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Can You Take Paxlovid And Xanax Together? Safety Guide & Interactions Explained

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Paxlovid and Xanax

Paxlovid and Xanax are two different medications that help to treat two very different health conditions. Paxlovid is a medication that is used to treat the symptoms of coronavirus, and Xanax is a different medicine that is used to treat people feeling extreme stress and anxiety. Many people who are using both of the drugs may ask if they can use these two drugs together safely. However, mixing these two drugs is not safe for the body and can cause serious risks. So in today’s blog, we will explain Paxlovid and Xanax in easy and simple words. As well as we will also understand the pros and cons of the interaction between Paxlovid and Xanax.

Paxlovid With Xanax: Safety, Side Effects & Interaction Warnings

Definition of Paxlovid

Paxlovid is a powerful antiviral medication that fights wth a harmful virus, which is the coronavirus. It can treat patients with mild and severe symptoms of COVID-19. This medication is designed for easy use, which is why it can be taken at home orally by patients of any age easily. If it is used within 5 days of symptom onset, then this drug can reduce the serious symptoms of COVID-19 by 89% by reducing the risk of hospitalization and death. It is made and manufactured by a biopharmaceutical company called Pfizer. And it got approved by the FDA in the year of 2023, i the month of May.

How Does Paxlovid Work?

This drug is a combination of two different types of drugs: one is ritonavir, and the other is nirmatrelvir.

  • Ritonavir: Ritonavir is a separate component in the drug, which works by boosting the level of another component of the drug, that is Nirmatrelvir. The boosting effect helps Nirmatrelvir stay in the system for a long period, which results in fighting the coronavirus effectively. It boosts the level by blocking an enzyme called cytochrome.
  • Nirmatrelvir: Nirmatrelvir is the active and main component in this drug. It also has a blocking mechanism. This drug blocks some specific enzymes that the virus needs to replicate inside the body to make the body feel ill.

Definition of Xanax

Xanax is a medication that is the brand name for a generic drug called Alprazolam. It is originally used to treat symptoms of Anxiety for a short period, but it also provides relief for sleep apnea. This medication falls under the category of the benzodiazepine drug class. This is a very fast-acting drug that shows its initial effects in less than an hour, which is why it is a reliable treatment for sudden anxious situations. Xanax can create a dependency factor in the system if it is used for a long time continuously, so it is always used as a part of long-term depression and anxiety treatment.

How Does Xanax Work?

Xanax reduces the unusual activity in the brain by calming the overactive nerve cells. It increases the level of a natural brain chemical called GABA. This reduction in brain activity helps to get relief from the symptoms of anxiety and stress. Xanax blocks the nerve signals that are responsible for causing anxiety and stress.

Side Effects of Xanax and Paxlovid

If you are taking any drug, then you will face some of its after effects. There are various side effects of both Xanax and Paxlovid. The side effects can range from mild to serious. Let’s see some Common Side Effects of Paxlovid;

  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Stomachache
  • Hyprtension
  • Malaise
  • Muscle pain

Serious Side Effects of Paxlovid

  • Hives
  • Purple or red skin
  • Blisters
  • Jaundice
  • Stomach-area pain
  • Daily Nausea

Like Paxlovid, Xanax also has both serious and minor side effects. Xanax generally targets the central nervous system. Some of its side effects are related to its sedative properties.

Common Side Effects of Xanax;

  • Clumsiness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Drowsiness
  • Difficulty with coordination
  • Tiredness
  • Irritability

Serious Side Effects

  • Chest pain
  • Hoarseness
  • Sleep talking
  • Swelling
  • Feeling of Jitters

Who should not take Paxlovid and Xanax?

Xanax and Paxlovid are two strong medications in different areas. They can react with several diseases, which can be harmful to our bodies. There are certain health conditions where we should avoid using Paxlovid. let’s see what those are;

  • Hyperglycemia
  • Hemophilia
  • Allergy
  • Kidney issues
  • Liver impairment
  • Renal issues
  • Hyperlipidemia

Conditions in which an individual must avoid Xanax;

  • Seizures
  • Depression
  • Obesity
  • Glaucoma
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Pregnant
  • Children
  • Older adult
  • Liver issues

Can you take Paxlovid and Xanax Together?

Generally, it is never recommended to mix Paxlovid with Xanax. But in some conditions, some patients take both medications together for different health conditions under strict medical supervision. Because mixing these medications can increase the level of Xanax in the body. The increment in the Xanax level increases the risk of serious side effects. When a situation arises where both of the medication is prescribed, then a doctor might give an individual an adjusted dose of both medications or choose an alternate medication for any of the medications. There are a lot of risks attached to this mixture; let’ see what those are.

Dangers of Paxlovid and Xanax Interaction

  • Dizziness
  • Extreme sleepiness
  • Loss of coordination
  • Memory loss
  • Fainting
  • Confusion
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Extreme drowsiness
  • Coma
  • Death

Drug Interaction

As we have understood from the above explanation, Paxlovid and Xanax are highly interactive with each other. But as two strong drugs, they also react negatively with a bunch of other drugs, which contributes to some serious after effects. Because every drug can not adjust to the other drug easily. Let’s see them one by one.

Paxlovid interacts with drugs like;

Drugs that react negatively with Xanax are;

Safe Alternatives

If you are suffering from coronavirus and already taking Xanax, then you should immediately talk to your doctor without making any delay. As the interaction between Paxlovid and Xanax is harmful and strong, you should not take both of the medications on your own. A doctor may consider the following options to give you a potential and safe alternative.

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety management
  • Dose reduction of Xanax
  • Alternate coronavirus treatment
  • Daily habit changes
  • Alternative treatment for Xanax
  • Using non-Benzodiazepine anxiolytics
  • Frequent monitoring by your medical team
  • Holding the Xanax dose temporarily

An individual can discuss these alternatives with their doctor to find out the best and safest alternative with less risk factors.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, we hope you understood why can’t you take Xanax with Paxlovid. Xanax and Paxlovid are two different medicines that help us in various ways. But mixing any drug with another should not be done until and unless a doctor has asked to do so. So always stay careful and be responsible while using any drug.

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