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Mixing Xanax and Codeine: Drug Interactions, Side Effects & Treatment

Table of Contents

Combining the benzodiazepine Xanax and the opioid codeine can lead to a dangerous, potentially fatal overdose because they are both central nervous system depressants.

Article at a Glance:

  • Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam, a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and panic disorder. Codeine is an opioid used for mild to moderate pain and cough.
  • Both Xanax and codeine are controlled substances that carry a risk of dependence, abuse and addiction.
  • The FDA has issued a Black Box Warning about using benzodiazepines and opioids together due to the risk of overdose and death.

Xanax and codeine are two frequently prescribed drugs. While both have potential therapeutic benefits, they also have risks and downsides that come with their use, especially when taken together.

Can You Take Xanax and Codeine Together?

You should not take Xanax and codeine together unless your doctor specifically instructs you to do so. The FDA has aBlack Box Warningagainst mixing benzodiazepines like Xanax with opioids like codeine due to the risk of overdose and death.

What Happens When You Mix Xanax and Codeine?

When you mix Xanax and codeine, both drugs go to work, slowing down your central nervous system. Combining the drugs is dangerous because both agents depress the central nervous system. When this happens, it can cause a person to become very drowsy, sedated and have a slowed breathing rate. It can even cause a person to stop breathing and die.

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Are Xanax and Codeine Prescribed Together?

Although some doctors may prescribe Xanax and codeine together for certain reasons, this practice has become rare in recent years. One factor contributing to this is that in 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)issued guidelinesrecommending that doctors avoid prescribing benzodiazepines and opioids together. In addition, the FDA updated theirBlack Box Warnings on benzodiazepines and opioids, warning against prescribing the two substances at the same time. This has made both doctors and pharmacists more vigilant about the combination.

Drug Interactions with Xanax (Alprazolam) and Codeine

Benzodiazepines like Xanax cause many of the drug overdoses and fatalities that occur in the U.S. This is especially true when people mix Xanax with other substances, either accidentally or to heighten the effects of the substances. As a result, it can cause a dangerous or fatal overdose. About16% of opioid overdose deathsin 2019 also involved the victim using benzodiazepines.

Xanax Drug Interactions

Some drugs can make Xanax’s effects more potent and can increase the levels of Xanax in the body. These drug interactionsincludecombining Xanax with:

  • Cimetidine
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

However, Xanax can also have anadditive effectwith other central nervous system depressants, including opioids, muscle relaxants, sleep medications and alcohol. Mixing two or more central nervous system depressants can increase the risk of overdose.

Codeine Drug Interactions

Drugs that interact with codeine and can worsen its side effectsinclude:

  • Benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and diazepam (Valium)
  • Alcohol
  • Cannabis, including cannabidiol (CBD) products
  • Other opioids
  • Anticholinergic drugs like amitriptyline and oxybutynin
  • Kava kava
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like selegiline (Emsam, Zelapar)
  • Sleep drugs, like zolpidem (Ambien) or eszopiclone (Lunesta)

Xanax vs. Codeine

Drug NameXanaxCodeine
Drug TypeBenzodiazepineOpioid
Drug ScheduleSchedule IV controlled substanceSchedule II, III or V controlled substance, depending on the exact substanceSchedule II – codeine aloneSchedule III – codeine with acetaminophenSchedule V – codeine cough syrups
Prescription RequiredYesYes
Risk of Dependence/AddictionYes (See:Xanax Addiction)Yes (See:Codeine Addiction)
Overdose RiskYes (See:Xanax Overdose)Yes (See:Codeine Overdose)
Withdrawal SymptomsYes (See:Xanax Withdrawal)Yes (See:Codeine Withdrawal)
Length of WithdrawalUp to 4 weeksUp to 10 days
Brand namesXanaxN/A
DosagesGeneralized anxiety disorder: 0.25 to 0.5 mg three times daily, up to a max of 4 mg in 24 hoursPanic disorder: 0.5 mg three times daily, up to a max of 10 mg in 24 hoursPain: 15 to 60 mg every 4 hours as needed to a max of 360 mg in 24 hoursThe codeine dose for cough may vary based on the exact product, as codeine often comes in combination with acetaminophen, guaifenesin, promethazine, chlorpheniramine or butalbital.
UsesGeneralized anxiety disorder, panic disorderCough, mild to moderate pain

What Is Codeine?

Codeine is a prescription medication that’s in the opioid drug class. Opioids are also known as narcotics, and they’re given to patients to relieve pain. Codeine is derived from opium, and when it goes into the brain, it converts back to morphine, where it then binds to opioid receptors. When this happens, it not only changes how the user feels pain, but it can cause a sense of euphoria or a high. This is why codeine and otheropioids are considered addictive.

Unfortunately, some people view codeine as a safe opioid to take because it’s less powerful and less addictive than most other opioids, but this doesn’t necessarily make it safe. Codeine still has risks, and it’s important to be aware of what these are before taking it.

