Xanax Withdrawal & Detox

Xanax (Alprazolam) Withdrawal

Xanax, pharmaceutically known as alprazolam, is a popular anti-anxiety drug used by millions of Americans each year. However, regular use of Xanax, which is classified as a benzodiazepine, can easily lead to physical dependence.

In addition to the millions of people that have prescriptions for these medications, Xanax and similar benzodiazepines have become popular recreational drugs for people of all ages. Benzodiazepine dependence can develop within four to six weeks of continuous use. 

At least one-third of people who use Xanax will experience withdrawal symptoms when reducing their dosage.

Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms

Addiction to Xanax is almost always accompanied by physical and psychological dependence, making it very difficult to stop using.

Withdrawal symptoms and side effects usually accompany Xanax discontinuation. These are often severe and can include:

In addition to these symptoms, benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome is a set of symptoms that appear as those who are physically addicted to benzodiazepines begin reducing their usage. It is considered a ‘syndrome’ because the symptoms occur together and are associated with the same cause. 

Although these symptoms vary from person to person, every person experiences some withdrawal level when tapering off.

Xanax withdrawal syndrome is serious. Symptoms can be mild and manageable, but this is a rare occurrence. Most users require professional treatment to successfully stop using the drug.

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Xanax Withdrawal Timeline 

Detoxing from Xanax can be a long process. Due to often severe withdrawal symptoms, quitting “cold turkey” is not advised by experts. Gradually reducing dosages is the most effective way to safely reduce withdrawal symptoms while increasing the chances of successfully quitting. 

Below is a typical timeline of Xanax withdrawal symptoms:

8 – 12 hours after the last dose

Within six hours, the effects of Xanax fade, and the effects of withdrawal begin kicking in. Users begin feeling anxiety and irritability that often gets worse as the body is deprived of the drug it has become physically dependent upon. 

Note that this only applies to those with Xanax addictions. Addiction can occur within less than three weeks of continued use for both prescription and recreational users.

1 – 4 days after the last dose

Withdrawal symptoms are the most intense within the first few days. Rebound anxiety and insomnia are the most common symptoms. Other symptoms such as shaking, muscle pain, and sweating may also occur. After the fourth day, patients usually begin to see symptomatic improvements.

7 – 14 days after the last dose

Withdrawal symptoms can last between one and two weeks after taking the last dose. While the worst is over by this point, anxiety and insomnia usually persist to varying degrees.

15+ days after the last dose

Any lingering symptoms are usually mild by this point. For some, protracted withdrawal symptoms—which can last up to two years—may begin suddenly, even if the initial symptoms are completely gone.

Dangers of Withdrawing from Xanax Alone

Experts strongly encourage Xanax users to get professional help when detoxing because managing withdrawal symptoms is dangerous to do alone.  Even when properly managed by medical staff, withdrawal symptoms can be severe. 

Medically-assisted detox is the safest method of tapering off Xanax. Doctors are nearby in case withdrawal symptoms become life-threatening.

Xanax Addiction Treatment Options

There are several treatment options for Xanax addictions of varying severeness. They all require different detox levels, and several options require medications or additional treatments. 

Xanax Detox

Detox is the first step in any treatment. Detox programs can help Xanax users free themselves from their physical dependence on the drug while simultaneously addressing the psychological aspects of addiction. 

These programs help provide supervision from experts and prescribe often needed medications, as well as offering a sense of comfort for those going through struggles of dealing with withdrawal symptoms. 

Typically, those who complete medical detox are able to continue with further treatment.

Detox Medications

Under medical supervision, symptoms of withdrawal are often managed through:

• Antidepressants — selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed to people who suffer from depression during alprazolam withdrawal. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil).
• Clonidine — this hypertension medication helps provide sedative, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects to aid in easing physical withdrawal symptoms.
• Flumazenil — low doses of flumazenil, a benzodiazepine receptor agonist/partial agonist, can help reduce Xanax withdrawal symptoms.
• Over-the-counter medications — for symptoms such as headache, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Additional Treatments 

Additional treatment options for Xanax addiction may include:

• Psychotherapeutic interventions
• Strategies to make the patient as comfortable as possible
• Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs

Xanax addiction is serious, and it can be dangerous to try and detox without assistance. Professional help is strongly encouraged to safely ease off of Xanax or other benzodiazepines. If you are concerned for yourself or someone you know, find treatment today.

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