Is It Safe To Take Xanax For Depression Caused By Alcohol Withdrawal?

Posted on Fri, 13 Mar 2015

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

Fri, 13 Mar 2015 Answered on

Thu, 9 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I feel embarrassed by asking this question. I wanted to ask if it is safe to take xanax if you are a former drinker? Awhile back I lost my job. This resulted in me losing my home and my car. I then immediately afterwards went thru a divorce. It was a dark time and a lot of turmoil. I started to drink because I found if I had a couple shots of whisky right when I went to bed I would fall right asleep, sleep thru the night and wake up feeling rested. I do know this was foolish but I wasn't thinking very straight during that time. This proceeded for about a year and a half. I'd like to add that at no time during this time or even now did I ever crave a drink or even think of one during the day or early evening. I did it right at bedtime as a sleep aid. I have not had anything in a week now and have no urge for one.

I have a history of anxiety and about 10 years ago prescribed a short treatment of Xanax in which I did fine and discountinued when the anxiety resolved. Well I just recently had a scare where I had both liver and kidneys scanned and thank goodness both were benign. Blood work was done and Metabolic, Lipids, CBC, and thyroid was done and all was excellent. Everything all within range. But my anxiety kicked up quite a bit. I saw a doctor who prescribed me xanax for use when it flares up but I have not taken it. I have read that when you drink it changes your brain chemistry. I wanted to know if I needed to if it was safe to take? I feel very awkward asking this but if not asked I'll never know. .Thank you for your time.

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Drinking while taking xanax is not recommended

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

alcohol causes nervous system depression. The same applies for xanax. Using them together may create additive depressive effects. This practically means that you may feel sleepy, have difficulty in thinking or walking or executing fine movements etc. Like being drunk but with a much lower alcohol consumption.

If you drank in the past only, there is nothing to worry about. Just remember that xanax and similar drugs may cause addiction when used in the long term.

I hope I've helped!

Kind Regards!

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