Xanax And Vyvanse | Dangers Of Mixing Alprazolam And Lisdexamfetamine

When stimulants like Vyvanse are taken with depressants like Xanax (or other benzodiazepines), either recreationally or as a performance enhancer, dangerous drug interactions can occur.

Both Xanax and Vyvanse can mask the low/high effect of the other. Mixing prescription drugs in any combination can have serious side effects, which may include the risk of overdose and developing an addiction or chemical dependency.

Side Effects Of Xanax And Vyvanse

Mixing prescription drugs to get an enhanced high or to reduce the negative side effects of either of the medications is dangerous because it can cause unexpected side effects.

A person who mixes Xanax and Vyvanse can experience compounded side effects that the two drugs share, even though they are in different drug classes

Side Effects Of Vyvanse

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is a relative newcomer among Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medications that include stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin.

Some side effects of Vyvanse include:

• anorexia/weight loss
• Insomnia
• dizziness
• headache
• stomach pain/constipation
• excessive sweating
• increased heart rate
• irritability and anxiety

Its prodrug mechanism requires conversion in the body before becoming active, which slows onset compared to immediate-release amphetamines and reduces some misuse potential. However, the FDA classifies Vyvanse as Schedule II due to its still-significant potential for misuse and dependence.

Side Effects Of Xanax

Xanax (alprazolam) is a central nervous system depressant that increases the brain’s gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter to ease symptoms of anxiety disorders and insomnia.

Some general side effects of Xanax include:

• low blood pressure
• lowered respiration rate
• drowsiness/dizziness
• insomnia
• irritability
• nausea/vomiting
• poor balance/coordination
• memory/concentration problems

As is typical with other benzos, Xanax works to slow down vital systems in order to mitigate panic attacks and other mental health symptoms.

Risks And Dangers Of Mixing Benzodiazepines With Vyvanse

Mixing stimulants like Vyvanse with depressants like benzodiazepines (often called “uppers and downers”) creates a dangerous combination that can make the harmful side effects of both drugs much worse. When these opposite types of drugs are taken together, they put conflicting pressures on the body’s systems, which can cause life-threatening reactions.

Both Vyvanse and benzodiazepines affect the central nervous system, which controls functions like breathing, heart rate, and brain activity. This combination increases the risk of seizures and can cause damage to the brain, heart, and lungs. The severity side effects from either drug can increase when they’re mixed together, making overdose more likely to occur.

An additional danger is fentanyl contamination in counterfeit prescription pills. Fake Xanax and Vyvanse tablets are increasingly pressed with illicitly manufactured fentanyl. They’re also visually indistinguishable from legitimate prescriptions.

Fentanyl causes respiratory depression. This means someone who takes a counterfeit pill expecting a stimulant or benzodiazepine may experience a very different and potentially fatal reaction.

This is why it’s crucial to use fentanyl test strips to detect contamination before use. Also, keep Naloxone on hand for anyone using pills obtained outside of a licensed pharmacy.

Withdrawal Symptoms Of Xanax

When Xanax dependency develops, withdrawal symptoms occur when a person doesn’t take Xanax. A chemical dependency happens when a person’s body begins to physically rely on a drug to function.

Xanax withdrawal symptoms may include:

• heart palpitations
• erratic behavior
• hallucinations
• irritability
• seizures
• sweats

Xanax withdrawal is one of the most medically dangerous forms of withdrawal, and it’s comparable to alcohol withdrawal in severity. Abruptly stopping Xanax after physical dependence has developed can cause life-threatening seizures and cardiovascular instability.

Anyone who has been using Xanax regularly should never stop abruptly without medical supervision. A gradual, medically supervised taper is the standard of care.

Withdrawal Symptoms Of Vyvanse

Even when Vyvanse is used appropriately to treat ADHD, a tolerance can develop. The body becomes accustomed to the dopamine release and requires more of the drug to feel the same benefit.

Symptoms may include:

• tremors
• trouble sleeping
• appetite changes
• sweating
• mood swings
• stomach pain
• dry mouth
• hyperactivity

When taken alone, both drugs can be very difficult to stop. When misused together, it can be even harder to quit use of the medications because the withdrawal symptoms compound. Many people continue drug or alcohol abuse in order to avoid uncomfortable or painful withdrawal symptoms.

Fatal Overdose From Xanax

Xanax has become one of the most commonly abused benzodiazepines and is often used together with other drugs, which makes it particularly dangerous. Whether someone takes Xanax by itself or mixes it with other substances, the main danger of overdose is that it slows down the body’s essential functions too much. When someone takes too much Xanax, it causes the central nervous system to suppress vital body systems like breathing and heart function to dangerous levels.

Serious overdose symptoms include:

• shortness of breath or inability to breathe (respiratory depression)
• low blood pressure and heart failure
• blurred vision
• extreme drowsiness or coma
• tremors and weakness
• loss of coordination/dizziness

These symptoms can quickly become life-threatening because Xanax tells the body to shut down its most important functions. Without medical attention, a Xanax overdose can result in death due to breathing failure or heart problems, making it crucial to call 911 right away if someone shows these warning signs.

Fatal Overdose From Vyvanse

Vyvanse has not had the same fatality rate as other uppers. However, when abused or taken by people with existing conditions, overdose symptoms can be dangerous.

Vyvanse overdose symptoms may include:

• increased blood pressure
• cardiovascular events including heart attack or stroke, particularly in people with pre-existing heart conditions or those taking high doses
• worsened bipolar symptoms (manic behavior)
• psychotic symptoms (hallucinations)
• rapid breathing
• tremors
• panic
• low blood pressure
• coma
• nausea/vomiting
• fever
• liver damage

If you suspect someone is overdosing on Xanax, Vyvanse, or a combination of both, call 911 immediately. Do not leave the person alone. If fentanyl contamination is possible, administer naloxone while waiting for emergency services. Most states have Good Samaritan laws that provide limited legal protection to people who call 911 during an overdose.

Find Addiction Treatment Today

If you or someone you know is misusing Xanax or Vyvanse, treatment is available. Medically supervised detox is strongly recommended, particularly for Xanax dependence, which requires a gradual taper to avoid life-threatening withdrawal.

Browse our directory to find dual diagnosis and polydrug treatment programs near you, or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff