As an anxious person, I’ve always got an emergency supply of Xanax on me at all times, just in case a situation arises. And the time leading up to a trip is always anxiety producing. This particular trip had me feeling especially anxious so I did something I don’t normally do – I started to rely on the Xanax and took it for 3 days straight. As someone who has a very sensitive system and who usually only takes it every couple of months, this was pretty out of character. So it didn’t occur to me once I finally arrived in Chicago that I shouldn’t partake at the tiki bar. I only had one drink, but that was enough. I was fine that night, but the following morning, I was walking around Chicago and didn’t feel right. I was feeling dizzy, extremely nauseous, and light-headed. I was afraid I would pass out on the street, so I wound up lying down on a bench and googling my symptoms. It occurred to me that the mixing of Xanax and alcohol might have something to do with it. Word to the wise: don’t google “what happens if I mix alcohol and Xanax”. Because the internet will tell you that you’re going to die. Which was pretty disconcerting considering how I was already feeling. After resting and hydrating for several hours, I finally started to feel better, but feeling that vulnerable while in an unfamiliar city was pretty nerve-wracking.
Pro-Tip: Don’t take Xanax and alcohol in the same day. This should be self explanatory but some people (ahem ahem me) need a reminder sometimes. And when in doubt, hydrate.