What happens when you snort Xanax?

We do not recommend that you snort Xanax. But if you’re considering this mode of administration, what happens? Is snorting Xanax dangerous? We explore the risks and side effects of nasal insufflation of Xanax here.

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We don’t recommend that you try snorting alprazolam, brand name = Xanax.  Nor is this mode of administration recommended by doctors.  In fact, snorting Xanax is a tell tale sign of how Xanax is abused. But we do want you to know what to expect when you snort Xanax and the risk and dangers involved. so what happens to the brain and body when you snort Xanax? And is it dangerous? Read on for more.

In fact, we hope after reading you will think twice before snorting Xanax. If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below. We try to respond to every legitimate question with a personal answer and will get back to you in a timely manner.

What does snorting Xanax do?

When you change the route of administration of any drug, you change how that drug works on the body. And Xanax was never meant to be snorted. In fact, Xanax was created to be taken a certain way…orally. Xanax already has a high dependency rate. But when snorting Xanax, you risk the development of physical dependency on Xanax which can lead to painful and dangerous withdrawal. But what does snorting Xanax do to the body?

Snorting Xanax delivers alprazolam quickly to the brain. How does it happen? Xanax travels first through the nasal cavity past the mucus membrane and directly into the blood stream where it is then taken directly to the brain to work. That is why onset of effectiveness is so quick.

In a way, snorted Xanax works too well because the mode of administration can trigger a euphoric high and intense release from anxiety. All of this happens in mere minutes but can also wear off quickly, as well. In the end snorting Xanax ends up being bad for your health and is not worth the high you get from using the drug this way.

Is snorting Xanax bad for you?

Yes. Snorting Xanax is bad for you. The reason that it’s not advised you snort Xanax is because snorting Xanax is straight up dangerous. Not only can you increase negative side effects of alprazolam, you’re altering the way your brain regulates mood. You can further increase your tolerance to Xanax quickly as well as dependence on the drug, which can make withdrawal severe and painful when you stop taking Xanax. Adverse and negative effects of Xanax can include:

  • aches and pains
  • depressed heat rate
  • dizziness and drowsiness
  • hallucinations
  • irritability
  • loss of focus
  • memory problems
  • nausea
  • short breath

If you or a loved one have a Xanax (alprazolam) abuse or addiction problem…help is available! You can get treatment and get better. Check out this outline of alprazolam addiction treatment programs to learn where you can turn for help and what to expect from rehab.

Is snorting Xanax dangerous?

Yes. Snorting Xanax can be dangerous. Not only do you run a greater chance of side effects, you also run serious dangerous to your health. Because the onset of Xanax is quicker in the body when snorted, these dangers can also affect you without warning which can be scary if there is no way for you to get the help that you need. Dangerous risk include:

  • addiction
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • impaired coordination and judgment
  • overdose
  • painful withdrawal
  • spread of diseases
  • suicidal thoughts

Again, one of the greater dangers of snorting Xanax is the potential for overdose when there is an unregulated amount of Xanax in the system, overdose can happen without you even being aware of it. Signs of Xanax overdose includes:

  • change in movement
  • confusion
  • hard time talking
  • loss of consciousness
  • slowed heart beat
  • stopped breathing

If any of these occur, you need to get professional medical help as soon as possible to be treated.

Is snorting Xanax effective?

When you take Xanax orally it’s processed through the gastrointestinal, or GI tract. This process does take longer for lorazepam to activate and work on the central nervous system. However, snorted doses of Xanax have a relaxing and pleasant effect on the body in shorter time. This may be why people start snorting Xanax … because it can work so quickly.

What makes snorting Xanax more effective is that alprazolam simply bypasses the digestive process and is delivered straight into the blood stream. It then quickly, in all of its strength, does its work on the brain. When you snort Xanax, you risk:

  • accidents from being altered
  • body damage
  • increased dependence
  • increased tolerance
  • risk of addiction
  • risk of overdose
  • severe withdrawal

Can you snort Xanax?

Of course, anyone can make the decision to snort Xanax. But we ask that you evaluate the risks before snorting Xanax. Is the harm to your body worth the effects snorting Xanax can provide? Do you want to run the risks and the dangers snorting Xanax? Yes, snorting Xanax acts quicker on the body and create one powerful high. But, you also run the risk of overdose, seizures, and suicidal thought just to name a few.

Keep in mind that snorting Xanax is never recommended, nor will a doctor ever prescribe that you snort Xanax. Snorting Xanax is more a behavior addicts engage in as they need to quickly get high. If this is you, you may want to address Xanax abuse and explore the reasons you feel the need to snort Xanax rather than take it as directed.

Snorted Xanax questions

Do you still have questions concerning snorted Xanax? Please feel free to ask us anything related to Xanax use below. We welcome any question you have and we will get back to you personally and promptly.

Reference Sources: U.S. Department of  Justice: Other Dangerous Drugs
NIDA: Prescription drugs for potential abuse
Daily Med Alprazolam
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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