|
|
Xanax and weed are both very common substances, and with marijuana being legalized in more and more states across the country, it’s possible to get both legally. Xanax (alprazolam) is a prescription medication that’s often used to control panic and anxiety disorders, and even in states that don’t sell marijuana recreationally, it may be possible to get a medical marijuana card from a dispensary for a variety of physical and mental health concerns. The fact that both of these substances can be legally obtained may lead some people to combine them to get more of an effect. However, this isn’t recommended and can lead to unpleasant side effects. It may also be an indicator of a larger substance abuse problem. Learn more about the potentially problematic effects of Xanax and weed and how to seek help for an addiction.
What Is Xanax?
Xanax is the brand name for the generic drug alprazolam, which is considered a benzodiazepine. This means its primary function is to change the way the brain and nervous system work together to provide a feeling of calm. It’s commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders of all types.
Effects of Xanax
While Xanax is generally considered safe for most people when taken according to the prescribed directions, it can have side effects. Some of the most common include:
- Drowsiness and difficulty staying awake
- Reduced anxiety
- A lightheaded or dizzy feeling
- Problems with memory
- Slurred speech
- Impaired balance and coordination
- Decreased sex drive
These are also common side effects for most of the substances in the benzodiazepine family, which means you may get a similar reaction when you mix weed with other benzos. In most cases, your health care provider will work with you to ensure the medication is right for you, is helping control your symptoms and isn’t causing other unwanted and unpleasant side effects.
Xanax can also be habit-forming with long-term use. Users may experience an increased tolerance, which means they need more of the drug to get the same effect, and withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop.
What Is Weed?
Marijuana, which has a host of nicknames, including weed, Mary Jane, and pot, comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. The leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the plant are all commonly used. It comes in liquid form, edibles, and dried leaves that can be smoked.
Effects of Weed
Many people use marijuana to ease physical pain and anxiety, and it’s known for its calming effect. Some of the other common effects of marijuana include:
- Slower movements and speech
- Difficulty thinking
- Slower response times
- An altered sense of reality, including an increase in sensory perception of colors, sounds, etc.
- A feeling of euphoria
- Feeling like time is moving more slowly
- Increased appetite
- Difficulty remembering things
- Anxiety or paranoia (especially in high doses)
With long-term use, some people find that they experience cognitive issues and mental health problems as well as an increased tolerance.
If you’re using marijuana that’s not from a dispensary, it’s also important to realize that you can’t be exactly sure what’s in it or that it’s not laced with another drug that could cause other side effects or react much more strongly with Xanax.
How the Substances Interact in the Body
As you can see from the lists above, Xanax and weed have a similar effect on the brain and nervous system, which is one reason people may want to try to mix them. It’s normal to think that if either of them is helpful to your anxiety, using them together would be even more helpful. However, it’s never a good idea to combine any type of medication or drug, prescribed or otherwise, without a doctor’s approval.
In the case of Xanax and marijuana, using them together can make anxiety worse. This is because, in high doses, both marijuana and Xanax can cause symptoms such as rapid heart rate, feelings of paranoia, feelings of anxiety, and heightened irritability. When you’re using the two together, you’re essentially “doubling up,” which can cause the same effects. In severe cases, you may experience psychosis, dissociation, intensified depression, and even suicidal ideation.
Each person responds differently to any substance, and this includes mixtures. While using Xanax and weed together may cause some people to experience more anxiety and symptoms similar to a panic attack, others may find that the sedative effects are increased — which can be dangerous. Combining marijuana and Xanax can increase drowsiness, lower heart and respiratory rates to dangerous levels, cause slurred speech, and impair judgment. In some cases, people may even experience blackouts or memory loss.
Health Risks and Medical Emergencies
When someone combines Xanax and marijuana, it can lead to an overdose even when the individual substances are taken in normal doses due to the synergistic effects of the two drugs. Experiencing severe drowsiness, slow breathing, or unresponsiveness are signs of an overdose and should be treated by a medical professional immediately.
Polydrug use can also increase someone’s risk of accidents, injuries, and mental health issues. In some cases, users may experience social isolation and relationship changes due to their drug use, and academic and work performance may decline. Because both of these substances can impair judgment and coordination and lead to an increase in risk-taking behaviors, there is a higher likelihood of falls, car accidents, and other injuries. This risk taking can also potentially lead to legal issues if the person isn’t following the recreational use laws that can vary by state or the prescription drug laws.
Dependence and Withdrawal
Beyond the physical dangers, using marijuana and Xanax together can be a sign of a larger addiction problem. For example, someone may have noticed that when they smoke marijuana, they’re calmer and experience less intense anxiety symptoms. But maybe then the anxiety levels or frequency of panic attacks increases. They seek help from a doctor and are prescribed Xanax. At first, they take it just as needed, but then it starts becoming an every-other-day or everyday habit. If, at some point, the Xanax starts having less of an effect, the person may try to use it in conjunction with marijuana to get a stronger effect. Trying to stop the substance can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety rebound, insomnia, irritability, and even seizures.
It doesn’t take long for a substance abuse habit to develop and start to get out of control, and Xanax especially has a high dependency potential. If you find yourself taking more medication than prescribed to deal with your symptoms or are using Xanax together with marijuana, alcohol, or other prescription medications not approved by your doctor, it may indicate a developing substance abuse addiction.
Safer Use Guidelines and Harm Reduction
One of the best ways to avoid the potential dangers of polydrug use is to always consult a health care provider before mixing any medications — whether prescription or over the counter — or increasing your dosage. Self-medicating by using a substance for a different purpose than what it was prescribed or intended can also increase the chances of a health issue.
If you are using Xanax and weed and want to reduce the risk of harm, consider:
- Taking them at different times
- Starting with low doses, paying careful attention to how your body reacts to the substances
- Only doing so when you are in a safe environment in the presence of a sober person
If you feel out of control with your substance use or a loved one has expressed concerns, talk to a trusted care provider about your options.
Treatment Options and Support Resources
If you’re having difficulty controlling your anxiety symptoms or are currently mixing Xanax with other substances, it’s important to reach out for help. Talking with a trusted mental health care professional who understands polydrug use can help you better understand the roots of addiction, get back on track with managing anxiety symptoms, and provide you with more tools and resources for your mental health. Detox programs can help you get sober, while cognitive behavioral therapy and support groups can help you learn coping skills and connect with others.
At FHE Health, we know how difficult it can be to live with symptoms of anxiety and how hard it is to reach out for help when you think you might have a substance abuse problem. Our trained staff is ready to help answer your questions and give you more information on how we can help you take the first step toward a better life.
