Hi I am currently taking Xanax for anxiety obviously and panic attacks. My question is does this medicine works faster or kick in quicker if it’s swallowed whole or if it is dissolved in your mouth or under your tongue
Does Xanax work quicker swallowed or dissolved under tongue?
Question posted by Lillystella22 on 27 Aug 2018
Last updated on 20 October 2023
3 Answers
Drug Research Nerd
4 Sep 2021
The short answer to your question really depends on if you are taking the Xanax on an empty stomach or not. In other words, there's no real short answer as there are variables that are needed to be considered.
So, if you're having an anxiety attack relatively shortly after eating a meal, then taking the Xanax sublingually is probably the best way to take it as it will start working faster than if taken orally. The key part of the equation is if you have an empty stomach or not.
Conversely, if you're having an anxiety attack on an empty stomach and need to take your prescription, then there's no real statistical difference between taking your Xanax sublingually or orally.
There's been studies done on this before, and there are people better than me that can explain the science behind this far better than I can. I'll provide a link to a paper that gets into the science and data of how there's really no significant statistical difference between taking a Xanax sublingually or orally, provided it's being taken on an empty stomach. The paper provides all citations of you decide to dig further. I hope my long, rambling answer helps someone going forward.
drewbullett
9 June 2019
Yes, Xanax is more potent when taking sublingually “under the tongue”. It enters your blood stream faster then going through your digestive system. Note that this is my experience I’m not a doctor but have been taking Xanax for 7 years due to panic attacks. Why I chose to start taking mine under the tongue is because it has a quicker response I literally feel it in 10 min or less. But yes the taste can be bad for me it’s not I’d rather a bad taste in my mouth then a bad anxiety attack. 100% under the tongue allows Xanax to enter your blood stream faster!!
Rocky127
20 Oct 2023
I find when I have a severe panic attack tacking a Xanax under my tongue. Works better-with holding my dog witch gives off oxytocin.
every1sangelx
27 Aug 2018
Hiya! I've been on Xanax for about 10 years and I've been told by my doctor and others I know who take it that it can have a quicker effect if you allow it to dissolve under your tongue. However, I haven't had a good experience by doing that. It just left a bad taste in my mouth, so, I don't think it's quicker either way. What I do think makes it act quicker is drinking a good amount of water after taking it and 'try' to stay away from caffeinated products but I'm sure you already knew that ;o)
Related topics
xanax, anxiety, panic disorder, tongue
Further information
- Xanax uses and safety info
- Xanax prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Xanax (detailed)
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