What are the Symptoms of a Xanax® Overdose?

A drug overdose is a serious medical condition that must be treated with prompt, professional medical care. With prescription drug use soaring since the mid-20th century, accidental and intentional overdose has become a fairly common medical problem. Patients suffering from a Xanax® overdose may display mild to life-threatening symptoms, depending on several factors.

The most common symptoms of a Xanax® overdose typically include signs of mental confusion. Patients may have difficulty speaking and feel sleepy. Xanax® is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, so an overdose will likely appear to severely sedate the user. Anyone showing these signs should be taken to the nearest hospital emergency room without delay.

Loss of motor skills is also common with a Xanax® overdose. If a person who has taken the medication becomes dizzy, feels muscle weakness, is unable to walk or function correctly, they may have overdosed. Fainting or light-headedness are also common symptoms, and should be treated with the utmost seriousness and immediate medical care.

In some studies, patience suffering from a Xanax® overdose tend to have higher rates of fatality than those taking other drugs. The possibility of death seems to increase if the drug is consumed with alcohol or other drugs. Combining legal, prescription or illegal drugs with Xanax® can lead to a considerably worse overdose that may include a coma or even death.

If a Xanax® overdose is suspected and the patient is awake, call immediately for medical assistance. Try to keep the patient conscious, and ask him or her what drugs they have taken and how much they have consumed. Do not allow the patient to drive or leave the area alone. If possible, take him or her to an emergency room or call an ambulance. Follow any instructions given by medical dispatchers.

In order to avoid an accidental Xanax® overdose, take only the amount prescribed by a licensed doctor. Do not take pills from anyone else, as dosage levels vary. Check the prescription sheet from the doctor against the pills at the pharmacy to ensure that the dosage is the same. If there is a discrepancy, call the prescribing doctor at once to clear up the issue.

Although many Xanax® overdoses are accidental, some may be suicide attempts or signs of a chemical addiction. Anyone who experiences an overdose may want to seek psychological treatment to establish if an addiction exists or to talk about suicidal feelings. Ask a doctor, health insurance specialist, or therapist to refer a psychologist or program that may help with any current or ongoing issues of addiction or depression.