Can Xanax Lower High Blood Pressure? Get Answers

One of the numerous adverse effects of Xanax is decreased blood pressure. Because of this impact, long-term Xanax use is generally not advised. While using this medication, heed the advice of your physician or pharmacist.

The generic term for the well-known prescription anti-anxiety medication Xanax is alprazolam. It’s a gentle tranquilizer that can help you relax and soothe your anxiety.

What is Xanax?

Xanax belongs to a group of sedative medications known as benzodiazepines, which function by:

• reducing the activity of the central nervous system (CNS)
• fostering a feeling of serenity
• breathing more slowly
• muscles that relax

Typically, Xanax is used to treat:

• Fear
• panic attacks
• The connection between anxiety and depression

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Xanax for the following conditions, but it is occasionally prescribed off-label for:

• Sleeplessness
• depression
• PMS, or premenstrual syndrome

Can Xanax Lower Your Blood Pressure?

Xanax slows down vital processes, including breathing and heart rate. Additionally, it can momentarily reduce blood pressure. Your blood pressure reading may be lower than normal if you take Xanax before having it checked.

According to a 2023 systematic review of seven previous studies, benzodiazepines may have short-term antihypertensive (blood pressure-lowering) effects.

Over time, Xanax might have comparable effects. According to a 2023 Australian cohort study that used data from 2016 to 2018, long-term benzodiazepine use was linked to decreased blood pressure in adults over 65.

Alprazolam use was also linked to a somewhat lower incidence of serious adverse cardiovascular events, according to a 2019 study (Trusted Source with patients whose median age was 63.6.

Heart attacks and strokes are among these occurrences. It is generally not advised to take Xanax for an extended period of time because it can lead to habit formation.

What Are Other Common Side Effects of Xanax?

The side effects of Xanax can differ based on the condition you’re taking it for:

Panic disorder	Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
drowsiness	drowsiness
fatigue	lightheadedness
Changes in appetite	dry mouth
Trouble with balance and coordination	increased saliva production
irritability	trouble with balance and coordination

Though it could give you an overall feeling of well-being, Xanax isn’t linked to a euphoric “high” like other psychotropic medications.

Taking Xanax for off-label purposes, such as insomnia, may make it easier for you to fall asleep.

The effects of Xanax can last anywhere from two to twenty-seven hours, depending on whether the tablets are dissolving, immediate-release, or extended-release.

The length of time the drug remains in your system can also be influenced by variables like the dosage, your weight, age, and gender.

What Is the Recommended Dosage of Xanax?

Depending on the illness being treated and the individual, different dosages may be advised. The dosage and frequency of Xanax will be determined by your physician. Following your doctor’s instructions is crucial.

For GAD, the initial dosage range for the immediate-release formulation is 0.25 to 0.5 mg three times daily.

The immediate-release formulation’s beginning dosage for panic disorder is 0.5 mg three times per day.
The initial range for the extended-release version is typically 0.5 to 1 mg once daily when treating panic disorder.

There are several oral formulations and doses of Xanax available:

• Tablets for oral disintegration: 0.25–2 mg
• Long-term release: 0.5–3 mg Reliable Source
• One milliliter of oral solution

The ailment you’re taking it for and the formulation determine how frequently you need to take a dose. Never take more medication than is advised.

If necessary, your doctor may raise your dosage. Never change your dosage without first consulting your physician. Take your medication as soon as you remember to do so if you forget.

You should ignore the missed dose and take the medication as usual if you remember to take it before a new dose. Don’t take more than one dose.

How Long Does Xanax Take to Work?

Depending on the formulation, you might experience Xanax’s effects within 15 to 30 minutes. However, it may take longer to experience the full benefits:

• Instant-release: one to two hours
• Tablet disintegration time: 1.5–2 hours
• 9 hours of extended release

The time it takes for Xanax to start working might also be affected by other variables like your age, body weight, metabolism, and other medications you’re taking.

When to Seek Medical Care

If you or a loved one suffers from any of the following side effects after taking Xanax, you should visit a doctor right away:

• misunderstanding
• breathing problems
• weakened reflexes
• unconsciousness
• coordination issues
• seizure
• Coma

Can Xanax Be Addictive?

Xanax has the potential to become habit-forming and to cause addiction and withdrawal. A Xanax overdose is possible.

Over time, you could require a higher dosage to experience the same effects if you take it consistently. Should you abruptly stop taking it, withdrawal symptoms can occur.

Is Xanax Safe to Take with Other Medications?

Other drugs that Xanax may interact with include:

• Antibiotics
• antidepressants
• antifungal
• Antihistamines
• Cimetidine
• Cyclosporine
• Diltiazem
• Nifedipine
• Both muscle relaxants and sedatives
• drugs for seizures
• sedatives
• St. John’s Wort

Alcohol should not be consumed while taking Xanax. Combining the two may make you more susceptible to severe adverse effects, such as overdosing.

Take Home

Anxiety and panic disorders can be treated with Xanax. It reduces the activity of the central nervous system, which may cause a brief reduction in blood pressure.

Although it is not advised to take Xanax frequently, it may potentially drop your blood pressure in the long run.

Taking Xanax as prescribed is crucial. Withdrawal symptoms and habit formation are possible side effects of Xanax. Consult your physician or pharmacist if you have any queries.