Millions of people use prescription medications to manage or treat medical and mental health conditions. Using prescription drugs can be safe when you follow your doctor’s orders. However, some prescription medications have the potential for abuse or addiction.
It is important to know the signs of prescription drug abuse and addiction and to seek treatment if you notice them. Prescription drug abuse can be very dangerous. Mixing more than one prescription drug can have other significant risks.
Xanax and Adderall are two common prescription medications. This article will explore the risks of abusing and combining these drugs. You will learn:
- The effects and risks of Xanax
- The effects and risks of Adderall
- The potential risks of mixing Xanax and Adderall
- Where to find treatment for substance abuse or addiction
If you or someone you love struggles with prescription drug abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Reach out to the team at First Step Behavioral Health to learn more about the risks of mixing Xanax and Adderall. You may also explore our holistic treatment programs, schedule an intake appointment, or find support at any stage of your recovery journey.
The Effects and Risks of Xanax
Xanax is the brand name for a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug called alprazolam. It is a prescription benzodiazepine that causes central nervous system depression. People may take Xanax to manage anxiety or panic disorder.
Xanax works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) that can calm central nervous system (CNS) activity. It can reduce anxiety and provide a calming effect.
People who take Xanax may have fewer panic and anxiety symptoms. People may also take Xanax to manage symptoms of anxiety related to depression.
Like most medications, Xanax has the potential for unwanted side effects, including:
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty with focus and concentration
- Headache
- Dry mouth
Some people may also experience euphoria while taking Xanax, which increases the risk of abuse. Xanax abuse includes:
- Taking a higher dose than prescribed
- Taking doses more frequently than prescribed
- Using the drug for longer than prescribed
- Taking Xanax without a prescription (recreationally)
Abusing Xanax increases the risk of overdose and other dangerous complications. It also increases the risk of addiction.
Abusing Xanax for an extended period can lead to physical dependence and addiction, which require comprehensive detox, treatment, and ongoing support.
The Effects and Risks of Adderall
Adderall is a prescription stimulant medication. Doctors may prescribe this medication to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Adderall contains a combination of two stimulants: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Although Adderall is a stimulant, people with ADHD experience fewer symptoms related to the condition, including:
- Hyperactivity
- Short attention span
- Difficulty completing tasks
People who do not have ADHD may abuse Adderall for its stimulant effects. Abusing Adderall can increase the risk of unwanted or dangerous side effects, including:
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Rapid heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Mood changes
- Anxiety
- Dry mouth
Teens and young adults are the most likely groups to abuse Adderall. People who abuse Adderall may want to stay up longer, sustain focus for longer, or have more energy. However, Adderall abuse can be hazardous, leading to both short and long-term complications.
Can You Mix Xanax and Adderall?
Medical professionals generally advise that people avoid combining Adderall and Xanax. People who take one of these prescription medications should avoid taking the other. Those who abuse one or both of these drugs must stop. People must seek treatment if they cannot stop on their own.
Here is an overview of the risk of mixing Adderall and Xanax.
Decreased effectiveness
Xanax slows CNS activity, and Adderall increases it. Using these drugs at the same time may decrease the effectiveness of both drugs.
People who take Adderall to manage ADHD or other conditions may discover it is not as effective if they also take Xanax. They may experience drowsiness, reduced concentration, and other effects.
Similarly, people who take Xanax to manage panic or anxiety disorders may discover that Adderall’s effects counteract the sedative effects of the drug. The effects of Adderall may make them feel anxious, keep them from falling asleep at night, and lead to more panic attacks.
Increased risk of addiction
Adderall and Xanax are controlled substances with the potential for addiction. Taking two controlled addictive substances at the same time increases the likelihood of becoming addicted to them.
Medical professionals may advise people who take prescription Adderall or Xanax to avoid taking other controlled substances. You must follow your doctor’s advice.
Seek addiction treatment if you take Xanax or Adderall recreationally (without a prescription). Abusing or combining these prescription drugs can have dangerous or life-threatening consequences.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with Xanax or Adderall abuse, you are not alone. Learn more about the risk of mixing Adderall and Xanax, or explore your addiction treatment options by reaching out to the First Step Behavioral Health specialists.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Alprazolam
- NIH: A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Adderall
- NIH: The epidemiology of benzodiazepine misuse: A systematic review
