Xanax overdose: How much amount of Xanax to OD?

It’s difficult to overdose onXanax, but possible at high doses. More on how much Xanax is safe for you and Xanax overdose here.

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Can you prevent an unintentional Xanax overdose?  Although Xanax narcotic class of drugs is not illegal, this does not mean that the drug is always safe for you.  In this article, we’ll explore that question in more depth, along with the risk factors for Xanax overdose. At the end, we invite your questions about Xanax and overdose.

How does Xanax overdose happen?

What is a Xanax overdose? Simply put, it’s when you take too much Xanax and the main ingredient, alprazolam, becomes toxic to the body. How much you need to take to overdose varies from drug to drug. Some drugs can be taken in higher doses as directed without injuring a person, while others are not safe to take in higher doses.

You might accidentally take too much Xanax for a variety of reasons. If you suffer from anxiety, you make feel the need to take it more often or in higher doses than recommended by your doctor in order to control your symptoms.You may develop a tolerance after long-term use and increase your dosage in order to get the same therapeutic effects. Getting “high” on Xanax by snorting, injecting, or mixing Xanax and alcohol (or other drugs) is another way that accidental overdose occurs, particularly since this takes larger amounts of the drug than are normally prescribed.  Plus, snorting Xanax vs oral administration increases your risk of OD’ing.  Finally, some people even intentionally attempt to overdose either to injure themselves or attempt to commit suicide.

Xanax overdose – How much is too much?

The amount of Xanax you need to take to overdose depends on your body weight, previous exposure to alprazolam (the main ingredient in Xanax), and individual factors. But there are some basic guidelines you can follow.

1. How much Xanax to take at a time?

Doctors never recommend more that 2 mg of Xanax be taken at one time – and that’s only in cases where someone has developed a tolerance for the medication. Starting doses are as low at 0.75 mg per day.

2. Do not mix Xanax with other drugs or alcohol.

It is much easier to overdose on Xanax when it’s combined with other central nervous system depressants, such as opiates or alcohol.

3. Do not try to take a lot of Xanax.

Xanax abuse does increase the risk of death and overdose. Some people have reported taking up to 2000 mg of Xanax and have experienced only minor toxicity. At more than 1000 times the normal daily dose, this medication is incredibly safe and very difficult to overdose on when taken alone.

4. Do not take Xanax other than prescribed.

Alprazolam should only be taken swallowed as a whole pill, and only in the doses recommended by your doctor.You’re much more likely to overdose or experience adverse effects when you chew, crush, snort or inject Xanax pills.

Xanax overdose complications

The main complication related to Xanax overdose is central nervous system depression and associated risks. At high doses, or when mixed with other medications, Xanax can cause a slowed heartbeat or breathing problems. And taking more Xanax than recommended can cause drowsiness and impairment of judgment that can put you in danger. Excessive tiredness and dizziness may put you at risk of accidents.

Xanax overdose prognosis

The prognosis for Xanax overdose is usually good. It takes a very high amount of Xanax to overdose, and even more doses of Xanax to experience long-term health effects or death. While taking more Xanax than directed can be unpleasant and dangerous, medically it’s unlikely to seriously harm you if taken alone. Taking high doses of Xanax habitually can cause withdrawal symptoms, which can be serious, including seizures.

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Xanax overdose amount questions

Addicted to alprazolam (Xanax)? Find out more about how you can get help in our comprehensive outline of alprazolam addiction treatment programs and get prepared to leave your addiction problem behind.

If you have any questions about safe amounts of Xanax in your system, please leave them here. We are happy to try to help answer your questions about Xanax, and will try to respond with a personal and prompt reply for all legitimate queries.

Reference Sources: Medline Plus: Alprazolam
PubChem: Alprazolam
ToxNet: 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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