The Effects Of Taking Xanax On An Empty Stomach

Taking Xanax on an empty stomach can lead to stronger relief from anxiety and panic attacks compared to taking Xanax on a full stomach. The side effects of Xanax, such as sedation and sleepiness, can also be stronger on an empty stomach.

Xanax is a brand name benzodiazepine that treats anxiety disorders and panic disorders. 

Taking Xanax with or without food is likely at the discretion of your doctor. If the side effects of taking Xanax on an empty stomach are intense or uncomfortable, your doctor may suggest taking alprazolam with food.

Xanax and its generic form, alprazolam, can also be abused for its sedative effects. Taking Xanax on an empty stomach to get high is a common form of Xanax abuse. Abusing Xanax to get high can be dangerous to your health.

Side Effects Of Taking Xanax On An Empty Stomach

Patients taking Xanax have reported feeling stronger side effects of alprazolam, including sedation and anxiety relief, if they did not eat food before taking Xanax.

While these reports may exist in a wide variety of anecdotes, medical research on the effects of food and Xanax are limited. More studies are likely needed to determine how Xanax and food interact in the body. 

Side effects of taking Xanax on an empty stomach may include:

• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• headache
• constipation
• increased heart rate
• palpitations
• low blood pressure
• changes in weight

These side effects may be stronger compared to taking Xanax on a full stomach.

Effects Of Taking Xanax With Food

Taking Xanax with food can reduce the intended effects and side effects of Xanax. Your body may absorb alprazolam slower when there is food in your system.

If you frequently experience an upset stomach after taking Xanax, your doctor may suggest you take alprazolam with food.

Xanax can cause serious drug interactions with grapefruit and grapefruit juice, such as impairment, sedation, and a loss of consciousness. Your doctor may advise you to avoid eating and drinking grapefruit and grapefruit products while taking Xanax.

Risks Of Taking Xanax On An Empty Stomach

Xanax can cause a drug overdose when taken with opioids such as fentanyl or oxycodone. If you mix benzodiazepines and opioids on an empty stomach, your risk of overdose may be even higher than taking these drugs with food.

A benzodiazepine and opioid overdose can cause breathing problems, a loss of consciousness, clammy skin, and other serious side effects. If you see someone showing these signs after taking Xanax, call for help right away.

Xanax Addiction

If you take Xanax on an empty stomach to feel a stronger high, you may be addicted to Xanax. Xanax addiction can be linked to serious medical conditions such as liver disease, ulcers, psychosis, and withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit.

Benzodiazepines such as Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) are abused with or without a prescription to get high. If you or someone you know are abusing Xanax, a professional addiction treatment program can help.

At Ark Behavioral Health, our prescription drug addiction treatment options include benzodiazepine detox, withdrawal management, and mental health services. To learn more, please contact us today.