Xanax withdrawal can produce significant complications if it’s not handled properly. A physician can help you develop a tapering plan if you need to discontinue the medication.
Xanax is a prescription drug commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders. It is part of the benzodiazepine family. The generic name for Xanax is alprazolam.
Xanax is a controlled substance that can foster physical dependence, even when taken as directed. Anyone who has used Xanax for a prolonged period is vulnerable to dependence. Some people use it recreationally as a sedative or to self-treat symptoms.
Regardless of the reason for use, Xanax can produce physical dependence. That dependence can make stopping Xanax challenging and uncomfortable. Physical and psychological symptoms are common during withdrawal, and in some instances these symptoms can be intense.
Read on to learn about typical withdrawal symptoms, how long they may persist, and where to find support.
Do not discontinue Xanax without consulting a doctor
It’s crucial to obtain medical guidance if you’re thinking about stopping Xanax or changing your dose. Abruptly stopping Xanax can bring on life-threatening complications, including seizures.
You can reduce withdrawal risks by tapering your dose. Tapering means gradually lowering your dose to allow your body time to adapt. This approach can reduce — and sometimes prevent — withdrawal symptoms.
A physician can set up a tapering timetable detailing when and by how much to lower your dose.
Symptoms of Xanax withdrawal
The specific symptoms and how severe they are can differ from person to person. Studies indicate that about 44% of people using benzodiazepines will experience moderate to severe withdrawal when they stop taking them.
Withdrawal can manifest with physical signs such as:
- trembling hands
- muscle contractions
- excessive sweating
- seizures
- rapid or irregular heartbeat
- nausea or vomiting
- muscle aches
- headaches
- involuntary weight loss
It can also impact mental well-being, producing symptoms like:
- difficulty sleeping
- restlessness
- heightened anxiety
- panic episodes
- disorientation
- hallucinations
- delirium
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)
Some individuals go on to experience ongoing problems known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). This condition produces mood and cognitive disturbances lasting weeks or months after stopping Xanax or similar drugs.
PAWS symptoms and intensity vary. Common complaints include:
- depressive mood
- ongoing anxiety
- irritability
- memory impairment
- cravings for the medication you discontinued
- trouble learning new material
- difficulty engaging socially
- heightened stress sensitivity
- compulsive behaviors
- diminished interest in surroundings
How long do Xanax effects last in the body and brain?
The initial signs of Xanax withdrawal typically begin within eight to 12 hours after your last dose. Many people notice physical symptoms peak around day two and start improving by days four or five. Mental and cognitive disturbances often reach their worst between days three and six.
Symptoms such as insomnia, cravings for Xanax, and persistent anxiety may last longer in the brain and body. The precise timeline varies for each individual.
How to ease Xanax withdrawal symptoms
One of the most reliable strategies to mitigate Xanax withdrawal is to taper the dose gradually. This approach gives your system time to adjust to progressively smaller amounts and can reduce or sometimes avoid withdrawal symptoms altogether.
A doctor can oversee a Xanax taper and provide a clear schedule for dose reductions. It’s worth noting a doctor can assist with tapering even if the Xanax you took wasn’t originally prescribed to you.
In certain situations, a medically supervised inpatient detox program may be appropriate. These centers offer a controlled environment for detoxification with professional monitoring. Clinicians at these facilities can manage withdrawal symptoms and equip you with coping strategies.
Whether receiving inpatient or outpatient care during detox, a doctor may suggest additional supportive services such as:
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- appropriate medications
- counseling
- meditation
- mindfulness techniques
- herbal sleep aids like chamomile
- melatonin
- a structured exercise routine
Getting support for Xanax withdrawal
Withdrawal can feel overwhelming; the physical and mental effects can leave you exhausted, scared, and uncomfortable. Still, a gradual tapering plan is effective for most people.
If you’re thinking about stopping Xanax or starting a taper, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional. You can also access support through the resources below:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):SAMHSA provides a 24/7 helpline, online chat, and mental health resources to help connect you with local services.
- American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM): Use the tools on the ASAM website to find clinicians who specialize in substance dependence.
- SMART Recovery:SMART Recovery provides online and face-to-face support with a self-empowerment focus.
- LifeRing:Life Ring connects you with peers through online meetings and local recovery groups to foster community during recovery.
For questions about drug testing and timelines, see how long does xanax stay in your system for more information.
Frequently asked questions
Can Xanax withdrawal be fatal?
Most Xanax withdrawal symptoms are distressing but not inherently fatal.
However, withdrawal can cause seizures in some cases, and seizures are a potentially life-threatening emergency. Gradually lowering Xanax under medical supervision reduces this danger.
What is the safest way to manage Xanax withdrawal?
The safest approach to discontinuing Xanax and easing withdrawal is to taper your dose. A gradual taper allows your body to acclimate to decreasing doses and can prevent severe symptoms.
Takeaway
Extended use of Xanax can produce physical dependence regardless of the reason for taking it.
Withdrawal symptoms vary in type and severity and can be very uncomfortable. Both physical and psychological signs are possible, and seizures — which may be life-threatening — can occur.
Tapering your dose slowly is the safest method to stop Xanax and reduce withdrawal effects. This gives your body time to adapt and can prevent many symptoms.
A physician can supervise a taper and recommend additional supportive treatments to help you through withdrawal.
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