Xanax and Percocet are prescription drugs belonging to different classes. While Xanax is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic attacks, Percocet is an opioid prescribed for pain management. Despite their differences, these medications both act as central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Taking them together without medical supervision can be lethal.
This article will explore the interaction between Xanax and Percocet in greater detail to help you understand the effects and dangers of this drug combination.
What Is Xanax, and What Is It Used For?
Xanax (alprazolam) is a medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class. Available as an immediate- or extended-release tablet, it is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.
Like all medications, alprazolam can cause various side effects, including:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Forgetfulness
- Lightheadedness
- Appetite changes
- Impaired coordination
- Difficulty concentrating
- Decreased blood pressure
While these side effects tend to be temporary, this medication can also cause serious adverse effects requiring immediate medical care. These may include seizures, hallucinations, liver problems, and allergic reactions, among others.
With nearly 15 million prescriptions issued to over 3.3 million Americans in 2022, alprazolam is among the most commonly prescribed psychotropic medications in the United States. It works by stimulating the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which promotes feelings of calmness and relaxation.
Xanax is treated as a Schedule IV controlled substance. As such, it has a moderate to low potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction. Nonetheless, it can still cause dependence, especially with prolonged use and abuse. Therefore, you should take it strictly as prescribed and limit its use to the minimum duration.
In recent years, alprazolam has also become a popular street drug. Some of its street names include Xannies, Bars, and Z-bars. Xanax abuse (e.g., using it without a prescription, taking it in higher doses or more frequently than prescribed, mixing it with other substances, etc.) significantly increases the risk of an alprazolam overdose, which can be deadly.
What Is Percocet, and How Does It Work?
Percocet is an opioid medication used to control moderate-to-severe pain, such as that experienced after injuries or surgeries. It is typically prescribed for patients who suffer from pain that cannot be effectively managed with non-opioid analgesics.
As a combination drug, Percocet contains two active ingredients: acetaminophen and oxycodone. The former is an over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic medication, whereas the latter is a semi-synthetic opioid. Oxycodone, one of the most frequently prescribed opioids, is derived from thebaine, an opium alkaloid found in poppy plants.
While Percocet comes as a tablet containing 325 mg of acetaminophen and 2.5 mg–10 mg of oxycodone, generic acetaminophen/oxycodone is also available as an oral solution. This drug is also sold under other brands, such as Endocet® and Roxicet®. On the streets, it is known as Percs.
Percocet works by interacting with the opioid receptors located throughout the CNS. Upon binding to these receptors, it blocks the transmission of pain signals between the body and the brain, altering pain perception. While pain relief is its primary effect, this medication also induces relaxation and euphoria by triggering dopamine release.
Besides analgesic and rewarding effects, Percocet can also cause side effects, such as:
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Stomach ache
- Nausea and vomiting
You should inform your doctor about any side effects you experience after taking this medication. In case of severe adverse reactions, including allergies, seek emergency medical help.
Due to a high potential for opioid abuse, dependence, and addiction, Percocet is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. Prolonged use and misuse of this drug significantly amplify the risk of dependence and opioid use disorder (OUD). Even those who carefully follow their doctor’s instructions can become dependent since opioids gradually alter brain chemistry.
Can You Take Xanax and Percocet Together?
You can only take Xanax and Percocet together safely under medical supervision. According to the FDA drug safety rules, healthcare providers should only prescribe these medications together if alternative options aren’t available. It is critical to weigh the risks and benefits of their co-use and limit their dosages and duration of use to a minimum.
If your doctor prescribes this drug combination, work closely with them. Inform them about any unwanted effects you experience after taking benzodiazepines and opioids. If you experience profound sedation, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.
That said, you should never take Xanax and Percocet together without medical supervision. This is an extremely dangerous form of polysubstance abuse that can have life-threatening consequences. These medications interact synergistically, which makes this drug combination perilous.
Researchers from the University of Chicago found that combining alprazolam and oxycodone produces stronger effects than taking these drugs separately, and their co-use enhances behavioral toxicity. In other words, this drug combination can lead to impaired psychomotor performance and other adverse behavioral changes.
With this in mind, let’s learn more about the risks and dangers of mixing Xanax and Percocet.
Risks and Dangers of Mixing Xanax and Percocet
The main risks and dangers of mixing Xanax and Percocet include the increased risk of drug overdose, dependence, and addiction. Taking them together can also negatively affect your liver, heart, and respiratory system.
Here’s a detailed overview of the dangers associated with this drug combination:
#1. Liver Damage
Even when taken on their own, both Xanax and Percocet can cause hepatotoxicity, otherwise known as liver damage. Taking them together, especially in larger amounts than prescribed, increases this risk even further.
Inform your doctor about any pre-existing liver problems before initiating benzodiazepine and opioid therapy. If you must take this drug combination, take your medication precisely as prescribed and avoid hepatotoxins, including alcohol.
#2. Respiratory Problems
Xanax and Percocet may dangerously suppress your breathing, especially when taken together. Due to the increased risk of respiratory depression, this drug combination may not be suitable for those with underlying lung issues, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Since Xanax and Percocet can slow down your breathing to dangerous levels or even stop it altogether, this drug combination can deprive your brain of oxygen, increasing the risk of brain damage.
#3. Cardiovascular Issues
The co-use of Xanax and Percocet can have a detrimental effect on cardiovascular function, especially in those with co-occurring heart disease. More specifically, these drugs can decrease the heart rate and blood pressure. If not treated promptly, both bradycardia (slow heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure) can be life-threatening.
