose is a growing concern. Reports show that overdose deaths increased by about 22% from 2019 to 2020. Combining benzodiazepines with other medications can lead to life-threatening severe risks and complications.

If you or someone you care about shows any of these signs and symptoms of a Xanax overdose, please call emergency services:

  • Disorientation.
  • Sleepiness.
  • Loss of consciousness.
  • Lack of coordination.

In addition, this medication may also lead to serious overdose effects, including:

  • Seizures.
  • Struggling to breathe.
  • Discomfort in the chest.
  • Irregular heart rate.
  • Unresponsive state (coma).
  • Hallucinations (perceptions that are not based in reality).

In addition, overdose can arise from the concurrent use of Xanax with alcohol, other medications, or both.

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Risk Factors

What Causes a Xanax Overdose?

A drug overdose happens when someone takes too much medication. This amount of Xanax would be more than the body can handle. It leads to a harmful buildup of the drug in the brain and bloodstream.

What Factors Increase the Risk of a Xanax Overdose?

Many factors increase an individual’s risk of experiencing a Xanax overdose:

Polysubstance use: This can happen when you use multiple substances (at the same time) or combine substances with alcohol. Mixing alcohol with other sedatives and opioids can be very dangerous.

The chemical reaction between these substances may stop the brain from signaling the lungs to breathe. The result is that breathing stops altogether. This causes a lack of oxygen, which can eventually lead to death.

Building a tolerance: As your body gets used to Xanax, you will need more of the medication to feel the same effects.

Age: Studies indicate that the effects of Xanax poisoning manifest more prominently with age. Healthcare practitioners recommend reduced prescribed doses for individuals aged 65 and above. Nevertheless, these recommendations are often disregarded by many patients. Even little dosages of medication may cause an older person to quickly develop a tolerance, which could result in an overdose.

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Understanding the Risks & Lethal Dosage of Xanax

Can You Overdose on Xanax?

Considering that it’s a medication prescribed by a medical professional and categorized as a milder Class C substance, it’s understandable that you might think it’s safe. Note that no drug is 100% safe, though. 

Yes! You can overdose on Xanax if you do not use it as prescribed.

What is the Lethal Dose of Xanax?

The typical dosage of Xanax recommended by most doctors is 0.25 to 0.5 mg, taken three times a day. However, the daily dose can reach up to 4 mg for some. For severe cases of anxiety and panic disorder, it is not unusual for medical professionals to recommend a daily dosage of medication that can reach up to ten milligrams.

While it is generally lethal to consume more than 10 mg, there is no one-size-fits-all kind of answer here. The general rule is that the dosage recommendation depends on the patient’s circumstances.

Older adults and those with liver complications will likely be given lower doses. Benzos can heighten the susceptibility of older adults and patients with severe liver failure to adverse effects. Moreover, an overdose can happen if combined with other similar medications, alcohol, opioids, and a range of different substances. A lot of people engage in this behavior on purpose; it’s called polydrug abuse.

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Immediate Actions to Take & Treatment Options

What Should You Do If You Suspect a Xanax Overdose?

If you are the victim, kindly contact emergency services or seek assistance from a reliable friend. Be honest with the emergency services about your Xanax use, as well as any other drugs you’ve taken and how much of each you’ve swallowed.

If you have concerns about someone you know, collect all the relevant information and call the emergency services. Remain beside the person, particularly if they are experiencing respiratory distress.

Unfasten every item around their upper body, such as ties or scarves, especially around the neck. Position the individual in a state of active recovery while monitoring their pulse. If an ambulance may not arrive in a timely manner, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation may be imperative.

At this juncture, it is not suitable to pursue someone’s substance abuse with punitive measures. Even if you or a close family member survive an overdose, the likelihood of it recurring is considerably high. The necessity for Xanax addiction treatment is urgent, as neither of you is aware of the future.

How is a Xanax Overdose Treated?

