Is Xanax an Opioid? Effects of Xanax and Opioids

Is Xanax an opioid? Learn the key differences between Xanax and opioids, how they work, side effects, addiction risks, withdrawal, and safety.

Xanax is another brand name for alprazolam, which is a psychiatric drug classified under the class of drugs called benzodiazepines, or benzos for short. This drug received its approval from the U.S. FDA way back in 1981 and continues to be among the most prescribed psychiatric drugs in the country.

Benzodiazepines function through the amplification of the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter of the brain. The increased levels of GABA result in reduced neuronal excitability and, consequently, a tranquilizing effect on the CNS.

Common Medical Uses of Xanax

Xanax is prescribed to treat:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia)
• Social anxiety disorder
• Short-term relief of acute anxiety symptoms
• Anxiety associated with depression (in some cases)

The medication is also prescribed off-label for treating insomnia and seizures; however, another medication is usually recommended when treating these diseases.

What Are Opioids?

An opioid is defined as a medication that is mainly used to treat moderate to intense pain. The medications function by attaching themselves to certain opioid receptors within the brain, hence minimizing pain sensations and inducing pleasurable effects.

Common opioids include:

• Morphine
• Oxycodone
• Hydrocodone
• Fentanyl
• Codeine
• Tramadol

Some opioids are prescription medications, while others may be obtained illegally.

Is Xanax an Opioid?

Xanax is not considered an opioid drug. Although both these drugs can induce drowsiness and relaxation in the body, they are different categories of drugs that act differently in the body.

How Xanax Works vs. How Opioids Work

This is the most clinically important difference between the two classes of drugs.

How Xanax (Alprazolam) Works

Xanax functions as a positive allosteric modulator for the GABA-A receptor. GABA is considered the brake pedal of the brain. The GABA receptor is the one responsible for decreasing neuronal activity. By attaching itself to another specific binding site of the GABA-A receptor, alprazolam can increase the effect of GABA.

The result:

• Reduced neural excitability
• Decreased anxiety and panic response
• Muscle relaxation
• Sedation and drowsiness
• Anticonvulsant effects

How Opioids Work

The opioids bind to the opioid receptors found in the brain and central nervous system. The opioid receptors include mainly mu-opioid receptors. They play a role in the regulation of:

• Pain perception
• Reward and pleasure pathways
• Breathing rate
• Gastrointestinal motility

The activation of the mu receptors by opioids leads to the blocking of pain signals, secretion of dopamine (leading to euphoria), and respiratory depression. The respiratory depression causes overdose death from opioids.

Why Do People Confuse Xanax with Opioids?

Several reasons may result in confusion when Xanax is classified as an opioid:

1. Both are controlled substances

The DEA classifies Xanax as a Schedule IV controlled substance. Most opioids are classified as either Schedule II or Schedule III substances. The term “controlled substance” may confuse.

2. Both cause sedation

Xanax and opioids cause drowsiness and central nervous system depression, and this similarity may be confusing to nonmedical users.

3. Both carry addiction risk

Both of these drugs have physical and psychological addiction potential, which may be a reason for them to be considered similar.

4. Both are misused

The subculture surrounding the use of drugs may refer to them together, especially because of the use of benzodiazepines and opioids together for recreational purposes.

5. Media and colloquial language

Popular culture can frequently muddle the distinctions between types of drugs by referring to them casually as “downers” or “pills.”

What Are the Effects of Xanax and Opioids on the Body?

Constipation

The effects of opioids on the digestive system often result in slower digestion, meaning that bowel movements become fewer and harder to pass. Constipation can lead to discomfort, bloating, abdominal pain, and decreased quality of life.

Skin Itching

The skin itching is one of the most frequent side effects experienced by most opioid users due to the release of histamines in the body. It is an unpleasant sensation without any skin rash.

Drowsiness

Both drugs share the ability to depress the central nervous system, causing fatigue and drowsiness. As a result, people using these substances might experience excessive sleepiness, inability to concentrate on what they do, etc.

Dizziness

These drugs may cause issues such as dizziness, coordination problems, or low blood pressure, which can result in imbalance or light-headedness. This could lead to falls or accidents and possibly injury.

Nausea

Nausea is a common reaction to opioids, particularly when starting treatment. Some people may have stomach pain, queasiness, or even vomiting as the body gets used to the medication.

Dry Mouth

The effects of Xanax and opioids include reducing saliva secretion, causing dry mouth syndrome. Dry mouth syndrome can cause difficulty swallowing, halitosis, dehydration, and dental issues.

Xanax vs. Opioids: Key Differences at a Glance

What Are the Signs of Xanax Misuse?

Symptoms of Xanax abuse might include taking more of the drug than recommended, getting prescriptions from several doctors, self-medicating without professional advice, and using the drug with other substances. One can also exhibit addiction symptoms such as having cravings, increasing tolerance to the drug, and inability to function without using the drug.

What Are Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms?

Withdrawal symptoms may be experienced when the use of Xanax is decreased or abruptly halted after a long period of usage. Some of the withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, irritability, sweating, headache, tremor, and panic attacks. In severe withdrawal cases, seizures may occur.

What Are Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms?

Common symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal include muscle pain, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sleeplessness, and anxiety. Although opioid withdrawal does not pose a threat to one’s health, its symptoms can be very uncomfortable. Professional help can assist patients in successfully withdrawing from opioids.

Can Xanax Cause an Overdose?

Yes, Xanax is capable of causing an overdose if consumed in very large quantities or if it is mixed with alcohol or opioids and other sedative drugs. The symptoms include heavy drowsiness, confusion, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, and even comas.

How Long Does Xanax Stay in Your System?

The half-life of alprazolam ranges from 6-27 hours, averaging at 11 hours in a normal adult population. This implies that it takes between 2 and 4 days for the drug to be flushed out of your system. Detection times may, however, depend on the testing process:

Age, body fat, the health of the liver, and the period of usage will influence the elimination period of Xanax from the body.

FAQs

Is Xanax a depressant? 

Yes, because Xanax is a CNS depressant. CNS depressants cause a decrease in brain function, which is why Xanax can alleviate anxiety and induce calmness or sleep.

Is Xanax a controlled substance? 

Yes. Xanax is categorized under Schedule IV in the United States, meaning it can only be acquired on prescription since it may cause dependency and abuse.

Can you take Xanax and opioids together? 

You should do so only if it has been expressly recommended by your physician. The Black Box warning of the FDA is there because together, the two pose a very serious threat of respiratory depression resulting in death.

Conclusion

Xanax is not an opioid but a benzodiazepine that is prescribed for the management of anxiety and panic disorders. Though Xanax and opioids share similar effects of sedation, dependency, and overdose, there are several differences between how these drugs affect your health. These distinctions can help ensure that people have more safety when using their medications and make more knowledgeable decisions about healthcare.