It is safe to use vitamin B-12 and Xanax together. Asking if two medications, or supplements, can be used together is always a good question to ask your pharmacist or health care provider. You should always question the safety of adding a medication/or supplement to your daily health routine. While B-12 has no interactions with other medicines, Xanax has some significant cautions.
Xanax Cautions
Xanax is in a family of medications called benzodiazepines. These medications are used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. These medications can be sedating and should be used with caution, especially at first. The risk of sedation from Xanax can increase if taken with other sedating agents. For example, Xanax should not be used with alcohol, pain medication or over-the-counter cold medicine. Additionally, grapefruit can increase the effect of Xanax, making you feel as though you took more medicine than you did. So if you enjoy grapefruit, it's best to separate this fruit from your Xanax dose.
Xanax and Supplements
In addition to the the risks described above. Xanax interacts with many herbal supplements. Commonly used over-the-counter sleep and relaxation aids can increase the effect, and side effects, of Xanax. These include kava, chamomile, valerian and melatonin. Use caution when mixing Xanax with any other substance.
Vitamin B-12 Usage
Vitamin B-12 comes in multivitamins and individual pills. Not everyone needs B-12 supplements. A true deficiency of B-12 can be detected through blood work at your doctor’s office. A true deficiency can lead to fatigue, memory loss and depression symptoms. B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that excess amounts, taken as supplements for example, will be excreted in urine, so it’s relatively safe to use B-12 daily. Most people need only a daily multivitamin to get enough B-12.
Final Thoughts.
Allergic reactions to Xanax or vitamin B-12 are rare and unlikely, but if symptoms such as swelling, difficulty breathing or hives develop, stop taking the medication immediately and contact your doctor. Before starting any new medication, including over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements, consult with your health care provider.
References
- Medline Plus: Vitamin B12 Level
- Drugs.com: Xanax
- Epocrates Rx Pro V 1.454
- Drugs.com: Alprazolam
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