Xanax And Viagra: Risks Of Mixing The Two

Xanax and Viagra are two seemingly unrelated drugs in that they address different health issues. And while there are no specific drug interactions that Xanax and Viagra generate, Viagra is likely going to be more effective when not taken with Xanax.

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Dr. Manish Mishra, MBBS

Medically Reviewed By: Manish Mishra, MBBS

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Xanax (which is the brand name for alprazolam) and Viagra (brand name for sildenafil) are both prescription drugs, but they treat two very different conditions.

Xanax is a powerful benzodiazepine (similar to Valium) that a healthcare provider might prescribe to treat anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or depression, though it is not an antidepressant.

Viagra, however, is in a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. PDE is an enzyme that breaks down phosphodiester bonds.

If PDE is inhibited, certain physiological functions that normally get broken down by PDE will have a greater duration. Viagra treats erectile dysfunction (ED) by inhibiting PDE5 in particular.

While Viagra use does not cause specific side effects when you take Xanax, the two drugs are at odds with each other, so you should seek medical advice before mixing them. This can occur when combining Xanax with other substances as well.

Risks Of Mixing Xanax And Viagra

One possible risk of using both Viagra and Xanax is that both drugs can lower your blood pressure, which is why you can take Viagra if you have high blood pressure.

Also, grapefruit juice dramatically affects the absorption of the two meds. But they are not flagged as having adverse reactions when taken together.

Xanax comes with side effects of sleepiness and depression of the central nervous system. Studies have not linked this, but alprazolam has been connected as a possible cause of ED for this reason.

Viagra increases blood flow to allow for an erection but it does nothing to affect neurotransmitters.

While there may not be any serious dangers when using Viagra and Xanax together, the effects of each drug may be lessened or affected.

Problems With Sexual Arousal

When the central nervous system is depressed, it can become more difficult to generate sexual arousal.

Sexual arousal is a complicated process that, on a neurological level, involves GABA and dopamine, and other systems in the brain.

Suffice it to say, if the CNS is generally depressed, such as with Xanax use, it is harder to access the exciting feelings of sexual arousal.

Diminished Sexual Function

This also holds true for sexual function.

It is not that Xanax specifically counteracts Viagra (or the other way around). But as a CNS depressant, one of Xanax’s side effects is diminished sexual function.

This is going to be particularly true as Xanax doses increase.

Low Sex Drive

A common complaint from many who are undergoing treatment for a mental health disorder is that they experience a low sex drive.

It is, perhaps, important to remember that Viagra alleviates the symptom of erectile dysfunction, but it does not cure it by repairing a low sex drive. It only enables sexual performance.

Reasons People May Take Viagra With Xanax

There are many legitimate reasons why people who take Viagra may start taking Xanax or vice versa. Both drugs treat real health conditions.

Anxiety Disorders

Xanax is usually prescribed for an anxiety disorder.

There are five types of anxiety disorder:

  • generalized anxiety disorder
  • panic disorder
  • obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • social anxiety disorder
  • post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Someone who is taking Viagra may also be prescribed Xanax for a generalized anxiety disorder, where they feel a continual level of worry and tension.

In addition, Xanax abuse may worsen anxiety symptoms.

Panic Disorders

A form of anxiety disorder is a panic disorder in which someone has the physical and mental symptoms of regular panic attacks.

Physical symptoms of a panic attack can include:

  • dizziness
  • chest pain
  • shortness of breath
  • heart palpitations

Sexual Dysfunction

Similarly, some men may also have impairment of sexual function. The effects of Viagra can alleviate those issues, but it cannot create sexual health or sexual desire.

If a person is experiencing both sexual issues and mental health issues such as panic or anxiety, they may end up taking Viagra and Xanax at the same time.

Can You Take Cialis And Xanax?

Another PDE inhibitor is Cialis (brand name for tadalafil). It produces the same effects as Viagra, but a healthcare professional could also prescribe it to treat a certain prostate condition.

Yes, you can take a benzodiazepine and a PDE inhibitor like Cialis or Levitra but, similar to Xanax and Viagra, you might find the effects of one compounding the effects of the other.

Treatment Options For Xanax Addiction

Erectile dysfunction and a low sex drive can also be caused by Xanax addiction. But there is treatment for Xanax abuse.

Addiction treatment for Xanax substance abuse may include:

  • inpatient or outpatient treatment
  • medical detox
  • evidence-based therapy
  • support groups

Find Substance Abuse Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

At Bedrock Recovery Center located in Massachusetts, we understand how difficult it can be to address drug addiction while trying to find treatment for co-occurring mental health problems.

Call our helpline today to learn about our treatment options, and let us put our years of experience to work for you or your loved one.

  1. BJPsych Open https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6066992/
  2. Brain and Behavior https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6908863/
  3. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/20895s039s042lbl.pdf
  4. U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684001.html
  5. U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699015.html
  6. US Department of Health and Human Services https://www.hhs.gov/answers/mental-health-and-substance-abuse/what-are-the-five-major-types-of-anxiety-disorders/index.html

Written by Bedrock Recovery Center Editorial Team

© 2024 Bedrock Recovery Center | All Rights Reserved

* This page does not provide medical advice.

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