It is well known that mixing two medications can produce harmful and dangerous effects. This is especially the case when both drugs affect the same area of the brain. Trazodone and Xanax affect different parts of the brain, reducing the danger of mixing the two drugs. But some risks are still involved, so one must take caution when advised to take the drugs together.
What Is Xanax?
Xanax, the brand name for Alprazolam, is the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepine. It’s used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and insomnia. Xanax is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, which means that it has a calming effect on the brain and nerves, slowing down bodily functions like speech, motor skills, breathing and heart rate. It also reduces stimulation.
What is Trazodone?
Trazodone is an antidepressant, which works by increasing chemicals in the brain. These chemicals (serotonin and norepinephrine) boosts one’s mood and relieves depression and anxiety. Trazodone is also prescribed to treat schizophrenia and insomnia.
Despite the fact that Trazodone and Xanax are prescribed for similar conditions, they are different in the ways they interact with the brain. Benzos have a strong and fast effect on the body. Antidepressants, on the other hand, can sometimes take up to a few weeks to take effect. Trazodone can therefore be prescribed for long-term use, while Xanax can’t.
Can you Take Trazodone with Xanax?
Taking Xanax and Trazodone together can increase the side effects of both drugs. Symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Impaired coordination
- Excessive sleepiness
People wonder, ‘is it safe to take Trazodone and Xanax together?’ and the answer depends on the doctor’s instruction. If a medical professional prescribes both medications, it’s safe to take both, but one should follow the prescription perfectly. One would most likely be prescribed the antidepressant trazodone for long-term use, and the fast-acting benzo Xanax for short-term use.
Xanax and Trazodone Together- Can you Mix Trazodone and Xanax?
When taken according to the direction of a medical professional, Xanax and Trazodone together won’t cause any harm. But if they are abused or taken alongside other substances, grave health conditions may result, including:
- Physical dependence- Both Xanax and Trazodone carry potential for abuse, so taking them together can lead to physical dependence and addiction.
- Polysubstance addiction- When two or more drugs are abused concurrently, it increases the risk of addiction. Taking Trazodone and Xanax together isn’t dangerous, but when other substances are mixed in, such as an opioid or alcohol, the combination can be risky.
- Drug potentiation- This is when drugs are mixed for the purpose of enhancing the effects of either drug. Since trazodone and Xanax both produce the same effects, this could be especially dangerous.
- Serotonin syndrome – This is a life-threatening Trazodone increases the release of serotonin, resulting in an accumulation in the body. When trazodone is abused, serotonin buildup can reach dangerous levels, causing fever, seizures, and muscle rigidity.
- Withdrawal symptoms- Since both drugs amplify each other’s effects, quitting the drugs can result in difficult withdrawal symptoms.
- Overdose: Taking large amounts of Trazodone and Xanax increases the risk of overdose. Large amounts of the drug can impair judgment, causing the user to take fatal amounts, resulting in overdose.
How Long After Taking Xanax Can I Take Trazodone?
As mentioned earlier, one should always follow medical advice before taking any medications. Generally speaking, one dose of Xanax lasts between 31 hours to 134.5 hours, depending on the individual. The effects of Xanax wear off after 8-12 hours, which explains why it’s usually prescribed 3 times a day.
Signs of Trazodone and Xanax Abuse
Below are signs that someone is struggling with Trazodone and Xanax addiction:
- Social differences/isolation
- Borrowing or stealing money to pay for drugs.
- Loss of interest in past pleasures
- Difficulties engaging in regular day to day activities.
- Finding it hard to set limits on the drug usage
- Experiencing distressing and uncomfortable feelings when the drug wears off.
- Obsessing about the drug: thinking about it and talking about its effects.
Treatment for Trazodone and Xanax Abuse and Addiction
Trying to withdraw from a drug is difficult. Trying to withdraw from two drugs simultaneously brings the challenge to a new level. Luckily, help is available! Avenues Recovery Center offers excellent treatment options to suit your personal needs:
- Detox program - our expert staff will help manage the withdrawal symptoms in a calm and safe environment.
- Inpatient treatment- once the body is cleansed from the drugs and the cravings are gone, different types of therapy can help find the underlying reasons as to why the addiction began in the first place. One could decide between individual therapy, group therapy and more.
If you or your loved ones are struggling with Trazodone or Xanax abuse, Avenues Recovery Center can help. We pride ourselves in delivering top-notch addiction treatment, with utmost professionalism and care. Our expert staff have helped thousands of people break free from the manacles of addiction, and they can help you too. We use a wide array of therapies and personalized treatment plans to ensure optimal success. Contact us today to hear more about our treatment options and we will help you find the facility that is closest to you so that you could swiftly begin your journey to health and happiness and sobriety.