Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms - What To Expect In Detox
By Midwest Detox Staff
Xanax, also known by the name Alprazolam, is a drug most often prescribed for anxiety or panic disorders. However, Xanax is not always used as intended. In fact, Xanax is one of the most commonly abuse drugs in the United States, partially because it is readily accessible through a prescription or even illicit purchases on the street. Despite the fact that many people consider Xanax to be a “safe” or “harmless” drug, it has the potential to lead to addiction and, consequently, withdrawal.
If you’ve never experienced the symptoms of Xanax withdrawal before, you’ve probably got a lot of questions. For instance, what does a withdrawal from Xanax feel like? How long does it last? Is it possible to have a seizure from a Xanax withdrawal? Can you die from a Xanax withdrawal? Finally, where can you go to safely detox from Xanax?
In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more. And remember, if you or someone you love is currently struggling with Xanax addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at Midwest Detox for help.
Xanax Withdrawal Timeline
It’s difficult to identify a specific timeline for a Xanax withdrawal, as it can vary substantially from one person to the next. The timeline is often dependent on the severity of the addiction, which itself is partly dependent on the quantity and frequency of usage. That said, there are a few common stages that many Xanax addicts will experience:
The First 24 Hours
The first 24 hours are typically the easiest. This is the period after the last usage of the drug, when there is still a fair amount of Xanax in your system. The desired effects of Xanax will have worn off after about 6 hours, and this is usually when the first symptoms of withdrawal kick in. In most instances, these symptoms will be very mild, though still uncomfortable. You may feel restless and anxious, and you will almost certainly feel a desire or “craving” for Xanax.
1 to 4 Days After
Xanax is known for causing very fast changes in withdrawal symptoms. Even though the first 6, 12, and even 24 hours are typically mild, the symptoms will rapidly worsen during the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th days after last taking the drug. In fact, this is usually the period when your Xanax withdrawal symptoms hit their peak. Both physical and psychological symptoms will worsen, and you may even experience Xanax withdrawal seizures.
1 to 2 Weeks After
Once you get past the first few days, you’ll typically see the withdrawal symptoms decrease with each passing day. After 1 to 2 weeks, the symptoms will become more and more mild. For some people, the worst symptoms will disappear entirely. However, you may continue to experience varying degrees of anxiety and insomnia.
More Than 2 Weeks After
The first 1 to 2 weeks of Xanax withdrawal can be really difficult, but that doesn’t mean that all your worries are over. Even after those first 2 weeks, you will likely still have some negative symptoms. For the most part, physical symptoms will have subsided by this point, but psychological symptoms like anxiety and even depression may continue or even worsen. In rare cases, you may experience something known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS), which is characterized by symptoms that continue for months.
Again, it’s important to remember that your exact withdrawal timeline could look very different. Some people get over their symptoms in a week, while others continue experiencing withdrawal for weeks or months after they last took Xanax. In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at some of the symptoms you can expect during your detox.
Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
Most people who are detoxing from Xanax will experience a combination of physical and psychological symptoms. Some of the most common physical side effects of Xanax withdrawal include:
- Strong headaches
- Muscle pain
- Shaking or tremors
- Excessive sweating
- Rapid heart rate
- Poor coordination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea and/or constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Seizures (in severe cases)
Additionally, here are some of the most common psychological symptoms to look out for:
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Restlessness
- Anger or agitation
- Insomnia
- Poor concentration
- Depression
- Confusion
- Hallucinations (in severe cases)
Just because you’re withdrawing from Xanax doesn’t mean you will experience all or even most of these symptoms. Every person is different and every addiction is unique, but when it comes to your health and safety, you should always hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
How Long Does Xanax Withdrawal Last?
As previously mentioned, it’s difficult to say exactly how long a Xanax withdrawal will last. For some people, the worst of the withdrawal may be over in 1 to 2 weeks, but for others, it could go on for months. On average, you can generally expect a withdrawal to last more than 1 week and less than 1 month.
One important consideration is the type of detox you undergo. It is always advisable to detox under the care of trained professionals, and oftentimes, the staff of a detox clinic will recommend that you wean off Xanax gradually. This can increase the time it takes to fully detox by several weeks, but it can also greatly reduce the severity of the withdrawal symptoms.
Can Xanax Withdrawal Kill You?
Yes, you can die from Xanax withdrawal. However, it is very uncommon, and the chance of dying while under the care of trained professionals is almost zero. The main concern during Xanax withdrawal is the occurrence of seizures. While these only happen in very severe cases of Xanax addiction, seizures can be extremely unpredictable. Seizures can also cause temporary pauses in breathing, which could prove fatal without proper medical care.
Additionally, severe anxiety and depression can lead to suicidal ideations. So, even if you don’t experience seizures during your detox, you could be in an extremely vulnerable state of mind. Without proper care and monitoring, this could have tragic results.
The risk of death during a Xanax withdrawal is closely linked to the way in which the drug has been stopped. If you have been taking very high doses of Xanax and decide to quit cold turkey, you are putting yourself at much greater risk of severe symptoms and potentially death. Alternatively, if you taper off Xanax with the help of trained professionals, you will have a much safer detox experience.
How To Withdraw From Xanax
The safest way to withdraw from Xanax is to check yourself into a quality detox treatment center. Without professional guidance and 24/7 monitoring, you are at a much higher risk of relapse and even potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. With help by your side, you can gradually cleanse your body of Xanax and reduce the negative withdrawal symptoms at the same time.
Fortunately, if your or a loved one is currently looking for a Xanax detox, you can get everything you need at Midwest Detox. We offer a comfortable environment with round-the-clock staff to care for you. We also do everything in our power to keep you comfortable and help guide you on your recovery journey.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Reach out to Midwest Detox at 414-409-5200 or send us a message today.