When you use Xanax or any other medication, tell your doctor if you need to take more. Also, let them know if you are using it more often. If you want to make it stronger, like by mixing it with alcohol or other drugs, inform your doctor as well. Potential strategies to tackle the problem may include:

Detox Programs:

These types of drug treatment programs are specifically created to offer a caring setting staffed by certified healthcare professionals who have the authority to prescribe drugs to ease withdrawal symptoms. While not all addiction cases require you to start with a detox process, there are some severe cases where this stage is needed.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs):

PHPs are forms of outpatient care typically taking place in an environment similar to an ordinary hospital. On weekdays, each treatment session lasts 4 to 6 hours. You are allowed to spend your nights at home.

Inpatient care:

The inpatient rehabilitation program demands your permanent residency at a drug rehabilitation facility for the duration of your recovery. The program typically ranges from 30 days to eighteen months or more, depending on the severity of your problem.

Individual Counseling:

This therapeutic approach involves participating in individual sessions with an alcohol or drug addiction counselor. Your counselor will examine your recovery process, psychological wellness, and any challenges you may encounter on your way to recovery.

Group Therapy:

Group therapy is group counseling sessions run by counselors and self-help organizations, such as 12-step groups.

Intensive Outpatient Care:

Are structured support for individuals seeking to address their challenges while maintaining daily responsibilities.

With addiction, treating the underlying source of the problem and how your mind reacts to it is crucial. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has long been a preferred intervention. A trained CBT specialist will work with you to identify destructive patterns of thinking or behaviors that contributed to your substance misuse.

In therapy, you will learn great coping skills. These include taking up hobbies, exercising, and finding enjoyable jobs. These activities can help you face the tough feelings and situations that substance abuse used to hide.

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Long-Term Physical & Mental Health Effects

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Xanax Overdose?

While there are indeed some benefits of using Xanax to treat severe anxiety disorders, this substance can leave lasting adverse effects on the user. Other than the risk of overdose, which can potentially lead to death.

The long-term effects of this substance include:
  • Permanent cognitive impairment.
  • The risk of developing physical (addiction/dependency) and psychological issues.
  • Chronic respiratory issues.
  • Mental health disorders.
  • Organ Damage: Severe overdoses can lead to lasting damage to vital organs, particularly the liver and kidneys.

How Can You Prevent a Xanax Overdose?

Please take steps to prevent incidences of overdose in the future, whether the previous incident was treated or not. If your doctor has already put you on a Xanax dose, closely adhere to the prescribed dosage. Take the drug as scheduled. However, addressing future overdose incidences can differ widely from victim to victim, as it depends on whether the previous incidences were intentional or accidental.

If the incident was accidental, please focus on understanding what is at stake when you use a drug in a manner not directed by a doctor. Learn how to manage your drugs well.

If your previous incidences of overdose were deliberate, you might want to begin by addressing the root cause of the problem. Is it a mental disorder, a family issue, a financial issue, or a work-related issue? Here, a professional behavioral therapist can help you navigate such matters.

What Safety Precautions Should You Take When Using Xanax

Have a notebook (whether physical or electronic notebook) to track your Xanax use. Purpose not to stray away from what your doctor recommended.

Alternative Treatments

What Are the Alternatives to Xanax for Anxiety Treatment?

The following are some of the most common alternatives to Xanax.

1. Klonopin: Klonopin is also a benzo. It means it still causes most of the side effects that Xanaz does cause. However, it works better than Xanax as it has a longer half-life. This means it provides relief from anxiety disorders for a much longer time, reducing the risk of withdrawal when tapping.

2. Zoloft: Zoloft has gained popularity as one of the first-choice lines for mental health issues like anxiety and panic attacks. The risk of addiction is low and causes relatively fewer states of drowsiness in patients compared to Benzo, like Xanax. The leading cause for concern is that it can cause side effects like sexual dysfunction, weight changes, and sexual dysfunction.

Other options include:
  • Cymbalta.
  • Buspirone.
  • Vistaril.
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Written By:

Geoffrey Andaria

Geoffrey Andaria mental health writer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Geoffrey Andaria is an experienced mental health content writer and editor. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, Geoffrey is highly educated in freelance articles and research. Having taken courses on social work, Geoffrey is adamant about providing valuable and educational information to individuals affected by mental health and the disease of addiction.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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