What’s the point of combining a depressant like Xanax with a psychoactive stimulant like Molly? Wouldn’t these two drugs cancel each other out and leave users feeling neither “up” or “down”? Taking Xanax and Molly at the same time will, in fact, reduce the side effects of both drugs. But that’s not typically why some people will combine these drugs. Long-term users of Molly take Xanax to help them manage the panic attacks, insomnia, depression and paranoia they experience after coming down off a Molly high.
In addition, impairment of memory, focus and motivation contribute to the overwhelming anxiety and despondency users feel after weekend-binging on Molly. Regular users of Molly refer to this severely depressed period as “Suicide Tuesday.” Consequently, they turn to Xanax for relief from such distressing side effects.
Unfortunately, the problem with relying on Xanax to get them through “Suicide Tuesday” is the fact that Xanax is one of the most addictive medications available with a doctor’s prescription. Furthermore, it can be dangerous to buy Xanax from online “pharmacies” operating outside the U.S. Black market Xanax may contain harmful ingredients that are not regulated by the U.S. FDA.
What Is Molly?
Ecstasy contains a stimulant chemical called 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine, or MDMA. Molly is the crystallized form of MDMA. Users think it is safer to take Molly than Ecstasy because Molly is thought to be purer than Ecstasy. Produced in makeshift street labs, Ecstasy often contains fillers or impurities like caffeine, meth or low-grade cocaine.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency lists Molly as a Schedule I-controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse. Being found in possession of Molly can result in jail or prison time, fines and court-ordered drug rehab.
Since Molly is a powder, the most common way it is ingested is in capsule form. Alternately, Ecstasy comes in aspirin-like tablets. Side effects of Molly and Ecstasy are similar since they essentially come from the same chemical MDMA. Within one to two hours after taking Molly, users start experiencing the following:
- Euphoria
- Talkativeness/extroversion/lack of impulse control
- Jaw clenching/teeth grinding
- Dilated pupils
- Sweating/increased body temperature
- Rapid heart and breathing rates
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Visual and auditory distortions
Molly users are also at risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases, hepatitis or HIV/AIDS due to the sexually arousing affects of the drug. Most people take Molly before attending a large party or “rave.” These parties last for days and involve hundreds of people coming and going 24/7. Rave attendees high on Molly may have unprotected sex with multiple sexual partners during this time.
What Is Xanax and Why Do Doctors Prescribe It?
Xanax is an anxiolytic (benzodiazepine) prescribed for treating anxiety and panic disorders. It is meant for short-term use only (less than 40 days, in most cases) because users build tolerance to the drug quickly. When doctors begin weaning patients off Xanax, they gradually reduce dosage over time to prevent rebound or withdrawal symptoms.
When it rapidly crosses over the blood-brain barrier, Xanax starts making you feel sedated and pleasantly drowsy within 30 minutes of taking a dose. However, this sedation diminishes after only a few hours, which compels some people to take another dose of Xanax before they are supposed to take it. When people abuse their Xanax prescription, tolerance builds even more quickly and they require larger doses to get the kind of the anxiety relief they want.
Symptoms of withdrawal from a Xanax addiction include:
- Flu-like congestion/nausea/joint aches
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Irritability/moodiness
- Depression
- Memory and concentration problems
Long-term Molly users who have relied on Xanax to help them deal with “Suicide Tuesday” can suffer worsening withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking Xanax. Suicide ideation, attempted suicide and overdose are the ultimate dangers of combining Xanax and Molly.
Is Molly as Addictive as Xanax?
MDMA and benzodiazepines affect the brain in similar ways. For example, both increase levels of dopamine and serotonin by inactivating receptors for these neurotransmitters. Moreover, Molly and Xanax cause dopamine to flood specific structures in the brain’s mesocorticolimbic dopamine system. This area is thought to play a primary role in the development of addiction and the compulsive behaviors that accompany an addiction.
While research clearly indicates Xanax is an addictive substance, clinical results regarding the addictiveness of MDMA remain inconclusive. In animal studies involving MDMA, mice will self-administer MDMA after being given the drug for a few days. This leads addiction scientists to agree that MDMA, Molly and Ecstasy does have a definite potential to cause addiction.
Dangers of Abusing Xanax and Molly
The long-term affects of combining Molly and Xanax can be devastating and, in some cases, permanent:
- Damage to areas of the brain involving memory, emotion and learning
- Chronic depression and anxiety
- Heart and/or kidney failure as both drugs deteriorate blood vessels and nerve branches
- Irreversible psychosis similar to alcohol-induced psychosis
It is also incredibly easy to overdose on Xanax following a Molly binging episode. Since the effects of Xanax do not last more than a few hours, a Molly user will likely need more than just one pill to cope with the unpleasant side effects of coming off a Molly high. But when you are under the influence of Xanax, you can lose track of time and forget just how many Xanax you’ve taken. Most Xanax overdoses are due to people taking too much Xanax in a short period of time because they can’t remember when they took the last dose.
Prescribed amounts of Xanax generally do not exceed 0.5 mg per day, a dosage that is split into three doses to be taken every four to six hours. Prescription Xanax pills come in 0.25, 0.5, one and two milligram dosages. However, counterfeit Xanax is available on the street that can contain as much as 10 mg of benzodiazepine. Molly users who buy Xanax from dealers really do not know if they are taking prescription-grade Xanax or Xanax that could cause them to overdose with one pill.
How are Xanax and Molly Addictions Treated?
Dual addictions almost always require professional treatment. That should include a medically supervised detoxification with round-the-clock monitoring by doctors and psychiatrists, because withdrawal symptoms may be severe enough to impact the heart, respiratory and/or nervous system. Doctor-prescribed medications are also available in a professional detox. These can help reduce uncomfortable symptoms like anxiety and insomnia. Another key element of professional treatment is counseling and therapy to resolve the stressors, mental health issues and other root causes of a substance use disorder.
If you are using Xanax to manage the aftermath of a Molly high, you may benefit from exploring how treatment can help. Call FHE Health today for more information.
