Does Xanax Affect Blood Pressure? What You Should Know

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Imagine going in for your routine checkup, only to have your doctor express concern that your blood pressure appears higher or lower than usual.

If you’re taking Xanax (alprazolam) for anxiety or panic attacks, you may be surprised to learn that it may be impacting your cardiovascular health. But does Xanax make your blood pressure high – or are there other possible reasons?

Studies have shown that Xanax can affect your blood pressure, often depending on specific factors like dosage, frequency of use, individual health conditions, and whether you’re taking it as prescribed or misusing it.

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why alprazolam can interact with your body’s processes – and how you can take steps to protect yourself while maintaining your mental health.

What Is Xanax and How Does It Work?

Before we look at the side effects of Xanax, let’s learn a bit more about the medication itself.

Xanax – known generically as alprazolam – is a drug that belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines.

Xanax is one of the top prescribed anti-anxiety medications in the United States, and is typically used to treat issues such as GAD (generalized anxiety disorder), panic disorder, and severe anxiety associated with depression.

Xanax is a Schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, which means that it has been recognized for its medical value – but also carries potential for abuse or dependence.

What Does Xanax Do?

Xanax is designed to offer individuals rapid relief from acute anxiety symptoms, and it typically starts to work within 30 minutes to an hour after taking it. The effects can last 4-6 hours, making it effective for managing sudden panic attacks or intense anxiety episodes.

It works by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that acts as your brain’s “brake pedal.” When engaged, GABA slows down overactive neural activity and produces feelings of calm and relaxation.

Xanax binds to GABA receptors, amplifying this calming effect. But it’s this fast-acting nature that contributes to its potential for misuse – especially as individuals experience the relief it brings and turn to it for help more than prescribed.

As tolerance builds, many find themselves increasing dosage and abusing use to get the same effects.

Increased use has effects throughout your body. Your heart rate may slow, your breathing becomes deeper and more relaxed, your muscles release tension, and your blood vessels may dilate.

Can Xanax Affect Blood Pressure?

Research has shown that Xanax use can lead to a temporary decrease in blood pressure, particularly in people whose hypertension is related to anxiety or stress.

This happens as the medication’s sedative effects impact the cardiovascular system.

When your central nervous system activity decreases, the heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood. Your blood vessels then relax – and you may end up with lower blood pressure readings.

Xanax Hypotension

Some people experience more significant drops in blood pressure when taking Xanax, leading to hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure).

This is more likely to occur when taking higher doses, combining Xanax with alcohol or other depressants, or when starting the medication for the very first time. This can lead to feelings of dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, fatigue, blurred vision, and, in severe cases, fainting.

Xanax and Heart Rate Variability

But Xanax can also impact your body beyond blood pressure. In some cases, Xanax can affect heart rate and rhythm. The medication typically causes a mild decrease in heart rate as part of its overall calming effect on the cardiovascular system.

While this isn’t necessarily dangerous for most people, it can be a concern for those who have certain heart conditions or those taking medications that also affect heart rate.

Blood Pressure Changes During Xanax Withdrawal

While Xanax can lead to blood pressure changes during use, another concern is blood pressure swings when individuals experience Xanax withdrawal.

If you’ve been taking Xanax regularly and suddenly stop (or significantly reduce the dose), you may experience rebound hypertension. This is a dangerous spike in blood pressure that can be higher than their original levels.

When the medication is removed, the nervous system becomes hyperactive. This can lead to increased anxiety and overall cardiovascular stress. Surges in stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol can increase both your blood pressure and heart rate.

To help balance the impacts of withdrawal, healthcare professionals recommend gradual tapering rather than abrupt discontinuation to minimize these cardiovascular risks. This allows the body to readjust gradually, which can reduce dangerous blood pressure spikes and other withdrawal complications.

Xanax Abuse and Cardiovascular Risk

Xanax and Alcohol

One of the most dangerous scenarios involves combining Xanax with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants.

Both work to slow down bodily functions, and the combined effect can cause your blood pressure and heart rate to drop to dangerously low levels. In severe cases, this combination can lead to respiratory depression, coma, or death.

Xanax and Blood Pressure Medications

People who take blood pressure medications also face risks when using Xanax. Combining medications can cause your blood pressure to drop too low, leading to severe hypotension – especially risky for older individuals who may already be at higher risk for cardiovascular complications.

Xanax and Existing Health Concerns

Those with existing heart conditions – such as heart disease, arrhythmias, or a history of heart attack or stroke – will need to work closely with their doctor when using Xanax.

The medication’s effects on heart rate and blood pressure can worsen any underlying cardiovascular problems, and can be dangerous and deadly if Xanax is used beyond its prescribed amount or frequency.

Using Xanax Safely – and When to Get Help

To reduce the risk of any complications or side effects when using a medication such as Xanax, it’s important to follow your provider’s professional guidelines.

Always take the medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider and never exceed the recommended dose or frequency. If you feel the medication isn’t working effectively, never try to increase it on your own.

If you see any of the following, it’s important to immediately seek medical help:

Severe dizziness or fainting
Sudden chest pain
Difficulty breathing
A rapid or irregular heartbeat
Blood pressure readings that are significantly higher or lower than your baseline

If you begin to fear that your Xanax use has become problematic (or that you’re moving toward dependency), you should work with your medical provider and a treatment specialist to find the best path forward.

Xanax dependency can be dangerous, and a treatment program can be a helpful way to slowly and safely taper yourself off the drug’s use.

Treatment Options are Available at Genesis House

Are you struggling with Xanax dependency? Experiencing cardiovascular side effects that are causing you concern?

It’s important to know you are not alone, and that help is available. Professional treatment can provide the support and medical supervision you need for safe recovery.

Here at Genesis House, we offer benzodiazepine addiction treatment programs designed to address the unique challenges of benzodiazepine withdrawal and recovery.

Our medically supervised detox program provides 24/7 monitoring to ensure your safety during the withdrawal process. We give particular attention to cardiovascular stability and blood pressure management as you taper off the medication at a pace that works for you.

If Xanax is affecting your health or you’re struggling with withdrawal symptoms, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Genesis House today to learn how our expert team can help you recover safely while protecting your cardiovascular health and overall well-being. Recovery is possible, and you don’t have to face it alone.