Mixing Xanax & Oxycodone | Effects & Dangers

Mixing Xanax and oxycodone (brand name OxyContin) can lead to severe respiratory depression, long-term substance use disorders, and even death.

Xanax is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorders. Oxycodone is an opioid painkiller used to treat forms of chronic pain and severe pain. Both drugs see widespread use, both as directed and as targets for substance abuse.

In the United States, prescription opioids and benzodiazepines have “black box” labels which warn mixing the two substances can be fatal. A black box warning is reserved for prescription drugs with serious health risks.

Effects Of Mixing Xanax & Oxycodone

Taking Xanax and OxyContin together may be an intense way of getting “high.” The combined effects of benzodiazepines and opioids may be linked to specific receptors in the central nervous system (CNS).

Side effects that are linked to this stronger high may include:

• impairment
• sedation
• numbness
• dizziness
• pain relief
• drowsiness

Dangers Of Mixing Xanax & Oxycodone

The black box warning on Xanax labels warns that taking benzodiazepines and opioids together can be fatal. Along with this life-threatening interaction, Xanax and OxyContin can cause other health effects.

Risk Of Drug Overdose

The additive depressant effects of alprazolam and oxycodone can make their effects much stronger. The threshold to overdose may also be much lower. An opioid overdose likely includes respiratory depression (severely slowed breathing) and unresponsiveness and can be fatal.

In 2017, benzos were involved in over 33 percent of prescription opioid overdose deaths. While synthetic opioids like fentanyl are growing points of concern, prescription opioids (like oxycodone or hydrocodone) still see large overdose numbers every year.

The high involvement of benzodiazepines in prescription opioid overdose deaths suggests both substances are easy to access and abuse.

Memory Problems

Opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines are both linked to memory problems as a long-term side effect. 

Opioid abuse can cause persistent problems with attention, while some studies link benzodiazepines to a higher risk of dementia later on in life. Both drugs are linked to forms of amnesia.

How opioids and benzodiazepines can lead to memory problems may need further study. Taking both substances responsibly can reduce your risk of long-term memory impairment.

Substance Use Disorder

Data for benzodiazepines mixed with other opiates, like methadone or buprenorphine, isn’t readily available. However, a 2012 study reported that mixing alprazolam with oxycodone did not increase habit-forming behaviors or side effects compared to oxycodone alone.

Not many studies have been done on the specific interactions of alprazolam and oxycodone. Even on its own, oxycodone can be habit-forming. If Xanax does not increase the risk of substance abuse patterns when taking oxycodone, both substances still have the potential for abuse.

It is possible to develop a substance use disorder for Xanax, OxyContin, or both at the same time. Substance use disorders include a wide range of effects, including dependency, drug addiction, mental health issues, and severe withdrawal symptoms.

Treatment For Concomitant Xanax & Oxycodone Abuse 

Approved forms of oxycodone include Percocet and OxyContin. Xanax is one widely prescribed benzodiazepine, along with Valium (diazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), and others. The risk of mixing these prescription medications is still high, despite official warnings.

The long-term health risks of mixing Xanax and oxycodone are also dangerous. Recognizing a polydrug abuse problem can help you find treatment before your risk increases further.

To find a polydrug treatment program that works for you or your loved one, please contact our helpline today.