Side Effects of Snorting and Injecting Xanax (Alprazolam)

Alprazolam, better known by its brand name Xanax, is a commonly prescribed anxiolytic medication. Alprazolam is a fast onset, short-acting medication used for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. In an effort to feels its effect more quickly, some individuals may snort or attempt to inject crushed Xanax.

This page will discuss the dangers of snorting and injecting Xanax and how to get help for yourself or a loved one if you’re struggling with addiction to Xanax.

What Is Xanax?

Xanax is in the benzodiazepine class of medications and exerts its effects by inhibiting certain types of brain activity to decrease anxiety.¹ It is among the most commonly prescribed psychotropic medications in the United States.²

It is frequently prescribed in tablet form, in both immediate- and extended-release formulations. Prescription guidelines will vary between the two.

The drug should only be used as directed because any misuse of this benzodiazepine can be harmful or even life-threatening.¹

Even with the known dangers, many people take Xanax in excess of prescribed guidelines or use it as a recreational drug, whether by misusing a prescribed medication or by taking illegal Xanax (e.g., diverted medication) — often in combination with alcohol and other drugs. The effects sought by these users include: a sense of euphoria, relief from stress or anxiety, feelings of calm, a release of tension, and sedation.³

In some instances, people may attempt to misuse Xanax by either snorting or injecting the crushed tablets to experience more rapid or more intense effects. While such methods of misuse may occur with alprazolam alone, they often happen in the setting of additional substance use. For example, some stimulant users may use alprazolam to ease the adverse symptoms they would otherwise experience as part of the stimulant comedown.⁴

Additionally, the co-abuse of benzodiazepines and opioids is common, as users report getting a stronger euphoric high when they combine the two.⁵

Side Effects of Xanax Use

Although Xanax is a commonly prescribed medication, it does have some fairly well-known side effects, even when used as prescribed. These effects may vary, depending on the dose of Xanax, frequency and duration of use, individual physical health, and mental health issues. Side effects may include:^1,6

• Drowsiness.
• Irritability.
• Low blood pressure.
• Lightheadedness/dizziness.
• Blurry vision.
• Coordination difficulties.
• Slurred speech.
• Appetite/weight changes.
• Dry mouth.
• Nausea.
• Changes in libido.
• Disinhibition.

The incidence and magnitude of some of the effects may be greater with misuse. Very serious side effects that may be more likely when the drug is misused include:^1,6,7

• Oversedation.
• Profound confusion.
• Ataxia.
• Shortness of breath.
• Impaired memory.
• Anterograde amnesia (blackouts).
• Hallucinations.
• Changes in seizure threshold.
• Seizures.
• Abnormal behavior or mood changes.
• Depression.
• Depersonalization.
• Suicidal ideation.

Xanax may also heighten the known risks of other medications such as opioids. For example, opioids are associated with a risk of respiratory depression, and taking a benzodiazepine like alprazolam in combination with this drug type can worsen this effect. In fact, a number of studies conducted on the concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines suggest that up to 80% of unintentional opioid overdose deaths may involve benzodiazepines.⁵

What Happens When You Snort Xanax?

How a drug is taken may change some of its associated risks. In the case of Xanax, the medication is intended for oral use — generally in pill form. When taken in prescribed doses, enteric absorption (through the gastrointestinal tract) allows for the drug to become active safely and gradually through its timed release mechanism.

In the case of extended-release formulations, oral routes allow for the time-release mechanism to function as designed. When Xanax is crushed and either injected or snorted, drug effects may be felt more rapidly and more intensely. The likelihood of accidental overdose is increased, as are other health risks.

People may attempt to snort Xanax because they think it will enable them to feel the effects of alprazolam faster and more intensely than the intended route of ingestion allows. The crushed medication, when snorted, initiates a more rapid onset of the drug’s effects, greater potency, and a modestly increased abuse potential.⁸

Xanax is designed and formulated to be taken orally. Snorting Xanax may lead to increased severity of the drug’s side effects, as well as leading to other other serious health effects.

Risks and Dangerous Effects of Snorting Xanax

There are many potential health risks associated with snorting any particulate substances, including crushed Xanax. Some of these effects can cause long-term health problems. These include:^9,10

• Chronic inflammation of the nasal passages.
• Airway irritation.
• Sinusitis.
• Nosebleeds.
• Frequent runny nose.
• Hoarse voice.
• Loss of smell.
• Problems swallowing.

Also, because snorting Xanax can result in an amplification of drug effects,⁸ the potential for adverse events could also be greater (e.g., impaired cognition, profound sedation, accidents/injury, intensified respiratory depression with or without additional drugs on board, overdose, etc.).

What Happens When You Inject Xanax Pills?

Xanax is not one of the benzodiazepines that is commonly injected, mainly because it is not water-soluble and not easy to make into an injectable solution.⁶ However, some people do attempt to dissolve the drug in other solutions such as alcohol in order to inject it. Attempting to inject alprazolam can cause serious health problems for the individual, including:^10,11