When you take Xanax while you’re drinking, both drugs will be more potent than if you used either one of them alone. As a result, your risk of excessive sedation, dangerous accidents, respiratory depression, cardiac problems, and loss of consciousness increases exponentially. Xanax: Who Should Take It If you’re wondering whether or not you should take Xanax, the first thing to know is that it’s intended only for severe anxiety, including anxiety that’s also associated with depression. That does not mean you are an addict but you do need to change the way you take Xanax. If you don't change how you take it it won't work at all. You may even need to stop it for a few weeks to let your body reduce its tolerance but you will NEVER have a tolerance as low as you did the first time you took it. If you have a problem with alcohol, do not take Xanax or any other benzodiazepines. These drugs are central nervous system depressants, and they can cause extreme sedation when combined with alcohol. Similarly, anyone who is taking prescription painkillers (opioids) should avoid Xanax. Opioids are another central nervous system depressant. When you combine Xanax with any other central nervous. Certain people should not take one or either of these drugs. You shouldn’t take Xanax or Valium if you have acute angle-closure glaucoma or a history of allergic reaction to either drug. Xanax should not be used with oral ketoconazole or itraconazole, two antifungal medicines, because these drugs inhibit (block) the 3A4 liver enzymes needed to break down alprazolam for elimination from your body. Should you be taking Xanax? A look into this popular anxiety medicine and two people who use it. A look into this popular anxiety medicine and two people who use it. sheknows.com You should not breast-feed while you are using Xanax. The sedative effects of Xanax may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. The dose you take now does not do what it use too. I've been on & off xanax for many years. Not long ago I was having many problems I was taking 5-7 mg in a day and still didn't sleep well.