Multi-Day Xanax Blackouts: Understanding the Risks and Consequences
Xanax, a brand name for the medication alprazolam, is a potent sedative commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It belongs to a class of medications known as benzodiazepines, a type of central nervous system depressant. While highly effective in treating anxiety and panic disorders, it has the potential for misuse and dependency. Taking high doses of Xanax for or in combination with other substances for several days can lead to a potentially dangerous side effect known as multi-day Xanax blackout, where individuals experience a form of memory loss or amnesia.
During this blackout period, a person may engage in activities, but they will have no memory of them afterward. This phenomenon occurs because it affects the brain’s neurotransmitters, particularly GABA, which helps to calm brain activity. The physical side effects of Xanax in high doses over several days can impair cognitive function and cause confusion, disorientation, and memory lapses.
This blackout is similar to the way alcohol can cause people to forget things they’ve done while intoxicated. Xanax can suppress the brain’s ability to form new memories, leading to gaps in recollection.
Using Xanax for long durations, at elevated doses, or alongside other substances such as alcohol poses significant risks and can result in dependence, overdose, or severe health complications. If an individual is facing memory problems or other troubling symptoms related to Xanax, it is crucial to seek medical assistance right away.
Furthermore, they should think about obtaining professional support, as experiencing a multi-day blackout from Xanax may suggest a substance use disorder.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
As stated by the Cleveland Clinic, benzodiazepines are a category of medications that reduce activity in the brain and nervous system. They are frequently prescribed for managing anxiety and related mental health issues, as well as neurological disorders such as seizures. Due to their potential for misuse and dependency, these medications are classified as controlled substances and can only be obtained with a prescription.
Benzodiazepines function by depressing the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in calming effects. They amplify the action of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which suppresses brain activity, promoting relaxation and alleviating anxiety or tension. In addition to Xanax, other well-known benzodiazepines include diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and clonazepam (Klonopin).
These medications are typically recommended for short-term use because of the risks associated with dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. Furthermore, they can have dangerous interactions with alcohol and other depressants like opioids, as these substances can enhance the sedative effects, potentially leading to fatal outcomes.
Benzodiazepines can be addictive, making it challenging for individuals to discontinue their use once dependence has developed. The early warning signs of Xanax abuse can cause withdrawal symptoms that can not only be extremely uncomfortable but also hazardous, as they may trigger seizures.
How Do Xanax Blackouts Happen?
Xanax functions by boosting GABA activity, which reduces brain activity and results in sedation and relaxation. In higher doses, it can lead to cognitive impairment. Brain activity can hinder memory formation, potentially causing blackouts when brain activity is excessively slowed.
The likelihood of experiencing blackouts rises with higher doses or prolonged use of Xanax. At elevated doses, the sedative effects can become so intense that they disrupt the brain’s ability to properly encode memories, resulting in memory lapses.
The negative effects of Xanax can hinder the brain’s ability to create memories for two main reasons. First, it affects the hippocampus, a crucial area responsible for forming new memories and encoding information. This can result in challenges when trying to establish long-term memories. Second, Xanax disrupts memory consolidation, the process that transitions short-term memories into long-term storage.
Mixing Xanax with other substances, particularly alcohol, can lead to blackouts. Healthline reports that both alcohol and Xanax are linked to memory impairment, and this effect intensifies when the two are combined, raising the risk of experiencing a multi-day Xanax blackout.
With regular use of Xanax, individuals may develop a tolerance, requiring larger doses to achieve the same effects, which further heightens the chances of blackouts. Additionally, some individuals may be more susceptible to the effects of Xanax due to factors such as body weight, metabolism, or existing health conditions, making them vulnerable to memory loss or blackouts even at lower doses.
What Are the Signs of a Benzodiazepine Blackout?
When someone experiences a Xanax blackout, they find themselves unable to create new memories, even though they can still perform tasks like conversing, eating, or driving. These blackouts can last anywhere from a few seconds to several days.
Typically, individuals who undergo these episodes are unaware of their actions until someone else brings it to their attention. Identifying when someone is in a blackout state can be challenging, as they often remain alert and can carry out everyday activities. However, they might also engage in dangerous behaviors.
Some signs of a Xanax or benzodiazepine blackout include:
- Memory Gaps – An inability to recall events that occurred while under the influence of Xanax.
- Confusion or Disorientation – The individual may feel out of it or unable to follow a conversation.
- Engaging in Unusual or Risky Behavior – The person is engaging in action that they wouldn’t typically do, such as socializing inappropriately with no memory afterward.
- Inconsistent or Slurred Speech – Their speech may become unclear, as they are unaware of how they are communicating.
- Physical Clumsiness or Impaired Coordination – This can manifest as difficulty walking, standing, or performing simple tasks.
- Mood Changes – Blackouts may result in mood swings or unusual emotional responses, including irritability or euphoria.
- Altered Perception of Time – During a blackout, individuals may perceive time differently, feeling less time has passed than has.
What Are the Risks of a Multi-Day Xanax Blackout?
Multi-day Xanax blackouts typically occur when individuals consume doses that exceed their prescription or combine the medication with other substances.
One of the most significant dangers of taking excessive amounts is the risk of overdose, which can lead to respiratory failure, coma, or even death.
Furthermore, using Xanax for an extended time, particularly over several days, can adversely impact cognitive functions in the brain.
Research featured in the Journal of Addiction Medicine indicates that full recovery of brain function may not occur within the first six months, and some individuals who have developed a physical dependence on Xanax may experience lasting cognitive issues.
During a blackout, there is also a heightened risk of physical harm, as individuals may not be fully aware of their actions and could engage in dangerous behaviors. Chronic use of Xanax can worsen anxiety once the effects diminish, along with increasing feelings of depression, irritability, and mood fluctuations.
Long-term use can lead to both physical and psychological dependence, resulting in severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, tremors, and potentially life-threatening conditions.
Contact WhiteSands Treatment If You Have Experienced a Multi-Day Xanax Blackout
If you have experienced a multi-day Xanax blackout, it may be an indication of a benzodiazepine use disorder, and it is essential to take the necessary steps toward recovery. It is vital to address the underlying issues before they lead to more serious health complications. Xanax dependence can result in dangerous withdrawal symptoms, which require a medical detox to stop use safely.
At WhiteSands, we provide tailored treatment programs that encompass both detoxification and rehabilitation, empowering individuals to conquer Xanax addiction and reclaim their lives. Our caring team of professionals is committed to delivering personalized support that addresses recovery’s physical and emotional facets.
Don’t wait for your condition to worsen or for another blackout to occur. Contact WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877-855-3470 to begin your journey to recovery.
External Sources
- Cleveland Clinic – Benzodiazepines (Benzos)
- Healthline – What Happens When You Combine Alprazolam (Xanax) with Alcohol
- Journal of Addiction Medicine – A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
