hi! I've been taking paxil for 5 months now. My friend likes to take things like xanax every now and then. I need to know if it is dangerous for me to take xanax while already on paxil...

The drug/drug interaction of taking Paxil and Xanax may depress CNS [brain] and respiratory [breathing] functions. In plain language, this means a possibility of anything from lightheadness, coma, to death, depending on how sensitive your friend is to these drugs.

Here's the 'cut & paste' from the most reliable drugs database that I know of:

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alprazolam [Xanax] (moderate Drug-Food)

Description:

A study in eight healthy subjects found that the pharmacologic activity of oral midazolam (dosage form not available in the US) may be increased if taken after drinking grapefruit juice. This effect was not observed with intravenous midazolam. The proposed mechanism is CYP3A4 enzyme inhibition. Although other reports have been conflicting, close clinical monitoring is nevertheless recommended if oral midazolam is consumed with grapefruit juice. Similar effects may also occur with triazolam and alprazolam. It may be appropriate for the patient to avoid grapefruit juice while taking oral midazolam, triazolam or alprazolam. Alternatively, the patient could consume orange juice which does not interact with these drugs.


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alprazolam [Xanax] and paroxetine [Paxil] (moderate Drug-Drug)

Description:

MONITOR: Central nervous system- and/or respiratory-depressant effects may be additively or synergistically increased in patients taking multiple drugs that cause these effects, especially in elderly or debilitated patients.

MANAGEMENT: If this combination must be used, patients should be monitored for excessive or prolonged CNS and respiratory depression. Ambulatory patients should made aware of the possibility of additive CNS effects (e.g., drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or confusion) and counseled to avoid activities requiring alertness until they know how these agents affect them. Patients should also be advised to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.

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Lastly, your friend should not drink alcohol while taking either of these meds because alcohol is also a CNS depressant.