Changes in appetiteDizziness or light-headednessDrowsinessDry mouthHeadacheIrritabilityJoint painProblems concentratingTiredness
For people with generalized anxiety disorder, Xanax is commonly prescribed alongside an antidepressant to relieve the nervousness that antidepressants initially cause in some people. However, experts do not recommend using Xanax for an extended time. If you’re taking Xanax, be aware of the potential side effects, and know when to contact your doctor or healthcare professional.
Common Xanax Side Effects
Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines in the United States. However, many side effects are associated with it, including:
Drowsiness or fatigue Dizziness Dysarthria (slurred or slow speech) Headache Memory impairment Depression
Although mild side effects are common, keep a close eye on any you experience, and stay in contact with your healthcare professional,
Severe Side Effects
You shouldn’t use benzodiazepines for more than two to four weeks. Chronic, long-term use of Xanax risks serious effects and health issues, including:
Decreased motor coordination Impaired concentration Memory loss Poor reaction time Slower processing of information Agoraphobia Loss of sex drive Increased anxiety and depression Social phobia
If you experience any of these, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Potential for Addiction
One study found that, after four to eight months of treatment with benzodiazepines, 40% of patients became dependent on them. Xanax falls into this category and thus poses a risk for addiction. The problem typically arises when a patient develops a tolerance to the drug over time. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) lists the following as the criteria for drug tolerance:
You feel diminished effects of a drug over time when taking the same amount.You require larger amounts of the drug over time to feel the same effects.
Because this tolerance might compel you to increase your dose, Xanax can be highly addictive. Xanax has a high “misuse liability,” meaning individuals often develop a physical dependence on it. Those who chronically use benzodiazepines such as Xanax non-orally (such as via injection) experience significant respiratory distress and a tranquilizing effect on the central nervous system (CNS).
Xanax Warnings and Interactions
Before taking Xanax, tell your doctor about pre-existing health conditions, any history with addiction, and other medications you’re taking.
Liver Function
Xanax is metabolized by the liver. If you have liver disease or your liver isn’t fully functioning, you must be closely monitored for liver damage while taking Xanax. Your doctor might order a blood test to measure your liver function before you start Xanax, or might choose not to prescribe it for you at all.
Substance Use Disorder
Given Xanax’s high potential for misuse and/or addiction, it’s important to consult your doctor before taking it if you have a substance use disorder or a history of substance misuse. Those with substance use disorders may be at higher risk of developing an addiction to Xanax. People who are withdrawing from opiates sometimes self-medicate with Xanax. Likewise, people with addictions to other benzodiazepines such as Valium (diazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam) are also more likely to misuse Xanax because they produce a similar sedating effect. Self-medicating with Xanax or mixing it with other substances has life-threatening consequences, including overdose. Be sure to talk to a healthcare professional before taking Xanax with other substances.
People Over Age 65
People over age 65 should exercise caution when taking Xanax. Older adults have a greater risk for negative side effects, particularly if they combine Xanax with other medications affecting the central nervous system. These effects include:
Unsteady gaitMemory problemsLoss of balanceCognitive impairmentRisk of fallingRisk of motor vehicle collision
If you’re an older adult, your doctor or healthcare professional should monitor you closely if you’re taking Xanax.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Xanax can harm a developing fetus if taken during pregnancy. Potential effects include:
Respiratory and feeding difficultyConvulsionsHypotonia (floppy baby syndrome)Neonatal drowsinessLow birth weightIrritabilityWithdrawal symptoms
High doses of Xanax taken in the third trimester are associated with fetal benzodiazepine syndrome. This includes floppy baby syndrome, withdrawal symptoms, and problems regulating temperature. An infant can be exposed to Xanax through breastmilk. The potential side effects in a a baby include sedation, poor temperature regulation, and lethargy.
Other Medications
Do not take Xanax with other CNS depressants, such as Valium, Klonopin (clonazepam), alcohol, barbiturates, tricyclic and tetracyclic drugs, dopamine receptor antagonists, opioids, and antihistamines. This can result in excessive sedation, respiratory depression, and in some cases, overdose.
Effects of Xanax Withdrawal
Though tapering off Xanax may help with the intensity of withdrawal, certain symptoms are still common when you discontinue Xanax. Patients who experienced anxiety prior to starting Xanax may feel more anxious after stopping it,. This is known as “rebound anxiety.” Other common effects of withdrawal include:
Malaise Dizziness Insomnia Tachycardia (fast heart rate) Severe sleep disturbance
One study found that 15 out of 17 patients with panic disorder experienced a “reoccurrence or increase” in their panic attacks after tapering off Xanax. Similarly, people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who gradually discontinued Xanax experienced effects such as irritability, nightmares, worsened anxiety, hyper-alertness, rage, and homicidal ideation. Multiple case studies have reported delirium and psychosis in patients who discontinued Xanax. These withdrawal effects have not been linked to any other benzodiazepine. If you have experienced these or any other concerning side effects as a result of withdrawing from Xanax, seek medical attention right away.
Tapering Off Xanax
Tapering off a drug means that you gradually reduce the dosage until you stop taking it altogether. This process can help minimize the severity of withdrawal effects. Consult with your doctor if you are tapering off Xanax; they will provide you with specific instructions on how to do so safely. Generally, you can expect to decrease your Xanax dosage by no more than 0.5 mg every three days.
Effects of Xanax Overdose
Overdose can happen when a person takes larger doses of Xanax than prescribed, they take it more frequently than prescribed, they inject the drug, and/or they mix it with other CNS depressants. Signs of an overdose vary with the person. However, the following are common:
Trouble breathingConfusionDizzinessBlurred visionImpaired motor skillsBluish lips or fingernailsTremorsComa
Other serious complications from overdose include pneumonia, muscle damage, brain damage, and even death. Anyone experiencing an overdose requires immediate medical attention. Once at the hospital or with emergency services, they are often given intravenous fluids, respiratory support, and/or medications to help combat the effects.
A Word From Verywell
It’s important to be aware of the side effects you may experience when taking Xanax. Though the side effects listed here are the most common, you might experience other effects unique to you. Always follow your doctor’s guidelines and discuss any concerns. If you’re unsure about taking Xanax, ask your doctor about alternatives.
