If you are a stoner recently prescribed Xanax, you’re probably wondering about any possible interaction with weed. So, can you smoke weed on Xanax, here’s what we know.
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What Does Xanax Do?
Xanax, or alprazolam or is usually prescribed for anxiety or panic disorders.
According to WebMD, Xanax belongs to a class of benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines calm you down by interacting with the brain and central nervous system.
To be more specific, WebMD says, benzodiazepines enhance the effects of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), which is a neurotransmitter.
As Cleveland Clinic puts it, GABA, “slows down your brain by blocking specific signals in your central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord).”
You can consider Xanax a central nervous system depressant since it slows down messages between your brain and your central nervous system.
Due to Xanax’s risk of addiction, overdose, and death, it’s advised that you should only take it if you’re prescribed it by a doctor.
Does Xanax Have Side Effects?
As with every medication, Xanax has a list of side effects you may experience.
According to WebMD, some of the side effects are:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Increased saliva production
- Change in sex drive/ability
WebMD also prompts people on Xanax to contact a doctor if any of the side effects last or get worse.
However, there are some side effects that require you to contact your doctor promptly. WebMD says these side effects include:
- Mental/mood changes (such as hallucinations, thoughts of suicide)
- Trouble speaking
- Loss of coordination
- Trouble walking
- Memory problems
In addition, any instances of seizures or yellowing of the skin or eyes require immediate medical attention.
Healthline also says should go to the emergency room if you’re experiencing an allergic reason to Xanax.
“Signs may include swelling of the face, lips, throat, and tongue and difficulty breathing.”
Finally, if you’re having withdrawal symptoms, you should discuss them with your doctor.
Can You Smoke Weed While on Xanax?
We could not find scientific studies that examined what happens if you smoke weed while on Xanax.
We already assume there could be some interaction between weed and Xanax.
They’re both depressants and have similar side effects.
Therefore, there is a chance that the side effects may intensify.
Information from Drugs.com seems to support our theory. According to them, mixing weed and Xanax can cause a moderate interaction.
So, what does that mean?
Well, Drugs.com says that mixing both may increase side effects such as:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
In addition, Drugs.com mentioned that some people, particularly the elderly, may experience “ impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination.”
Drugs.com also doesn’t recommend you drive around after taking both substances. They warned, “avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you.”
Healthline also mentions that mixing Xanax with substances that make you sleepy may not be a great idea.
“You should also avoid combining Xanax with drugs — even over-the-counter ones — that can make you sleepy, slow your breathing, or cause extreme lethargy. The compounded effects of combining these drugs may be dangerous and put you at risk for health issues.”
While Healthline didn’t mention weed, since we know that weed makes some people sleepy, it’s worth mentioning the potential risks.
On the other hand, Recovery By The Sea says that smoking weed on Xanax may not be as life-threatening or dangerous as mixing Xanax and other substances.
However, mixing both could amplify the effects as well as impair judgment which could cause injury.
What if Weed Makes Me Anxious?
While for some stoners, weed can relieve anxiety, for others it does the opposite.
If you’re someone who gets anxious on weed and wants to take Xanax to eliminate that symptom, don’t.
While it’s possible that you won’t be anxious when using both, you could be affected by the side effects listed above.
Xanax may also not work as well as it should.
Recovery by the Sea also says, “marijuana….. can cause distress and anxiety in some people, so for these individuals, marijuana should be avoided, especially when using Xanax. It could undermine the medication’s ability to work effectively.
Therefore, if weed makes you anxious, Xanax may not be the best solution. You can opt for strains with less THC or delta 8-rich strains to see if that help.
Takeaway
Can you smoke weed on Xanax? We’re not sure. There aren’t any scientific studies that examine the effects of using both at the same time. While smoking weed on Xanax likely won’t cause life-threatening side effects, it’s not typically recommended. Using both could intensify certain unpleasant side effects and impair your judgment. If you feel the need to use both, recommend discussing that with a medical professional.
