Xanax's effects questioned as drug found in Whitney Houston's hotel room

While the details and exact cause of death in the death of Whitney Houston may not be known for some time, some information is leaking out, and among the information is that not only was Houston found underwater in her hotel room bathtub, a large number of prescription drugs were present in the room, including the commonly abused drug, Xanax.

Reports from sources say that Whitney Houston was found with her face below the water in the bathtub and her legs up, as though she had slid down the back of the bathtub. She was reported to have partied considerably on Friday night, and had been drinking heavily. Speaking to a psychologist, Xanax is classified as a "minor tranqulizer," but is addictive, and mixed with alcohol, will have its effects compounded.

Sources say that Houston's stylist, hairdresser and two bodyguards were in her hotel room. Houston had been in the bathroom for over an hour when they began to get concerned. There was no answer when they knocked on the door, so the hairdresser, who is female, went in to check. She screamed as she discovered the body and one of Houston's bodyguards ran in and Houston from the tub.

He began CPR and hotel security was then called.

With these details, naturally unconfirmed, speculation is that Houston died accidentally after falling asleep in the tub. This is, of course, speculation. There were some Internet reports of a "suicide note" found, but none of these came from credible sources and were removed.

Xanax is primarily used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and nausea due to chemotherapy. Xanax is actually a brand name, with alprazolam used as a generic name, among others. Xanax is a form of benzodiazepine. Others whose name you might recognize are Atavan and Valium. These all sedate, but if you wish to be technical, they are all called "minor tranqulizers."

Alcohol and Xanax form one of the most importantly noted and common interactions. Alcohol and benzodiazepines such as Xanax, when taken in combination, combine to increase the effects of the other. it cause severe sedation, behavioral changes, and intoxication. The interaction becomes more severe as quantities of the two increase. Drugs.com says quite clearly: do not drink alcohol while taking Xanax.

Based on the reports of Houston's Friday night partying, she did not respect that cautionary note. Still, it will be some time before we have an official coroner's report. Blood toxicity reports, which might indicate levels of Xanax and other drugs in her system, typically take weeks, as shown in the cases of Michael Jackson and Amy Winehouse.

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