Deadly Combination—Methadone and Xanax
Methadone and Xanax by themselves can be deadly—both of them are addictive, each drug on its own can cause deadly levels of central nervous system depression.
Combining these two drugs is even more dangerous as this effect happens more quickly and can progress to fatal levels far more easily. The American Family Physician (AFP) warns that “an estimated 80% of benzodiazepine abuse is part of polydrug abuse, most commonly with opioids.”
Methadone is of the opioid family and used for the treatment of chronic pain and as a replacement therapy for those addicted to other drugs, such as heroin. Xanax belongs to the drug class benzodiazepines and is used for anxiety, among other things. Methadone and Xanax taken together can have life-threatening effects in a person who has never taken opioids, but these problems aren’t as likely for a long-term user as a person builds up a tolerance over time.
Respiratory Depression
One effect of methadone and other such opioids is a decrease in the respiratory signals coming from the brain. These signals can be reduced to the point where breathing stops entirely, which is what often causes death in the case of an opioid overdose. Benzodiazepines also cause a respiratory decrease, although through a different mechanism than opioids. According to Principles of Pharmacology, when the respiratory depression of opioids and benzodiazepines are combined, the effect is multiplied and then the risk of dangerously decreased levels of breathing is greatly increased. Tolerance of the effects of opioids, and to a lesser extent those of benzodiazepines, develops quickly.
Sedation
Sedation is another effect that methadone and benzodiazepines such as Xanax have in common. Principles of Pharmacology says that when methadone and benzodiazepine are combined, the sedative effects are rapidly multiplied. While sedation isn’t always dangerous it often occurs in tandem with respiratory decrease and makes it obviously more dangerous. Abusers with impaired breathing who are unconscious or semi-conscious are more likely to experience problems such as choking and aspirating vomit into the lungs.
Abuse
Most benzodiazepines have a high potential for abuse, according to American Family Physician, and Xanax is dangerous in this respect due to its rapid onset. Patients who have had previous problems with substance abuse are at much greater risk for abuse of drugs such as Xanax, even if they are originally used for legitimate medical reasons. Benzodiazepines pose a risk to patients on methadone maintenance therapy, more so for those with prior drug abuse issues.
Some signs of overdose include:
- Blue lips or fingers
- Decreased blood pressure
- Drowsiness
- Slowed or irregular heartbeat
- Struggling or failing to breathe
- Unconsciousness and/or coma
What To Do
At the first signs that you or someone you love is overdosing, contact 911 and seek immediate medical attention. Should you or someone you know become addicted to drugs, seek drug addiction treatment by calling (877) 508-8151. Narconon Arrowhead is Narconon’s leading drug rehabilitation center for nearly half a century, and has proven time and again that if a person can identify and overcome the initial problems that lead to their addiction, they can ultimately regain their self-respect and self-control.
