Mixing Xanax And Cocaine – Risks And Dangers
Medically reviewed by
Isaac Alexis, M.D., AAMA, AMP-BCJune 13, 2019
Mixing Xanax and cocaine can be highly dangerous. Taking these two substances can put individuals at risk for a number of negative side effects, including addiction and overdose. Many people will need formal treatment to overcome Xanax and cocaine abuse and addiction.
Simultaneously using Xanax and cocaine can put individuals at risk for a number of dangers and side effects. These include addiction, overdose, and even death. Unfortunately, these two substances are commonly mixed.
Cocaine is an illegal stimulant most commonly found in powder form. This drug works as a central nervous system stimulant and may produce feelings of extreme happiness and increased energy.
Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine used in the treatment of panic disorders and anxiety. Xanax acts as a central nervous system depressant and can help individuals feel more calm and relaxed.
Can You Mix Xanax And Cocaine?
Mixing drugs like cocaine and Xanax can pose a number of risks and complications. While this combination may seem like it makes sense due to the drugs’ counteracting effects, there is no safe way to take these drugs together.
Both cocaine and Xanax are addictive substances that drastically affect how the brain and body function. This is especially true in relation to the cardiovascular system. Mixing these two drugs can dangerously tax the heart and increase a person’s risk for cardiovascular problems.
Someone who is abusing cocaine may take Xanax to help “come down” from the cocaine. Conversely, a person taking Xanax may use cocaine to increase energy and focus. Regardless of the reason for mixing these two drugs, using cocaine and Xanax together can be incredibly dangerous and should be avoided.
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Risks And Dangers Of Taking Cocaine And Xanax Together
One risk of using cocaine and Xanax together is the potential for dependence and addiction. Both of these drugs are addictive by nature, making their abuse risky. However, combining the two drugs can increase the chances of dependence and result in a polysubstance addiction.
Due to how differently Xanax and cocaine work, these drugs can negatively interact with one another. This can result in dangerous or even deadly side effects.
Potential side effects of mixing cocaine and Xanax may include:
- elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- increased paranoia
- depression
- increased chance of experiencing a stroke or heart attack
- irritability
Mixing cocaine and Xanax can also result in a toxic buildup of the drugs in the body. This toxic buildup can put individuals at an increased risk of overdose on one or both drugs. A cocaine or Xanax overdose can be fatal.
Symptoms Of A Cocaine And/Or Xanax Overdose
When taken together, cocaine and Xanax can mask each other’s symptoms. For example, cocaine may inhibit the depressive side effects of Xanax. This may lead a person to unknowingly take too much of the drug.
When a person takes too much Xanax and/or cocaine, the body cannot process the drugs fast enough. This can result in an overdose.
Symptoms of a cocaine and/or Xanax overdose may include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- trouble breathing
- confusion
- sedation
- trouble with coordination and balance
- seizures
- irregular heartbeat
If you believe someone is experiencing a cocaine and/or Xanax overdose, it’s important to seek medical help immediately.
Treatment For Cocaine And Xanax Addiction
When someone uses two drugs together or uses a drug while intoxicated by another, this is referred to as polysubstance use. Polysubstance use and abuse can increase the risk of experiencing the side effects of both drugs used. It can also lead to a polysubstance addiction.
If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to cocaine, Xanax, or both drugs, formal treatment will likely be the best way to overcome the substance use disorder. Formal treatment will often include a medically supervised detox program as well as an inpatient or residential program.
During inpatient drug rehab, patients are often given customized plans of recovery to suit their individual needs. Many forms of therapy are typically used in residential programs, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and group and family therapy.
To learn more about the dangers and risks of mixing Xanax and cocaine, contact a treatment specialist today.
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