Many people suffering from anxiety or insomnia are often prescribed medications like Xanax and Ambien as a quick fix. While they can provide short-term relief when used as directed, taking both drugs together—whether intentionally or by mistake—can be extremely dangerous, even life-threatening.
Xanax (alprazolam) and Ambien (zolpidem) are both central nervous system (CNS) depressants that slow brain activity, reduce anxiety, and help with sleep. However, combining these two CNS depressants amplifies their effects, raising the risk of overdose, respiratory failure, and death. Even a low-dose combination can cause serious impairment. In fact, besides drug dependence, taking these two drugs together can lead to cognitive impairment that may result in accidents.
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What Are Xanax and Ambien Prescribed For?
Xanax and Ambien are both FDA-approved brand-name prescription drug medications classified as sedative-hypnotics. However, they are further divided into subgroups based on their chemical structure and specific actions within the brain. Doctors may prescribe them both to the same patient for different reasons, which can increase the risk of misuse.
- Xanax (alprazolam): This benzodiazepine is most commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and sometimes insomnia. It works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical that reduces neuronal activity in the brain. The calming effect can alleviate acute anxiety, but may also cause physical dependence with prolonged use.
- Ambien (zolpidem): Classified as a “Z-drug” (non-benzodiazepine hypnotic), it isprimarily used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It is designed to helppeople fall asleep quickly and stay asleep for more extended periods. Although not abenzodiazepine, it acts on the same GABA receptors and has similar sedativeeffects as Xanax, slowing brain activity and promoting muscle relaxation.
Can Combining Xanax and Ambien Lead to Respiratory Failure or Death?
Yes, because both drugs affect GABA receptors, taking Ambien and Xanax together significantly raises the risk of respiratory depression, a condition where breathing slows, becomes irregular, or stops entirely. This is one of the leading causes of death in accidental overdoses involving sedatives. When taken together, these medications amplify each other’s effects, resulting in serious side effects, including:
- Excessive sedation
- Impaired motor function
- Slowed heart rate
- Decreased respiratory rate
- Loss of consciousness
The FDA has issued boxed warnings about combining benzodiazepines with other CNS depressants such as Ambien, opioids, or even alcohol. Even when doctors prescribe these drugs, patients may not realize the risk when mixing them. A 2020 study published in Drug Safety reported a significant rise in ER visits related to Ambien when combined with Xanax. In these cases, many patients were found unconscious or unresponsive, with blood and oxygen levels dangerously low.
What Are the Signs of an Overdose Involving Xanax and Ambien?
Recognizing an Ambien or Xanax overdose early can be life-saving. If someone has taken Xanax and Ambien together, whether deliberately or by accident, watch for the following symptoms:
- Severe drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
- Slurred speech
- Confusion or disorientation
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Blue lips or fingertips (a sign of oxygen deprivation)
- Loss of coordination
- Unresponsiveness or coma
- Hallucinations
If any of these symptoms occur, call 911 immediately. Do not try to “wait it out”, as every minute counts. Medical professionals may administer flumazenil (a benzodiazepine antagonist) or provide oxygen to stabilize the patient. If alcohol or opioids were also involved, which is common in polydrug misuse, the risk of death is even higher.
Who is Most at Risk of Respiratory Failure:
- Older Adults: Metabolism slows with age, increasing the drug’s half-life.
- Individuals with Sleep Apnea or Asthma: Breathing is already impaired.
- Mental Health Disorders: Depression and substance use commonly overlap.
- Previous History: Anyone with a history of drug misuse or self-medication.
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What Are the Withdrawal Risks From Long-Term Use of Xanax and Ambien?
Stopping either Xanax or Ambien after long-term use can be physically and psychologically challenging, especially when taken together. Evidence indicates that combining these medications leads to extended withdrawal symptoms, sometimes lasting several weeks. Discontinuing both simultaneously, especially without medical supervision, can be extremely dangerous and unsuccessful.
Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Insomnia
- Muscle pain and tremors
- Sweating and heart palpitations
- Seizures (in severe cases)
- Headaches
Xanax withdrawal can start within 24 hours of the last dose, and symptoms may last from a few days to several weeks.
Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms
- Rebound insomnia (worse)
- Mood swings
- Nausea or cramps
- Delirium or hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Tremors
Ambien has a half-life of approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Symptoms typically peak within one to five days and then subside over about one to two weeks, depending on the individual’s usage history. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can develop as early as 6 to 8 hours after the last dose.
Since both drugs influence the GABA system, sudden withdrawal can cause hyperactivity in the brain, leading to seizures or severe anxiety. This is why following a tapering schedule, supervised by healthcare professionals, is the best approach for a safe withdrawal from Ambien and Xanax. At specialized prescription detox centers in Beverly Hills like Faith Recovery Center, patients can receive 24/7 monitoring, medications to ease withdrawal discomfort, and psychiatric support if co-occurring conditions such as depression or trauma are present.
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Key Takeaways on Xanax and Ambien
- Mixing Xanax and Ambien can be dangerous and even life-threatening
- Ambien and Xanax both act as central nervous system depressants; using them together increases the risk of overdose, respiratory failure, and death.
- Combining the two medications impairs judgment, coordination, and breathing, especially in older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions.
- Signs of overdose include shallow breathing, loss of consciousness, and confusion. Immediate emergency care is required.
- Long-term use of either medication can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms, which may require medical detox.
- Medical detox and rehab programs can help safely manage withdrawal symptoms, treat the underlying causes of drug use, and offer long-term recovery support.
Faith Recovery Center in Beverly Hills provides a medically supervised drug detox and comprehensive rehab for individuals battling dependence on these substances. Our skilled team of medical professionals employs evidence-based care customized to your needs, including mental health support, holistic wellness, and relapse prevention. Don’t wait until what you might perceive as a minor issue develops into a medical emergency.
Ready to take the first step towards recovery? Call Faith Recovery Center at (844) 598-5573 to speak with an admissions specialist and discover how our detox rehab can safely treat Ambien and Xanax misuse and prevent overdose. We are with you every step of the way.
Resources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse –Misuse of Prescription Drugs Research Report
- Mayo Clinic – Zolpidem (Ambien) Prescribing Information
- National Library of Medicine – A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal
- Benzoinfo.com – New FDA Study Shows Benzodiazepines Can Cause Long-Term Injury
- Benzoinfo.com – FDA 2020 Benzodiazepine Boxed Warning
