Although Xanax and Advil are generally safe to take together. Certain kinds of Advil should be avoided altogether when using drugs like Xanax.
Article at a Glance:
- Xanax (alprazolam) and Advil (ibuprofen) are generally considered a safe drug combination if used under a doctor’s supervision.
- There are several different types of Advil, and some include other drugs in addition to ibuprofen.
- Advil combinations that include diphenhydramine should not be taken with Xanax. This mixture can increase the risk of sedating side effects like drowsiness and loss of coordination.
Can You Take Xanax and Advil Together?
There are no known interactions between Xanax (alprazolam) and regular Advil (ibuprofen). However, Advil comes in a variety of different formulations, and some of these formulations should not be taken alongside Xanax. For example, Advil PM contains diphenhydramine and should not be used with Xanax or similar medications.
Despite this information, you should always defer to your doctor for guidance on taking specific combinations of medications. There may be other reasons you might need to avoid this combination.
What Are the Risks of Taking Xanax and Ibuprofen PM or Advil PM Together?
Advil PM is a combination medicine that contains ibuprofen and diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that can relieve allergy symptoms but can cause extreme drowsiness.
Even though Advil PM is considered safe for some people, it shouldn’t be mixed with Xanax. This is because the combination creates an increased risk of side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and concentration problems.
Mixing Xanax and Advil PM can also cause impaired coordination, thinking and judgment. The risks are even higher in older adults. You should avoid anything involving mental alertness if you take Xanax and Advil PM together.
What Is Advil?
Advil is a common over-the-counter pain reliever that contains the generic drug ibuprofen. It also reduces inflammation and can be used to treat fevers. Ibuprofen is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can help with mild to moderate pain.
Advil is considered relatively safe, but it can lead to severe side effects like stomach bleeding in rare situations. This risk is higher in people who have had a stomach ulcer or who regularly drink alcohol.
What Is Xanax (Alprazolam)?
Xanax is a prescription medication typically used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Xanax works on the central nervous system by increasing the effects of the calming neurotransmitter GABA. This helps to reduce the activity of some brain cells, which results in the user feeling calmer and more relaxed.
Some characteristics of Xanax include:
| Generic name | Alprazolam |
|---|---|
| Conditions it can treat | Anxiety disorders |
| Drug type | Benzodiazepines |
| Controlled substance status | Schedule IV |
| Side effects | Cognitive dysfunction, coordination problems, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, increased appetite, irritability, memory impairment, sedation, skin rash, weight gain |
| How long does it take to have its peak effect | 1-2 hours |
| Duration of effect | 4-6 hours |
If you or someone you love is struggling with a Xanax addiction, help is available at The Recovery Village. Contact us today to learn more about drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs that can work well for your situation.
Griffin, Charles; et al. “Benzodiazepine Pharmacology and Central […]–Mediated Effects.” The Ochsner Journal, 2013. Accessed October 12, 2021.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. “ALPRAZOLAM tablet.” DailyMed, November 2019. Accessed October 12, 2021.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Advil PM Drug Facts.” Pfizer, 2017. Accessed October 12, 2021.
Drugs.com. “Advil PM.” November 3, 2020. Accessed October 20, 2021.
Drugs.com. “Drug Interactions between Advil PM and alprazolam.” Accessed October 20, 2021.
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