Does Xanax Lower Blood Pressure?

Do you want to understand the relationship between Xanax and low blood pressure? Are you already suffering from blood pressure problems and want to know whether you can take Xanax or not?

Yes, Xanax does lower your blood pressure. It can especially reach up to high-risk low BP if you take it with any other depressants or similar medications. Here, we will explain all about Xanax and its relationship with blood pressure. We have also shared its solution and necessary precautions to avoid this situation.  

Upon finishing this article, you will clearly understand the Xanax effect on blood pressure and how to deal with it. We have also provided other potential concerns associated with this medicine alongside its safe dosage information for your safety. Continue reading as we uncover more about Xanax and low BP.  

How Xanax Causes Low Blood Pressure?

Xanax is a medicine used to treat anxiety and panic attacks. It works by slowing down your brain with the help of the neurotransmitter GABA. It also slows down your heart, which results in less blood flow and lower blood pressure.

Although it is a temporary side effect, taking it with other opioids or depressants like alcohol or drugs can lower your blood pressure to hazardous levels. Here are some of the research studies that proved it.

Researches Says

There has been much research to understand the relationship between Xanax and blood pressure. Here are a few prominent ones among them;

• The first one is a random study conducted at a hospital in 2021. This research was based on 53 lucky patients who came into the emergency for lower blood pressure. The reason for the lower blood pressure of these patients was primarily due to alprazolam or captopril.
• The 2nd one is a 2017 research. This study was made on people 60+ years of age suffering from lower blood pressure. Long-term benzodiazepine usage was a widespread cause of low BP among them.
• The 3rd one is the 2020 study. It showed alprazolam, or Xanax, was proven beneficial for people suffering from high blood pressure, with an average of 63.4 years of age, to prevent stroke or death.

How Long Does It Take Xanax To Lower Blood Pressure?

For immediate-release tablets, Xanax can show its impact and lower your blood pressure within one hour, and for extended-release tablets, it may be after a few hours. But you are taking it alongside other depressants, whether natural or medicated, which can cause a sudden drop in BP.

Other Side Effects Of Xanax

Xanax usage can also cause specific side effects alongside lower blood pressure. Here are some of this medicine’s most common potential side effects.

• Mood changes: Xanax usage may also cause mood changes like feeling tired or sleepy due to its calming effects.
• Cognitive effects: It can also cause mental problems, especially if used in high dosage or for the long term. These cognitive effects may include weak memory and lower concentration.
• Poor coordination: Poor coordination is also a potential concern of using Xanax. There may be problems in speaking and unsteady movements.
• Fatigue: You may also feel restlessness and fatigue with this medicine.
• Physical symptoms: It may also reflect some physical symptoms such as changes in appetite, headache, drowsiness, etc.
• Addiction and withdrawal: The last and the most essential side effect of Xanax is it may cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms when you are ready to quit it.

What To Do in Case of Lower Blood Pressure By Xanax?

In case you are suffering from low blood pressure due to Xanax, the best option is to seek medical help immediately. The most common symptoms of low BP are blurriness, dizziness, and weakness. If you have taken Xanax and you start feeling any of these symptoms, immediately rush to the hospital.

It is because you don’t know how much lower it will go. If you don’t have any medical facility near you, try to contact your doctor and follow the necessary recommendations. But you must act immediately before the damage cannot be reversed.

Precautions To Avoid Lower Blood Pressure While Taking Xanax

Here are some necessary precautions for you to avoid lower blood pressure because of Xanax. Following these precautions will help you in getting the best results from Xanax without any blood pressure problems.

• Take the dosage in the prescribed dosage.
• Avoid taking missed dosages later. It could result in an overdose, leading to lower blood pressure.
• Avoid using Xanax with other depressant medications like Ativan or Klonopin.
• Avoid alcohol and drug usage with Xanax. These can make you more depressed and lower your energy level even more.
• Strictly prevent using Xanax with other opioids like OxyContin, Vicodin, etc. Opioids and Xanax can lower your blood pressure to hazardous levels. It can even lead to stroke, heart attack or death.

Final Words

Yes, Xanax does lower your blood pressure. Although it is usually a slight drop in BP, it can be problematic in certain conditions. These conditions include overdosage of Xanax, its usage by people with cardiovascular problems, and its combinations with recreational drugs, alcoholic beverages, and other depressants.

In any case, if you notice a blood pressure drop due to Xanax, rush to the hospital. Get medical treatment and then consult your doctor about its usage. Then, follow the doctor’s guidelines for further Xanax use.