Xanax, which is the brand name for alprazolam, belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. Xanax is commonly used to treat panic disorders and anxiety. Klonopin, or the brand name of Clonazepam, is normally used to control seizures as an anticonvulsant and is also used to treat panic attacks and anxiety. This drug also belongs to the same group of drugs, benzodiazepines. Both act as tranquilizers that work on the central nervous system by causing the brain to be less sensitive to outside stimulation, creating a calming effect on the person.
Both of these drugs can be very dangerous on their own as they both have a high likelihood of dependency and also abuse. When mixing Xanax and Klonopin, the dangers of each drug are even greater. Often, people mix substances to enhance the effects of the other drug. These two drugs are often mixed, but this even more so heightens the likelihood of an overdose.
Why Are Xanax and Klonopin Mixed Together?
Since Xanax and Klonopin both cause the same kind of effects, people mix and use the two drugs together simultaneously to enhance the effects of each drug. Xanax has a shorter half-life, which means the effect begins to take place much quicker on the body whereas Klonopin lasts longer than Xanax does. Mixing the two gives long-lasting effects as well as quick-acting results. People who abuse benzodiazepines want the relaxed feeling that they cause. These drugs mixed also cause the following desired symptoms:
- Sedation
- Muscle relaxation
- Reduced worry and anxiety
- Extreme relaxation
- Confusion
It is also possible that people mix Xanax and Klonopin because they have already developed a tolerance for one of the drugs, so taking the two together is an attempt to feel the same effects they once felt before they built up a tolerance. They may also just want to extend the time that the high lasts.
Risks of Mixing Xanax and Klonopin
Mixing Xanax and Klonopin on a regular, long term, basis potentially increases the severity of the long term effects of benzodiazepine abuse. Chronis and prolonged abuse of this class of drugs can cause brain deficits. For example, those who abuse these two substances together may have permanent difficulty with focusing and concentration, memory impairment, and difficulty speaking.
When mixed, these drugs also have the potential to cause brain damage to a person. Those who regularly abuse these together can enter states of delirium, develop depression, have psychotic experiences, have aggressive episodes, mood swings, and poor impulse behavior.
Benzodiazepines like Xanax and Klonopin will very quickly cause physical dependence. This occurs after a person builds up a tolerance to the substances. This means a person will continually require more and more of the drugs to achieve the same effects. Once a person is physically dependent on benzos, reducing the dosage, or stopping immediately can result in extremely life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. The risks for a dangerous withdrawal process are even higher when you combine the to benzodiazepines. Without the drugs in the person’s body, the brain goes into overdrive to compensate causing convulsions, seizures, and can even lead to death.
Treatment for Benzodiazepine Addiction
Once you have detoxed, the best and safest option to get off of and stay off Benzodiazepines is by the use of one of the many treatment programs we offer at Recreate Life Counseling We offer many different treatment programs that provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual to help them safely reintegrate into society.
With the help of our team of therapists, we offer one on one, group therapy, as well as many other specialized options to fit each person’s needs. Benzodiazepine treatment requires a multi-layered approach for maximum success. We want to make sure you have the tools you need to avoid relapse in the real world.
Is it safe to alternate between Clonazapam and Xanax?