Updated on October 28, 2024
4 min read

Xanax Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Detox

Xanax withdrawal can be difficult, and it’s better to know what to expect and be prepared for it. When you’ve been relying on Xanax to manage anxiety, your body and mind become accustomed to its presence.

As you reduce or stop its use, withdrawal symptoms may arise. This is your body recalibrating its natural balance after a period of reliance on the medication.

What are the Symptoms of Xanax Withdrawal?

Xanax withdrawal symptoms can be both physical and emotional. You might experience physical discomfort like headaches, muscle tension, or even nausea.

Other symptoms include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Tremors or numb fingers
  • Diarrhea
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • Loss of appetite
  • Insomnia
  • Heart palpitations
  • Sweating or anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Paranoia
  • Seizures

The emotional toll can be significant too, with anxiety, irritability, and even depression being common experiences. In some cases, more severe symptoms such as hallucinations or seizures can occur.

We strongly recommend seeking professional guidance during withdrawal. A doctor can help you gradually taper off the medication, minimizing the severity of withdrawal symptoms and ensuring a safe transition. 

How Long Do Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

Xanax is relatively short-acting, so withdrawal symptoms can start kicking in as early as 6 to 12 hours after your last dose. The first few days tend to be the most intense, with a peak around days 2 to 4.

This is when you might experience the full force of physical and emotional symptoms. As you progress through the following weeks, the acute symptoms should gradually subside.

However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is unique. The intensity and duration of withdrawal can vary depending on factors like how long and how much Xanax you’ve been taking. Some may face a more prolonged and challenging experience.

What is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome?

A phenomenon called post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can occur after stopping Xanax. It causes lingering symptoms like mood swings and sleep disturbances for weeks or even months.

PAWS can significantly increase the risk of relapse, especially in the first year of recovery. It can also involve long-lasting changes in the central nervous system.

Managing PAWS is crucial for successful recovery. If you’re considering discontinuing Xanax, it’s crucial to seek professional guidance. Strategies like homeopathy and exercise have shown promise in reducing symptoms and preventing relapse.

Sponsored

Online Therapy Can Help

Over 3 million people use BetterHelp. Their services are:

  • Professional and effective
  • Affordable and convenient
  • Personalized and discreet
  • Easy to start
Find a Therapist

Answer a few questions to get started

Woman drinking coffee on couch

Why Should You Get Professional Help for Xanax Withdrawal?

Professional guidance offers a safe and structured path to recovery. Doctors and addiction specialists can create a personalized tapering plan, gradually reducing the dosage to minimize withdrawal symptoms.

They can also provide medication-assisted treatment to manage anxiety, insomnia, and other challenges that may arise. They can connect people with others going through similar experiences through group therapy and counseling sessions.

Seeking professional help isn’t a sign of weakness but a testament to strength and commitment to recovery.

Get Professional Help

BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor.

Find a Therapist

Answer a few questions to get started

Rehab Together

How to Support People Through Withdrawal

When a loved one is going through Xanax withdrawal, it’s natural to want to help, but it’s important to navigate this with care and respect for their boundaries.

Your role is to be a steady source of support, not a fixer or a rescuer. This can make a world of difference for them during the process.

Here are some of our tips to better support them through withdrawal:

  • Be a good listener by letting them express their fears, frustrations, and anxieties without judgment.
  • Encourage open communication by letting them know they can talk to you about anything, even if it’s uncomfortable.
  • Gently encourage them to seek medical supervision, as Xanax withdrawal can sometimes have serious complications.
  • Suggest therapy or counseling, as addressing the underlying reasons for their Xanax use can be key to long-term recovery.
  • Encourage healthy coping mechanisms, such as going for walks together, practicing gentle yoga, or even just spending quiet time in nature. 
  • Remind them to prioritize good nutrition and sleep, as taking care of their physical health can also support their mental well-being.
  • Offer to connect them with support groups or online resources where they can connect with others who are facing similar challenges.

While you do this, remember that setting healthy boundaries is crucial. You’re there to offer support, not to take over their life or enable unhealthy behaviors. Be clear about your own limits and be assertive when those boundaries are crossed.

Remember to take care of yourself, too. Supporting someone through withdrawal can be emotionally draining. Make sure you’re carving out time for self-care, whether it’s reading a good book, practicing mindfulness, or spending time with other loved ones.

How Does Education Help in Addiction Recovery and Mental Health?

Understanding the intricacies of Xanax withdrawal is more than just memorizing a list of symptoms; it’s about gaining insight into how Xanax can affect us physically and psychologically.

This knowledge is crucial in fostering empathy and breaking down the stigma that often surrounds addiction. It allows us to see beyond the surface and recognize that addiction isn’t a moral failing but a treatable medical condition.

Get matched with an affordable mental health counselor

Find a Therapist

Answer a few questions to get started

betterhelp-logo
Updated on October 28, 2024
1 sources cited
Updated on October 28, 2024
  1. Arroyo-Novoa et al. “Opioid and Benzodiazepine Iatrogenic Withdrawal Syndrome in Patients in the Intensive Care Unit.” AACN Advanced Critical Care, 2019. 
  2. Olfson et al. “Benzodiazepine use in the United States.” JAMA Psychiatry, 2015. 
  3. Platt et al. “Nonpharmacological Alternatives to Benzodiazepine Drugs for the Treatment of Anxiety in Outpatient Populations: A Literature Review.” J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv., 2016.
  4. Reeves R.R., and Kamal, A. “Complicated Withdrawal Phenomena During Benzodiazepine Cessation in Older Adults.” J Am Osteopath Assoc., 2019.
  5. Ait-Daoud et al. “A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal.” Journal of Addiction Medicine, 2018. 
  6. Lader, Malcolm. “Benzodiazepine harm: how can it be reduced?.” British jJournal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2014.
  7.  

Related Pages