Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline & Detox Treatment Options
Xanax is a benzodiazepine, which is a class of sedative drugs and sleeping aids. Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam, a commonly prescribed benzodiazepine. This class of drugs is intended for short-term treatment, often prescribed for insomnia or anxiety disorders.
If you or a loved one abuses Xanax, you have likely developed a dependence. When you discontinue use, Xanax withdrawal symptoms can develop.
Xanax withdrawal can be a painful and dangerous process. Learn about the symptoms, timeline, and how to get help with Xanax detox and treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of Xanax Withdrawal?
When you continue using Xanax for extended periods or at higher doses than recommended and then discontinue use, Xanax withdrawal symptoms can surface.
The severity of these symptoms will vary depending on several factors, including whether you have been using other substances of abuse in conjunction with Xanax.
You can expect both physical and psychological Xanax withdrawal symptoms.
Once you have developed physiological dependence on Xanax, you will experience a withdrawal syndrome characterized by symptoms such as:
- Irritability
- Hand tremors
- Sweating
- Poor concentration
- Nausea
- Panic attacks and anxiety
- Muscle pain
- Headaches
If you have been taking high doses of Xanax or have been taking this drug long-term, you also face an increased risk of two very dangerous Xanax withdrawal symptoms — psychotic reactions and seizures.
Researchers often categorize these symptoms into three categories:
- Anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, panic attacks, muscle spasms, etc.
- Perceptual distortions, such as hypersensitivity to stimuli, depersonalization, and abnormal bodily sensations
- Major events, such as psychosis and seizures
The clinical use of this drug has been scrutinized as Xanax is highly addictive. If you misuse this drug, the chances of developing more severe Xanax withdrawal symptoms will increase.
There are also ongoing concerns surrounding its dangers when misused. For example, Xanax is the most common benzodiazepine to be involved in emergency department visits.
Benzodiazepines are dangerous when misused. This drug class is related to approximately one-third of intentional overdoses.
Data from the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health shows that approximately 12.5% of adults in the United States take benzodiazepines.
Although it is unclear how many people abuse their prescription, it’s estimated that around 2.1% misuse benzodiazepines, and 0.2% have benzodiazepine use disorder.
Xanax is highly effective for what it is intended for, but it is also highly addictive. Many users unintentionally become addicted.
What Causes Xanax Withdrawal?
Long-term use of any benzodiazepine is not recommended and not commonly practiced.
Xanax withdrawal syndrome develops following tolerance and dependence. Research shows that tolerance develops relatively quickly for all benzodiazepines.
If you begin taking more and more Xanax to achieve the same result, you can quickly become dependent. When studied in mice, just one week of Xanax use produced withdrawal symptoms.
Even when tapered according to manufacturer guidelines, Xanax withdrawal syndrome tends to be more severe than other benzodiazepine withdrawal syndromes.
To better understand the cause of Xanax withdrawal, you must know this drug’s mechanism of action.
Since the human brain is such a complex organ, Xanax’s exact mechanism of action is not fully understood. However, like other benzodiazepines, Xanax binds to GABA receptors. This brain chemical has a calming effect, relaxing the central nervous system.
Based on the effects of Xanax, this drug offers value to many individuals suffering from insomnia and anxiety. However, this drug class is also one of the two most frequently reported prescription medications in drug abuse-related cases.
The other class is opioids, which has led to an opioid crisis. In many cases, Xanax addiction also occurs in conjunction with the abuse of other substances, which significantly impacts the Xanax withdrawal process.
Alcohol and Xanax are both central nervous system depressants. This means that they are dangerous when taken together. They can also yield a dangerous combination of withdrawal symptoms.
When you first start taking Xanax, you’ll feel sleepy and calm, but tolerance will quickly develop.
In just a few weeks, a physical dependence occurs, which manifests into Xanax withdrawal syndrome following abrupt discontinuation.
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can also develop, as discussed in greater detail below.
