Caffeine and Xanax

Xanax works to reduce anxiety, but the stimulating effects of caffeine may negate some of the medication’s usefulness and even worsen symptoms.

While Xanax (Alprazolam) can help reduce feelings of anxiety and insomnia, it can have unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness, tiredness, feeling unsteady, or experiencing poor balance, or difficulty concentrating. A common remedy to feeling tired or having difficulty concentrating may be reaching for some caffeine.

While coffee is a common source of caffeine, other sources include black tea, soda, or energy drinks. Many people taking Xanax may self-medicate using caffeine to address the side effects of their medication. Although caffeine may be used to improve or alleviate some of the side effects of Xanax, research suggests that mixing Xanax and caffeine generates concerning side effects.

What Happens When You Mix Caffeine and Xanax?

Xanax and other benzodiazepines increase feelings of calm through the brain’s GABA receptor. In contrast, caffeine acts as a stimulant on the central nervous system (CNS). Although caffeine can increase alertness and reduce drowsiness, it can also increase feelings of agitation and anxiety. Xanax (a depressant) and caffeine (a stimulant) have opposing functions on the nervous system.

In some people, as little as 100 mg of caffeine, approximately a single cup of coffee’s worth, can increase anxiety-related symptoms, contribute to a Xanax and caffeine high, and counteract the potential therapeutic benefits of Xanax.

Side Effects of Mixing Caffeine and Xanax

As a result of the interaction, people who take Xanax and consume caffeine may experience reduced effectiveness of their medication. These Xanax and caffeine effects can lead to:

• Continued anxiety or insomnia
• A return or worsening of symptoms
• Caffeine-related feelings of anxiety that may be misdiagnosed as an anxiety disorder

A laboratory study on human cells suggests that caffeine combined with alprazolam may be toxic, though more research is needed to establish this as fact.

Consuming caffeine to address the side effects of Xanax may worsen symptoms that initially required treatment, and make the medication much less effective. Some people may notice that their symptoms improve as they reduce their caffeine intake. People should talk to their doctor about any concerns they have with their caffeine intake and how it may interact with their prescriptions.

If you or a loved one develop an addiction, contact The Recovery Village to speak to a representative about how addiction treatment can work for you. The Recovery Village personalizes treatment programs to fit every patient’s needs, ensuring that their addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorders are addressed in a safe and supportive environment. Begin your journey toward a healthier future today.

Editor – Melissa Carmona

Melissa Carmona puts years of writing and editing experience to work helping people understand substance abuse, addiction and mental health disorders. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Kevin Wandler, MD

Kevin Wandler holds multiple positions at Advanced Recovery Systems. In addition to being the founding and chief medical director at Advanced Recovery Systems, he is also the medical director at The Recovery Village Ridgefield and at The Recovery Village Palmer Lake. Read more