Xanax Detox, Withdrawal, Symptoms, & Treatment

What is Xanax?

Alprazolam, sold under the brand name Xanax, treats anxiety disorders and panic disorder (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks).  Alprazolam is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines.  It works by lowering abnormal excitement in the brain.  If you are taking this drug, do not let anyone else take your medication.  

Alprazolam is a controlled substance.  Given that prescriptions may be refilled only a limited number of times.  Alprazolam may be habit-forming, and only a Xanax detox can help you be relieved in the process of starting to live normally without it.

Xanax’s clinical use has been a point of contention as most addiction specialists consider it highly addictive, given its unique psychodynamic properties, limiting its clinical usefulness.  In contrast, many primary care physicians continue to prescribe it for more extended periods than recommended.

Alprazolam is not only the most prescribed benzodiazepine, but it is the most prescribed psychotropic medication in the United States, accounting for more than 48 million prescriptions dispensed in 2013.  This persists even though many prescribers consider alprazolam to have high misuse liability.  It is shown to result in a more severe withdrawal syndrome than other benzodiazepines, even when tapered.  Benzodiazepines are implicated in approximately one-third of intentional overdoses or suicide attempts.  [1]

How Addictive is Xanax?

Since Xanax is a Schedule IV regulated narcotic, it has both a legitimate medical use as well as the potential for abuse and addiction.

According to research, those who have a history of substance use disorder—a disease marked by compulsive drug use despite harmful effects—are especially vulnerable to abusing and becoming addicted to benzodiazepines. Another study discovered that people who had previously used alcohol or opioids chose alprazolam because they thought it was more satisfying than other benzodiazepines.

Any benzodiazepine can cause physical dependence if used for a long enough period of time. If someone stops using a benzodiazepine like Xanax after developing physical dependent on it, they may experience several recognizable withdrawal symptoms.

Alprazolam (Xanax) Withdrawal Syndrome

Alprazolam and alprazolam-XR carry the same general risk of withdrawal as other benzodiazepines.

Specifically, alprazolam withdrawal syndrome has been involving a more complicated and, in some aspects, unique rebound anxiety compared with other benzodiazepine withdrawal syndromes.

One study reported that of 17 patients with panic disorder treated with alprazolam, 15 patients had a recurrence or an increase in their panic attacks, and 9 had significant new somatic symptoms;  such as malaise, weakness, insomnia, tachycardia, and dizziness, after alprazolam discontinuation;  despite a taper over four weeks. [2]

Another study reported that of 126 patients with panic disorder treated with alprazolam, 27% of patients had rebound anxiety that was more severe than pretreatment anxiety, and 35% of patients had new somatic symptoms after alprazolam discontinuation;  despite a taper over four weeks. [3]

Alprazolam withdrawal syndrome may also feature unique clinical symptoms compared with other benzodiazepine withdrawal syndromes. For example, there are several case reports of delirium and psychosis caused by alprazolam withdrawal.

Xanax Detox Withdrawal Timeline

Xanax is a medicinal drug used for anxiety. It specifically belongs to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines which act on the central nervous system (CNS) to produce short-term anxiety relief.

It can either be taken orally or through injection depending on the condition being treated and how severe it is. However, even though it is a prescription drug, overdose and addiction can still be a problem.

When quitting Xanax, the first stage begins within six to 12 hours after the last dose. Symptoms during this time can range from mild irritation to intense pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting. By the second day, withdrawal symptoms will begin to intensify including nervousness, tremors, and seizures. The other stages are experienced between one to four days after the first day of withdrawal.

Learn more:

• Opiate Detox

• Xanax Addiction Treatment
• Anxiety Treatment
• PTSD Treatment
• Levels of Care
• How Long Does Xanax Stay in System? Signs of Xanax Addiction
• Ativan Vs Xanax Differences, Similarities, Drug Facts & More
• Xanax and Alcohol
• Xanax Dosages
• Lexapro Detox, Side Effects, Lexapro Withdrawal Symptoms, & Treatment

55 %

55 percent of nonmedical users acquired prescription painkillers (including Xanax) for free from a friend or relative

Source: NIDA

50%

 More than 50% of the nearly 176,000 emergency room visits for benzodiazepines in 2011 also involved alcohol or other drugs.

Source: SAMHSA

• Using or wanting to use the drug regularly
• There’s an urge to use that’s so intense it’s hard to focus on anything else
• You need to use more of the drug to obtain the same “high” (tolerance)
• Taking more and more of the drug or taking the medication for more extended periods than intended
• You always keep a supply of the medication on hand
• Money is spent to get the prescription, even when money is tight

• You develop risky behaviors to get the drug, such as stealing or violence
• Engaging in risky behaviors while under the drug’s influence, such as having unprotected sex or driving a car
• You use the medication notwithstanding its associated difficulties, risks, and problems
• A lot of time is spent getting the drug, using it, and recovering from its effects
• You try and fail to quit using the drug
• You experience symptoms of withdrawal once you discontinue using the drug

• Body Aches
• Aggression
• Anxiety
• Blurred Vision
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Hypersensitivity to Light and Sound
• Insomnia
• Irritability and Mood Swings
• Difficulty Breathing

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Numbness and tingling in the hands, feet, or face
• Tremors
• Tense Muscles
• Nightmares
• Depression
• Paranoia
• Suicidal Thoughts

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most successful form of therapy for benzodiazepine addiction.  CBT addresses the learning processes underlying substance use disorders.  It entails working with a therapist to develop a set of healthy coping strategies.

• Self-Control Training
• Individual Counseling
• Marital or Family Counseling

• Education
• Support Groups
• Medication