Can you die from high cortisol levels? mine was 26.5 at 4pm, i got a blood test. will xanax (alprazolam) help?

Yes: Cushing's syndrome is caused by the body's production of too much cortisol. It typically causes weight gain, truncal obesity, striae, hypertension, glucose intolerance and infections. Cortisol levels can be raised normally from stress. Xanax (alprazolam) can help an acute situation of anxiety but is not a treatment for hypercortisolism. Cortisol >40 is diagnostic of cushing's.

The stress hormone: Chronic stress creates an overexposure to cortisol and puts you at increased risk of numerous health problems: anxiety, depression, digestive problems, heart disease, sleep problems, weight gain. In women who take estrogen or birth control pills the level is much higher. To control your stress, eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise and plenty of sleep. Do not look for the fast fix (xanax).