I am on the smallest dose per day of alprazolam (xanax) (.25mg) to combat panic attacks I started having after a heart attack (about 7 or 8 years ago). I usually take it right before I go to bed because that's when I've had most of the panic attacks and I feel it helps me sleep. I'm not real sure I need it any more, for one thing I'm healthier (I've lost considerable weight and stopped smoking) and I haven't had a panic attack in several years. Not sure if that's because of the alprazolam or just my better physical shape. I think maybe I need to just keep in on hand to take when I feel I might be having a panic attack. But, my main question is, I only drink about once a week but when I do, I have several. I tend to get really drunk really fast and I think part of it has to do with me and how fast I drink, plus my weight loss (about 100 pounds). But I also think that even though I don't take the medication before or even when I get home (I don't need to, I go right to sleep) I think it's still in my system from the continual use. My question is, is the prolonged continual use of the alprazolam in my system contributing to me getting so inebriated. It's like I'm fine one minute then out the next.
Xanax and Alcohol?
Question posted by TexasGal123 on 20 March 2014
Last updated on 14 September 2021 by Calibos75
4 Answers
Alcohol and Xanax together is very dangerous for me if I took Xanax before drinking I would be able to consume more alcohol than not taking xanax . This would be dangerous in the amount of alcohol I would consume secondly just mixing them together amplifies the effects of the xanax. But in my opinion if you remember how your night went the next day than your in no danger if you don't remember consider changing your routine
Both of those medications are addictive. So be very, very, very careful. My mother liked taking valium with alcohol. A friend found her on the floor in a coma with a bottle of booze in her hand. She had been on Valium for years. Withdrawal was terrible for her and required hospitalization. These are serious medications as they affect your nervous system.
The drinking on the weekend you describe is called binge drinking. Growing up in an alcoholic family, I had no idea how to drink and have fun. Instead I got falling down drunk. It wasn't until a friend explained to me what I was doing. Scared the heck out of me. I had no desire to die at twenty. I did learn how to be a casual drinker. One drink for the night. Possibly two. Slow and careful. As your friend, I ask you to think about this. The funniest thing you can do is to go to a party and let others drink but not you. You will see why control is the solution.
With drinking in the family and aunts and uncles on both sides, drinking hard, it is,apparent that my genes make me sensitive to alcohol. Alcohol hit me fast and hard. Wasn't worth destroying the things I wanted in life. It takes real strength to say no or limit. That is courage. Giving in doesn't do that. Think it through and keep the meds out of the way. I wish I had known sooner...
Thank you so much for your insight! I have never taken the xanax for a high or to enhance the affects of alcohol, it's more of a maintenance medication for my panic attacks. But, good advice and I appreciate it!
Mixing alcohol with any benzodiazepine is a very bad idea (talking out of my own experience), the combination is deadly. Although if you have not taken it for a day or 2 it is still in your system and the ingest of alcohol is increased by this, I had several blackouts when I was younger,(been on benzos for more than 20 years).
Also the body weight is another factor to consider, and the gender, the less one weighs and the gender one is completely affected by alcohol.
Another aspect to consider is that you should not stop the medication, even if you start feeling good (panic attacks are unpredictable and might even be worse than the ones you had before), also never stop any benzo "cold turkey", one must do it gradually under Dr.´s supervision.
I suggest you talk to your prescriber regarding stopping the med or taking it as needed, my advice to you is : do not self medicate.
Interactions between your selected drugs
alprazolam ↔ ethanol
Applies to: Xanax (alprazolam), Alcohol (contained in alcoholic beverages) (ethanol)
Using ALPRAZolam together with ethanol can increase nervous system side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with ALPRAZolam. Do not use more than the recommended dose of ALPRAZolam, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medication without first talking to your doctor.
Other drugs that your selected drugs interact with
Alcohol (contained in alcoholic beverages) (ethanol) interacts with more than 400 other drugs.
Xanax (alprazolam) interacts with more than 400 other drugs.
Interactions between your selected drugs and food
alprazolam ↔ food
Applies to: Xanax (alprazolam)
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with ALPRAZolam and lead to potentially dangerous side effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor. Do not drink alcohol while taking ALPRAZolam. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol. You may feel more drowsy, dizzy, or tired if you take ALPRAZolam with alcohol.
https://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=1034-14582,133-54
It is always not a good idea to mix xanax with a Alcohol. Alprazolam has a short half life meaning it doesent stay in your system its like 6-12 hours but if you take it everyday for 8 years then it has to be stored in your system but it is more deadly to quit xanax on the spot then alcohol just because it sounds like you dont drink everynight. So l would switch to valium that has a longer half life 50-100hours, but doesent effect with Alcohol like xanax does and it will still help with panic attacks and it wont get you super wasted if you decide to drink. Xanax and Alcohol are deadly so l would be very careful. GoodLuck!
Interactions between your selected drugs
diazepam ↔ ethanol
Applies to: Valium (diazepam), Alcohol (contained in alcoholic beverages) (ethanol)
Using diazepam together with ethanol can increase nervous system side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with diazepam. Do not use more than the recommended dose of diazepam, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medication without first talking to your doctor.
Source: https://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=1034-14582,862-441
Thanks so much for the tip!
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xanax, panic disorder, alprazolam, alcohol, dosage
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