Does Alcohol Consumption While On Xanax Cause One To Fall Violently Ill?

Posted on Thu, 29 Oct 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 29 Oct 2015 Answered on

Sat, 14 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Took half a .25 MG of Xanax around 9:30Am this morning, and another 1/4 of the .25MG of the Xanax around 3:30pm today. When is it safe for me to have a couple drinks? Thanks
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
24 to 36 hours

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome

I appreciate your concern

Alcohol and xanax both cause increased sedation and combination has potential to cause both CNS and Respiratory depression. This interaction is particularly dangerous if there is underlying liver dysfunction as well. At least a break of 24 to 36 hours should be given before any alcoholoc beverage is used. In slow release formulations this can extend to 48 to 56 hours.

Let me know if you have any query

Thanks

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar