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Xanax and Viagra are common medications used to treat anxiety & panic disorders and erectile dysfunction, respectively. But is taking Xanax and Viagra safe for you? Will there be any complications? Read more to find out.
How Does Xanax Work?
Xanax’s generic name is Alprazolam. Alprazolam is a medication classified as a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines bind to receptors called BNZ-1 and BNZ-2. BNZ-1 receptors have anti-anxiety properties and can affect sedation. BNZ-2 receptors affect muscle relaxation, motor coordination, memory, and anticonvulsant activity [1].
The said receptors enhance the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a neurotransmitter responsible for moderating the body’s anxiety responses [2].
Thus, by binding to receptors, Xanax increases your body’s GABA. Consequently, your anxiety responses improve.
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra’s generic name is Sildenafil. Sildenafil is an inhibitor. Inhibitors prevent the production of certain enzymes. In this case, Sildenafil inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), an enzyme that breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP.)
cGMP relaxes your blood vessels’ smooth muscles. The relaxation of your vessels’ muscles allows better blood flow. This lets you get an erection that is sustainable for satisfactory sex [3].
Thus, by preventing the production of PDE5, Viagra helps you get an erection and maintain it long enough for intercourse.
How Long Does Xanax Last?
Xanax is used daily. How many times you take it daily depends on your doctor. Usually, doctors prescribe patients to take small doses of Xanax thrice a day.
Xanax is easily absorbed by your body. It can take effect in less than an hour, with an average onset of 49 minutes. You can feel its peak effects 1 to 2 hours after ingestion. It works for up to 5 hours.
Depending on your overall physical health and the dosage, Xanax can work for more than 5 hours.
How Long Does Viagra Last?
Viagra is used whenever you need it. Thus, you are recommended to take Viagra when you want to have sex.
Viagra can help manage your ED symptoms in as early as 12 minutes. The maximum time it takes for it to work is 30 minutes. Its effect can last for 4 to 6 hours [4].
Depending on your age, diet, and psychological condition, Viagra’s effects may vary. If you are older, follow a healthy diet, and have a good psychological state, Viagra’s effects may last longer.
What Are Viagra’s Side Effects?
Viagra may be an effective treatment for ED, but it has side effects. The common side effects of Viagra include (1) flushing, (2) headache, (3) nasal congestion, and (4) heartburn.
All of these side effects are mild and short-lived, though. Plus, only 1 out of 3 patients experiences one or more of these side effects. The study also revealed that the occurrence of the side effects is related to the dosage [5]. This means that the more Viagra you take, the more likely you’ll experience its side effects.
What Are Xanax’s Side Effects?
Like Viagra, Xanax has side effects as well. Based on a pharmacological study, Xanax’s side effects include (1) drowsiness, (2) fatigue, (3) dizziness, (4) headache, (5) slurred speech, (6) memory impairment, (7) poor concentration, and (8) irritability.
Xanax’s side effects may be common, but they are often downplayed by patients. It’s because of Xanax’s quick onset and therapeutic properties [6].
Why Take Xanax and Viagra?
Xanax is used for people with panic and anxiety disorders. On the other hand, Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction. Hence, taking Xanax and Viagra might be a good idea if you are suffering from the symptoms of ED, anxiety disorders, and panic disorders,
But if you are taking other medications aside from Xanax and Viagra, please consult your doctor first. Taking Xanax and Viagra without a physician’s signal can be dangerous to your health.
Is It Safe to Take Xanax and Viagra?
Given the individual effectiveness of Viagra and Xanax, you might wonder if it is safe to take the two drugs at the same time.
Yes, it is safe to take Xanax and Viagra in general. There were no reported interactions between Xanax and Viagra so far. However, consider talking to your doctor first before taking Xanax and Viagra.
What Substances Affect Xanax and Viagra?
Viagra and Xanax may not interact with each other, but they can interact with other substances. Here are the substances that might interact with Xanax and Viagra.
Xanax
- Alcohol
- Indinavir
- Clozapine
- Buprenorphine
- Cimetidine
- Fluoxetine
- Levomethadone
- Ketoconazole
- Itraconazole
- Rifampin
- Carbamazepine
- Phenytoin
- Midazolam
- Triazolam [7]
Viagra
- Alcohol
- Grapefruit juice
- Tamsulosin
- Atazanavir
- Fluconazole
- Nelfinavir
- Imatinib
- Indinavir
- Lapatinib
- Mifepristone
- Telithromycin
- Efavirenz
- Modafinil
- Nevirapine
Tips for Taking Xanax and Viagra
1. Xanax and Viagra may be taken with or without food.
Both are safe options, but heavy meals and fatty food may interfere with the drugs’ onset rates.
2. Drinking Xanax and Viagra with water is the best way to go.
There’s a reason why medicines are always taken with water. It’s because water makes tablets go down your stomach quickly.
3. Don’t take Xanax and Viagra with alcohol.
Alcohol has effects on both Viagra and Xanax, and vice versa. For Viagra, alcohol lowers your blood pressure more. For Xanax, alcohol prolongs its reaction time [8].
4. Always talk to your doctor first before making any medication changes.
Xanax and Viagra may be generally safe to take, but you have to consult your doctor first. This should be done to ensure your safety and get the right dosage.