#4. Drug Dependence and Addiction
It’s no secret that Percocet and other opioids have addictive properties. Benzodiazepines, including Xanax, can also lead to physical dependence and addiction. Mixing these drugs makes you more likely to develop a dependence or addiction to either or both of them.
While some opioid addiction treatment centers may administer benzodiazepines to alleviate certain Percocet withdrawal symptoms, you should never self-medicate by using Xanax as a medication for opioid withdrawal. If you believe you may be struggling with Percocet addiction or dependence, seek professional help.
#5. Impaired Cognitive and Motor Function
Taking Xanax and Percocet together can significantly impair your cognitive and motor function, leading to confusion, slowed reaction times, memory loss, decreased alertness, and reduced coordination. This can also make you more prone to falls, accidents, and injuries, so you mustn’t drive or operate heavy machinery after taking this drug combination.
#6. Drug Overdose
A life-threatening drug overdose is the greatest danger of mixing Xanax and Percocet. According to researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, overdose death rates are ten times higher among patients who are co-dispensed benzodiazepines and opioids compared to those who only use opioids.
Signs and Symptoms of Xanax and Percocet Overdose
The signs and symptoms of a Xanax and Percocet overdose usually look similar to those of a typical opioid overdose, as both substances act as CNS depressants.
Some common signs of a Xanax and Percocet overdose you shouldn’t ignore include:
- Vomiting
- Limp body
- Slurred speech
- Slow heart rate
- Extreme sedation
- Unresponsiveness
- Low blood pressure
- Difficulty staying awake
- Cold, pale, clammy skin
- Slowed, shallow breathing
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Skin, lip, and fingernail discoloration
- Profound confusion and disorientation
Due to their combined effects, a Xanax and Percocet overdose can also cause other symptoms, such as seizures, chest pain, or delusions. If you suspect that you or someone you know may be overdosing on these drugs, call 911 immediately, even if you aren’t sure; timely medical help can save lives.
The only foolproof way to prevent a Xanax and Percocet overdose is not to take these medications in the first place. If you have no other option but to use them, follow your doctor’s instructions and track your medication intake to ensure you don’t accidentally take an extra dose. Discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid dependence, know that it is never too late to return to a happy and healthy life without the fear of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, relapse, and overdose. Accelerated Neuro-Regulation (ANR), a groundbreaking opioid dependence treatment, can help you make a long-lasting recovery safely, quickly, and effectively.
ANR Treatment for Percocet Dependence
Developed by Dr. Andre Waismann, ANR treatment takes a scientific approach to treating opioid dependence. Unlike traditional methods, such as rapid detox, it addresses the root cause of the issue by returning the nervous system to its pre-dependence state.
The therapeutic goal of ANR is neuro-equilibrium, which this treatment achieves by re-regulating the endorphin-receptor system imbalance. The procedure is performed under sedation, so you won’t experience the pain and discomfort of going through opioid withdrawals.
Put simply, ANR modulates the nervous system to decrease the production of opioid receptors and resume proper endorphin production levels. In turn, it eliminates cravings and other withdrawal symptoms, allowing you to forget about the fear of relapse.
Benefits of Undergoing ANR Treatment
The main benefits of undergoing ANR treatment are:
- Speed. Thanks to its comprehensive, scientifically backed approach, ANR doesn’t require you to spend weeks or even months in rehab; it can help you overcome opioid dependence within a matter of days.
- Safety. ANR adheres to the highest patient safety standards. Carried out by a team of board-certified healthcare professionals, it is performed in an ICU setting of fully accredited hospitals with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
- Personalization. Each ANR patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique medical history and needs. Therefore, this treatment can be safely performed on almost everyone, including those with comorbidities.
- High success rate. As the first and only treatment that targets the root of opioid dependence, ANR has successfully treated close to 25,000 patients worldwide.
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Key Takeaways
Given that Xanax and Percocet can be a deadly combination, you should never take these drugs together unless instructed by a doctor. Before initiating benzodiazepine and opioid therapy, explore alternative treatment options with your healthcare provider.
Let’s go over the key points we covered today:
- Xanax is a Schedule IV benzodiazepine that enhances the activity of GABA, making you feel calm and relaxed.
- Percocet is a Schedule II opioid that relieves pain by acting on opioid receptors and induces euphoria and relaxation by stimulating dopamine release.
- Some risks and dangers of mixing Xanax and Percocet include liver damage, respiratory problems, and a potentially deadly drug overdose.
- The tell-tale signs of a Xanax and Percocet overdose include clammy skin, difficulty breathing, unresponsiveness, extreme confusion, and slow heart rate.
- ANR is an ultra-modern opioid dependence treatment that promotes long-lasting recovery by rebalancing the endorphin-receptor system.
Xanax and Percocet FAQ
#1. How long after Xanax can I take oxycodone?
There’s no universal time frame for how long after Xanax you can take oxycodone safely, as this depends on individual factors, such as metabolism and liver function.
#2. What are the long-term risks of Xanax and Percocet use?
Some long-term risks of Xanax and Percocet use include dependence, addiction, organ damage, and cognitive impairment. Given that both of these medications have addictive properties, it’s in your best interest to take them for the minimum time possible.
#3. Is Xanax an opioid?
No, Xanax is not an opioid. It belongs to a different class of drugs: benzodiazepines. While opioids are prescribed for pain management, benzodiazepines like Xanax are used to treat anxiety and panic attacks. You should never mix these drugs without medical supervision.
