Does Prozac Affect Xanax? (3+ Benefits)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 06/02/2024 | Next review date: 06/02/2026

Author bio

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159

Ivan Kahwa

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In this article, we aim to answer the query: “Does Prozac affect Xanax?” Additionally, we will discuss how Prozac affect the effectiveness of Xanax, its benefits, side effects and precautions while taking the combination of Prozac and Xanax.

Does Prozac affect Xanax?

Yes, Prozac affects Xanax when taken in combination. Prozac reduces the metabolism rate of Xanax in the body by affecting an enzyme that metabolizes Xanax. Due to this mechanism, Xanax’s half-life is increased and it remains for a longer period in the bloodstream.

However, the mechanism by which Xanax works in the body is not affected by Prozac (1). Prozac and Xanax both are prescription drugs and should only be taken after prescribed by your medical practitioner.

If your doctor prescribes the Prozac and Xanax combination, regular monitoring is necessary, as it may cause extreme drowsiness making people unable to do their daily tasks. Prozac is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of drugs.

SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin in brain cells and serotonin is responsible for controlling appetite, mood, sleep, and the body’s stress response (2). Xanax is a psychotropic medicine of the Benzodiazepine class of drugs. Xanax attaches to GABA (brain receptor), which relaxes the brain and reduces stress (3).

Prozac is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other related mental health conditions (2). Xanax, on the other hand, is approved by the FDA to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Xanax may also be prescribed for the treatment of depression, sleep disturbances, and premenstrual syndrome (3).

How does Prozac affect the effectiveness of Xanax?

When Prozac and Xanax are administered together, they may lead to severe drowsiness and patients are unable to perform daily tasks that require concentration.

A research study was conducted in which a group of patients were administered a combination of Xanax and Prozac; another group was given Prozac alone, to check how the patients differed in response to these therapies.

The study suggested that the concentration of Xanax was increased in the blood and it remained for a longer period in the bloodstream. Additionally, patients who took the combination of Xanax and Alprazolam experienced extreme dizziness as compared to the group of patients who took Prozac alone (4,5).

In a clinical trial, when patients with depression experienced jitteriness (involuntary movement of a body part) with Prozac, they were given Xanax for a short period. The symptoms of jitteriness disappeared while patients were taking Xanax. Even after discontinuing Xanax, these symptoms did not return (6).

What are the benefits of Prozac and Xanax combination?

The benefits of Prozac and Xanax combination may include:

This combination may provide quick relief from stress and anxiety.
It reduces the symptoms of Prozac-induced anxiety or irritability that may occur in the initial phase of therapy.
The improved overall condition makes it easier for patients to adhere to the combination therapy.
Patients may easily manage anxiety in stressful situations (7).

What are the side effects of Prozac and Xanax combination?

The common side effects of Prozac and Xanax combination may include:

Dizziness
Nausea
Diarrhea or constipation
Dry mouth
Weight changes
Headaches
Confusion (8,9)

It is important to note that not everyone taking the combination of Prozac and Xanax may experience these side effects. However, if you experience any side effects that worsen or persist, please inform your healthcare provider.

What are the precautions while taking the Prozac and Xanax combination?

While taking a combination of Prozac and Xanax, inform your doctor if you are:

Allergic to either Prozac or Xanax.
You are taking other medicines or herbal supplements.
You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as Prozac has sexual side effects.
You are having dental surgery.
This combination can make you drowsy, so avoid driving and do not consume alcohol (8,9).

Conclusion

In my opinion, Prozac and Xanax when taken in combination, Prozac can affect how Xanax is metabolised in the body. While this combination may provide quick relief from stress and anxiety and help manage Prozac-induced symptoms, it can also result in severe drowsiness and other side effects.

You should only take this combination of Prozac and Xanax under the guidance of your healthcare provider, as their effects may vary from person to person. It is important to be aware of the potential side effects of this combination and inform your healthcare provider if you notice any side effects that worsen or persist.

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References

1.-

Hall J, Naranjo CA, Sproule BA, Herrmann N. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation of the inhibition of alprazolam by citalopram and fluoxetine. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2003 Aug;23(4):349-57. doi: 10.1097/01.jcp.0000085407.08426.e1. PMID: 12920410. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12920410/

2.-

Sohel AJ, Shutter MC, Molla M. Fluoxetine. 2022 Jul 4. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29083803. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29083803/

3.-

George TT, Tripp J. Alprazolam. 2023 Apr 24. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30844192. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30844192/

4.-

Lasher TA, Fleishaker JC, Steenwyk RC, Antal EJ. Pharmacokinetic pharmacodynamic evaluation of the combined administration of alprazolam and fluoxetine. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1991;104(3):323-7. doi: 10.1007/BF02246031. PMID: 1924640. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1924640/

5.-

Greenblatt DJ, Preskorn SH, Cotreau MM, Horst WD, Harmatz JS. Fluoxetine impairs clearance of alprazolam but not of clonazepam. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1992 Nov;52(5):479-86. doi: 10.1038/clpt.1992.175. PMID: 1424422. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1424422/

6.-

Amsterdam JD, Hornig-Rohan M, Maislin G. Efficacy of alprazolam in reducing fluoxetine-induced jitteriness in patients with major depression. J Clin Psychiatry. 1994 Sep;55(9):394-400. PMID: 7929020. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7929020/

7.-

Dunlop BW, Davis PG. Combination treatment with benzodiazepines and SSRIs for comorbid anxiety and depression: a review. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2008;10(3):222-8. doi: 10.4088/pcc.v10n0307. PMID: 18615162; PMCID: PMC2446479. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2446479/

8.-

Alprazolam-MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [Last Revised – 05/15/2021]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684001.html

9.-

Fluoxetine-MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [Last Revised – 01/15/2022]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a689006.html

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Does Prozac affect Xanax? (3+ benefits)