In summary, the causes of Xanax withdrawal syndrome include:
- Long-term use of Xanax (beyond four weeks), leading to physical dependence
- Use of high or increasingly high doses of Xanax because of increased tolerance
- Simultaneous abuse of other substances, such as alcohol
The greatest risk factor is a history of drug abuse and having a pre-existing anxiety condition. When prescribed Xanax, addiction can quickly develop.
It is this addiction that leads to Xanax withdrawal symptoms.
How Long Does Xanax Withdrawal Take?
Since Xanax is a prescribed drug, many believe that it is harmless or that the risk of abuse isn’t a concern — until a physical dependence develops.
The Xanax withdrawal process can be lengthy among those who begin to rely on this medication to feel normal or those who struggle with addiction.
Remember, Xanax is intended to be a short-term treatment. This drug is not something that should be used long-term, and even still, some users experience physical dependence after taking Xanax for a period of several days.
At this point, you will be affected by Xanax withdrawal syndrome.
The intensity of the withdrawal period will depend on several factors, including your dosage levels and the duration in which you’ve been taking the drug.
Data shows that using benzodiazepines for as little as 3-6 weeks can lead to the development of physical dependence.
Among those who use long-term, approximately 40% will experience moderate to severe withdrawal. The remaining will experience relatively mild Xanax withdrawal syndrome.
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can develop after the initial withdrawal symptoms subside. This occurs in between 15–44% of chronic benzodiazepine users.
You can generally expect to experience Xanax withdrawal symptoms within 8-12 hours of your last dose.
If you do not taper your dose, these symptoms will become more intense. Then, Xanax withdrawal symptoms fall under acute and post-acute withdrawal periods.
Acute symptoms will last anywhere between five to 28 days, and PAWS can last up to 12 months or longer.
How to Safely Manage Xanax Withdrawal and Detox
The Xanax withdrawal process generally begins with a slow detoxification process. An expert clinical team will develop a tapering strategy based on your unique needs, medical history, and symptoms.
If you suffer from anxiety, you may feel as though you need to continue taking Xanax, even though research shows that prolonged use leads to a loss of efficiency.
To address your Xanax dependence and underlying mental health symptoms, it is recommended you seek the support of a professional clinical care team.
The detoxification process will be the first step. Your withdrawal symptoms will need to be assessed to develop the best course of action.
If you are only dependent on Xanax, a tapering plan will likely be suggested, in conjunction with evidence-based interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.
In some cases, clinicians may switch you from Xanax to a long-acting benzodiazepine like clonazepam.
Some of the primary considerations when creating a tapering and treatment plan will include:
- The doses you were taking prior to the Xanax withdrawal process
- If you have been taking other substances of abuse, and if so, for how long
- Comorbid medical conditions, such as pre-existing heart conditions
- Whether you were being treated for anxiety, depression, panic disorder, etc.
For example, individuals with PTSD can experience heightened symptoms following the Xanax withdrawal process. In these cases, it’s important to have the support you need to continue on your road to recovery.
Going cold turkey is never recommended, especially if you have had seizures in the past or have been combining Xanax with alcohol. In these cases, the Xanax withdrawal process can be incredibly dangerous.
Once Xanax withdrawal symptoms subside, it’s important to address underlying symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, insomnia, or any other mental health condition.
Seek a facility that understands the importance of dual-diagnosis treatment since one condition affects the other.
To treat your Xanax addiction, you need to address symptoms of anxiety by developing an alternative treatment plan. Your treatment should be personalized to meet your unique needs and goals.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Recognizing that there’s an issue is the first step in getting help. If you have been taking Xanax for more than 3-4 weeks, it is likely that you’ll experience Xanax withdrawal symptoms. However, you should not allow these symptoms to stop you from seeking help.
Structured, professional support will help you develop an ongoing recovery plan that ensures a healthier, more fulfilling future.
The idea is to treat your addiction holistically, considering all variables. For example, some individuals benefit from ongoing outpatient treatment, whereas others require an inpatient treatment program. From family therapy to art therapy, an expert substance abuse and mental health facility can change your life.
Taking that first step is essential — and it all starts with the Xanax withdrawal process. Whether you seek freedom from Xanax or are ready to address your anxiety disorder, there is help available.
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