Accidentally Consumed 30mg of Xanax
Greetings, fellow Redditors, I'm reaching out today to share a rather alarming incident that I experienced with Xanax (alprazolam), and to a lesser extent, Ritalin (methylphenidate) could be relevant. This occurred during the weekend of March 15th and 16th. Although I am currently in good physical health, I am left grappling with memory issues and a considerable lack of focus as of March 18th, despite having taken 40mg of Ritalin. This event has truly unnerved me, and I'm seeking your insight on how to proceed. **Background in Psychiatry:** Throughout my life, I've experimented with various antidepressants, encompassing fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil), venlafaxine (Effexor), duloxetine (Cymbalta), bupropion (Wellbutrin), and amitriptyline. Regrettably, none of these medications provided sufficient relief from my symptoms, and many induced unpleasant side effects. For instance, merely seeing sertraline made me nauseous; I consider it the worst medication I ever tried. The only effective treatment for me has been Ritalin. It has substantially improved my focus, motivation, and emotional stability—acting as a lifeline, transforming me into a more functional person. Initially, I accessed it in less conventional ways, but eventually, I opted for professional guidance from a psychiatrist. **Personal Information:** - **Age/Sex:** 19M - **Height:** 6'5 (195cm) - **Weight:** 100kg (220lbs) - **Ethnicity:** Caucasian - **Country:** Brazil - **Physical Fitness:** Highly Athletic - **Main Concern:** Episodes of unresponsiveness, memory lapses, and confusion during and after the overdose event. - **Duration of Symptoms:** These began Saturday evening and persisted until Sunday evening (approximately 24 hours). - **Pre-existing Conditions:** Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and Insomnia. - **Current Prescribed Medications:** - **Xanax (alprazolam):** 2-4 mg at night. - **Ritalin (methylphenidate):** 40-60 mg daily, typically divided into dosages of 20mg + 10mg + 10mg (with an extra 20 on certain days). On bad days, I sometimes crush them and snort the powder. - **Recreational Use:** Occasional use of Ritalin. - **Substance Use:** Completely abstinent from alcohol and smoking for the last six months. **Incident Overview:** - **Saturday Night (March 15, around 10 PM):** I ingested **2 mg of Xanax** for the first time, feeling a bit anxious initially. After feeling somewhat relaxed, I opted for another **2 mg** before heading to bed. - Under the influence of the Xanax, I felt disoriented, akin to the sensation of being intoxicated. I began sending out video messages advising friends, "Do not take this stuff! It's like a magician playing tricks with your mind!" I likely messaged around 20 individuals, some of whom I barely know; I assume they found it quite amusing. - After that, I fell asleep peacefully, like a baby. **What I Theorize Happened Next:** - I believe I awoke involuntarily, almost in a sleepwalking state, taking more Xanax without having any recollection of it. This seems completely out of character for me since I’ve always been cautious about benzodiazepines. - I may have experienced parasomnia, leading to me unintentionally taking medication. - **CRUCIAL:** During this time, while I consumed a total of 15 (2mg) Xanax pills, I also took 6 (10mg) Ritalin pills—though the timing of the Ritalin could have been on Sunday (March 16), which I have no memory of. - I slept afterward, once again having no consciousness of it. - I completely lack any memory for the events after taking 8 mg of Xanax at around 10 PM (I’m unsure why I took them, but I found four pill bottles open afterwards). **Loss of Consciousness:** After ingesting a total of 30 mg of Xanax, I began experiencing fluctuating consciousness. I noticed moments of semi-awareness, but predominantly, I was in a state of complete unresponsiveness: - **Sunday:** - My first episode felt coma-like; I was unresponsive and couldn't fully awaken. - At 9 AM, I managed to send a message, although I quickly slipped away again (the message lacked substance, but I remember it being nonsensical). - A series of random messages were sent that would make a typical drunk person seem lucid. **Memory Impairment:** From **9 PM on Saturday** to **10 PM on Sunday**, I have **absolutely no recollection** of any activities, conversations, or thoughts. The thought of this lack of memory is genuinely frightening. I normally possess a remarkably strong memory, having excelled in numerous contests; my profession revolves around organizing and managing information. I am certain that this experience has left its mark on me. That's my story. I'm hoping to gather some perspectives on this troubling situation. This is my inaugural post on Reddit! Thank you all. **P.S.:** As an additional note, I experienced a seizure under general anesthesia during childhood.
Answers (1)
3/19/2025, 12:50:59 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel alarmed and concerned after experiencing such an incident with Xanax and Ritalin. The combination and quantity you consumed could have led to significant effects on your memory and cognitive function. Here’s an overview of what might have happened and actionable steps to consider moving forward.
Main Points:
- Potential Effects of the Overdose: Consuming a high dose of Xanax (alprazolam) can lead to sedation, confusion, memory loss, and even episodes of unresponsiveness. The interaction with Ritalin may exacerbate these effects.
- Symptoms Clarification: Memory issues, fluctuating consciousness, and episodes of unresponsiveness can be concerning and might take some time to resolve. These could result from a combination of the medications, especially at such high doses.
- Next Steps: Focus on monitoring your symptoms closely, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking professional help for ongoing concerns, especially related to your mental health and medication management.
Explanation:
Xanax is a benzodiazepine that acts as a sedative and can impair cognitive function, particularly when taken in larger amounts than prescribed. Ritalin is a stimulant, and their interaction can be unpredictable. It's possible that during your episode of taking more Xanax, you experienced significant sedation, leading to confusion and memory gaps, while the stimulant effects of Ritalin may have mixed complicatively with this sedation.
The episodes of unresponsiveness could also indicate a more serious reaction, but it's good that you are currently physically well. However, the memory lapses can be distressing and may need time to clear as your body processes the substances.
Prioritized Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any ongoing memory issues or cognitive difficulties. Note any changes, and how you feel day-to-day.
- Establish a Routine: Try to maintain a regular schedule, including sleep, nutrition, and physical activity, to help stabilize your mood and cognitive functions.
- Avoid Further Substance Use: Reduce or avoid using Xanax (especially in higher doses) and consider discussing the appropriate use of Ritalin with your healthcare provider.
- Professional Support: Reach out to a mental health professional or your prescribing physician. Discuss your experience and any lingering symptoms to adjust your medications safely and effectively.
- Educate Yourself: Understand more about the medications you are taking, their interactions, and the implications of misuse. This could empower you to make safer choices in the future.
It’s important to take your experiences seriously and to engage with professional support. You're not alone in this, and there are pathways to manage your mental health more effectively. Take care of yourself, and don't hesitate to reach out for help.
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