January 10, 2023

Dangers of Combining Adderall and Xanax

Adderall and Xanax are both medications that are prescribed to help the brain function. Adderall is a stimulant while Xanax is a benzodiazepine. When these two medications provide opposite functions, however when combined the effectiveness of both are reduced. 

Benzodiazepines are to slow down the nervous system which helps the person feel more calm and relaxed. Stimulants on the other hand help boost up activity in the central nervous system which makes the person feel more awake and focused. 

If you take or are considering taking these medications, it is important to understand the effects of each medication on your body and mind. Continue reading this post for a full understanding of how these medications impact your body. 

Xanax 

Xanax, sometimes referred to by its generic name alprazolam, is generally used to treat the following: 

• Panic disorder
• Anxiety/anxiety disorder 
• Intense/irrational fears
• Insomnia 

Xanax has highly addictive properties, and tolerance builds up quickly. It is typically only prescribed to a patient for a short amount of time. 

Recreational Xanax and abuse have become a growing issue and concern. In 2020, the national helpline had a 27% increase in calls from the year prior in 2019. That number went from 656,953 to 833,598.  

Xanax side effects: 

• Drowsiness 
• Dizziness/lightheadedness 
• Increased saliva production 
• Change in sex drive
• Sweating 
• Fatigue 
• Anxiety 
• Memory issues 
• Seizures

Always consult your doctor before consuming Xanax or any benzodiazepines. 

Adderall 

Adderall is a stimulant that is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is commonly prescribed for people with attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADD and ADHD) for children and adults. 

On more rare occasions, Adderall can treat narcolepsy and depression.  

Adderall stimulates a person’s brain by increasing levels of neurotransmitters, dopamine, and norepinephrine that all help transfer signals between brain cells. 

The increase of transfer signals aids the inability to focus and pay attention, as well as improving behavioral difficulties. 

Abuse of Adderall is also a growing concern in young adults. Misuse of the drug is most common in ages 19-25. This is a large problem commonly found on college campuses with college students. 

Adderall side effects:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Dry mouth  
• Upset stomach/stomach pains
• Nausea/vomiting 
• Dizziness 
• Headache 
• Diarrhea 
• Fever 
• Nervousness
• Trouble sleeping
• Trouble breathing 

Adderall and Xanax 

Xanax and Adderall together pose dangerous risks, as well as the risk of them both having reduction in what they are prescribed for. 

However, there are no official guidelines that prohibit the medications from being prescribed at the same time. The Food and Drug Administration labels for Xanax and Adderall do not have any warnings about interactions between the two. 

The calmness and sleepiness that Xanax causes have a direct decrease in the attention and awareness that Adderall causes. 

Similarly, someone that takes a stimulant might need a higher oxygen intake. If your body is also on a benzodiazepine, the body is more relaxed and not taking in as much oxygen. This can cause discomfort and a feeling of lack of oxygen. 

The risk of taking Adderall and Xanax is the highest when: 

• More than the recommended dose is taken 
• Other drugs or alcohol are ingested while these medications are present in the body 
• The person has a previously existing medical condition such as heart complications

Overall, the use of Adderall and Xanax together should only be done with consultation and prescription from a doctor. Professionals recommend keeping in close contact with their doctor and notify them anytime they experience side effects. 

Since the two drugs are meant for the treatment of two competing mental disorders, the most ineffective result would be both of the medications counteracting together, and both disorders still causing disruptions in daily life. 

Risks

Patients must understand Xanax risks and Adderall risks before beginning the medication. 

If you are someone who has struggled with addiction and medication abuse in the past, consult your doctor about your history. These medications are not commonly prescribed to individuals with a history of addiction because of their addictive properties. 

Adderall and Xanax reside as controlled substances. Anytime an individual has prescribed a controlled substance, their risk of addiction is increased. Let alone being prescribed two controlled substances, the risk doubles. 

The main concern with mixing benzodiazepines and stimulants is the effect it has on the heart. Adderall has links to increased blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. These are just risks of the medication on their own. 

When you add benzodiazepine to the mix, it increases the possibility of heart risk. As mentioned, benzodiazepines help slow the central nervous system down. This typically results in a slower breath rate and heart rate. 

Combining a medication that works to slow down the central nervous system and one that is intended to speed up the central nervous system puts pressure on the heart that can result in serious life-altering implications. 

Our facility offers a variety of treatment plans. If you are unsure about what program and course of treatment are right for you, review these programs offered. 

With the risk of addiction and health problems, it is advised to never consume either classification of these drugs without a proper prescription from your doctor. 

Always Consult Your Doctor 

Everyone’s body and how they process medications is unique. What might work for someone else may have a totally different effect on your body. 

The rate of addiction and abuse of Adderall and Xanax is a growing concern that leads to overdoses and heart conditions. 

Many treatments offer an immediate response rate and will help you take the next steps in a timely manner. We employ licensed professionals and a team of people waiting to help and treat an array of substance-related issues. For more information related to seeking treatment, contact us for further details.