Someproperties of codeineinclude:

Drug classOpioid
Brand namesAvailable as a generic drug
ConditionMild to moderate
Short-acting or long-actingShort-acting
Drug ScheduleSchedule II, III or V controlled substance, depending on the exact substanceSchedule II – codeine aloneSchedule III – codeine with acetaminophenSchedule V – codeine cough syrups
Side effectsItching, constipation, nausea, vomiting, slowed breathing, sedation, drowsiness (See:Codeine Side Effects)
How long it takes to start workingWithin 1 hour
How long it takes to have its peak effectWithin 1.5 hours
Duration of effect4 to 6 hours

What Is Xanax?

Xanax is the brand name of a generic drug called alprazolam that is prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Alprazolam is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, or benzos.

When someone takes any benzo, it acts on their central nervous system in a calming way. More specifically, Xanax and drugs like it modulate GABA, which is a naturally occurring chemical in the brain and body.

While Xanax does have a calming effect and treats symptoms of anxiety and panic, it also has side effects. Some of the side effects of Xanax can include feeling dizzy and lightheaded, as well as drowsiness. People who take Xanax arewarned against drinking alcoholbecause it can make it difficult for them to perform normal tasks and can impact their alertness and motor skills. Other drugs can have dangerous or deadly interactions with Xanax as well, such as opioids.

Xanax is potentially habit-forming, and it’s one of themost prescribedprescription drugs in the U.S. Along with a psychological addiction, Xanax can also lead to physical dependence. If someone takes it for a period of time and then stops suddenly, they may go throughXanax withdrawal.

Some properties of Xanaxinclude:

Brand namesXanax
Conditions it can treatGeneralized anxiety disorder, panic disorder
Drug typeBenzodiazepine
Short-acting or long-actingShort-acting
Drug ScheduleSchedule IV controlled substance
Side effectsDrowsiness (up to 77%)
Fatigue (up to 49%)
Coordination problems (up to 40%)
Irritability (up to 33%)
Memory problems (up to 33%)
Cognitive changes (up to 29%)
Constipation (up to 26%)
Slurred speech (up to 23%)
Decreased sex drive (up to 14%)
How long it takes to start workingWithin 1 hour
How long it takes to have its peak effectWithin 1 to 2 hours
Duration of effectUp to 8 hours

FAQs

How long after taking Xanax can I take codeine?

A single dose of Xanax can remain in your system for about 56 hours. This is because the half-life of the drug, or how long it takes to remove half of it from your system, is around11.2 hours. Because it takes aboutfive half-livesto completely clear a drug from your body, a dose of Xanax can stay in your body for up to 56 hours. To be safe, you should therefore wait at least this long before taking codeine unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

Does Xanax have codeine in it?

Xanax does not contain any codeine.

Can you take Xanax and Tylenol 3 with codeine?

You should avoid mixing Xanax and Tylenol 3 unless specifically told by your doctor to take them together. The FDA has issued aBlack Box Warningabout taking benzodiazepines like Xanax with opioids like codeine due to the risk of overdose.

Can you overdose on Xanax and codeine?

It is possible to overdose on Xanax and codeine. The FDA has issued aBlack Box Warningabout taking benzodiazepines and opioids together for this reason.

Does the phrase “xans and lean” mean Xanax and Codeine?

Yes, the phrase refers to Xanax and a codeine-containing substance called lean. The “Xans” is Xanax, and lean is a mixture of codeine and soda.

Why do people mix Xanax and Codeine?

Some people mix Xanax and codeine to intensify the central nervous system depressant effects of each substance: this includes drowsiness and relaxation. Unfortunately, doing so canincrease the riskof overdose and death.

Summing Up — The Risks of Xanax and Codeine Cough Syrup and Tablets

When drugs like Xanax and codeine are commonly prescribed, people can be lulled into a false sense of security. They may think just because it’s common to see people taking these medicines that they’re safe. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

Both Xanax and codeine cough syrup and tablets can be safe when taken exactly as prescribed and only over the short term. The risks are serious and often deadly otherwise. Mixing Xanax and codeine cough syrup or tablets can cause extreme impairment, sedation and a fatal overdose resulting from the depression of the central nervous system.

These dangerous interactions make it important to speak openly and honestly with your physician about any other substances you take before getting a new prescription. If you or a loved one are struggling with anaddiction to alcoholorXanax, treatment is available to enter recovery.Contact The Recovery Villageto discuss treatment options that can address both substances and anyco-occurring mental health needs.

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Sources

Drugs.com. “Xanax.” March 1, 2021. Accessed June 1, 2021.

Drugs.com. “Codeine.” October 30, 2020. Accessed June 1, 2021.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Benzodiazepines and Opioids.” February 3, 2021. Accessed June 1, 2021.

Drug Enforcement Administration. “Controlled Substances.” May 10, 2021. Accessed June 1, 2021.

World Health Organization. “Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Manag[…]e in Closed Settings.” 2009. Accessed June 1, 2021.

Hallare, Jericho; Gerriets, Valerie. “Half Life.” StatPearls, October 6, 2020. Accessed June 1, 2021.

ClinCalc. “The Top 200 of 2021.” Accessed June 1, 2021.

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

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