Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
What Are Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms?
Xanax withdrawal symptoms may cause people to experience sleep disturbances, muscle pain or discomfort, and mental health issues.
The symptoms of Xanax withdrawal vary significantly depending on how long a person has been using the drug and at what dose. Co-occurring conditions, including other forms of substance use disorder (SUD), also impact symptoms of withdrawal.
What Are the Most Common Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms?
Common symptoms of Xanax withdrawal include severe rebound anxiety, excessive sweating, nausea, insomnia, tingling in extreme cases, sensitivity to light and sound, panic attacks, difficulty concentrating, headaches, tremors, muscle cramps, and irritability.
People who quit cold turkey without the support of a medical team may experience life-threatening side effects and withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, hallucinations, and delirium. Professional medical detox programs reduce risks associated with withdrawal and help people manage their condition.
What Is One of the First Signs of Xanax Withdrawal?
The first signs of Xanax withdrawal include physical and psychological discomfort, such as excessive sweating, hand tremors, and anxiety.
As Xanax filters out of the body, people often experience panic or anxiety attacks and physical side effects.
What Is Xanax Withdrawal Like?
Xanax withdrawal in a medical setting generally involves gradually tapering off the drug to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Xanax withdrawal causes physical and emotional discomfort that treatment facilities address using medication, therapy, and peer support.
Can Xanax Withdrawal Cause Insomnia?
Yes. Xanax withdrawal often causes insomnia and other sleep disturbances for the first 1 to 4 weeks of treatment.
Treatment programs help clients manage these symptoms using sleep medications, holistic therapies like meditation, and healthy sleep routines.
Can Xanax Withdrawal Cause Anxiety and Depression?
Yes. Many people in treatment for Xanax addiction experience anxiety and depressive episodes during the withdrawal process.
New Found Life’s dual diagnosis treatment helps people recover from Xanax addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Causes of Xanax Withdrawal
Why Does Xanax Withdrawal Happen?
Chronic Xanax abuse causes the central nervous system to rely on the drug to function and maintain balanced brain activity, causing withdrawal symptoms when detox destabilizes that balance.
Xanax addiction causes changes within the brain and body. Our treatment program addresses withdrawal symptoms and side effects using evidence-based therapies and prescription medications when appropriate.
What Factors Increase the Risk of Xanax Withdrawal?
The dose, frequency of use, and length of use impact your risk of severe withdrawal.
People who abuse Xanax have an increased risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms and side effects. However, anyone who uses the drug for a prolonged period of time may experience withdrawal.
How Do Duration of Use and Dosage Affect Xanax Withdrawal?
The dose and duration of use directly impact the severity of withdrawal side effects and symptoms.
People who use Xanax for long periods and at high doses have an increased risk of experiencing post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) or other side effects.
Can Xanax Withdrawal Happen Even When Taking Xanax as Prescribed?
Xanax can cause dependence and addiction even when taken as prescribed.
People taking the drug must remain vigilant and aware of any changes to how the drug affects them.
Xanax Withdrawal Timeline
When Does Xanax Withdrawal Start?
Withdrawal begins within 6 to 12 hours after the last dose.
Xanax is a short-acting benzodiazepine, which means it leaves the body relatively quickly when a person stops taking it.
How Long Do Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
The symptoms of Xanax withdrawal can last anywhere from several days to several years in the case of post-acute withdrawal syndrome.
For most people, withdrawal symptoms begin to fade within 1 to 2 days or, in cases of acute withdrawal, a few weeks.
How Long Does Xanax Withdrawal Insomnia Last?
Most withdrawal symptoms like insomnia peak within the first week.
The longer a person has taken Xanax, the more prolonged and severe the symptoms. People who have taken the drug for a prolonged period at a high dose are more likely to experience withdrawal-related insomnia.
What Is the Difference Between Acute and Post-Acute Xanax Withdrawal?
Acute withdrawal refers to the immediate physical and psychological effects of abstaining from Xanax. Post-acute withdrawal refers to withdrawal symptoms that linger.
Acute withdrawal symptoms may become post-acute if a person does not respond to treatment or if their body has trouble adjusting to life without the drug.
Risks and Dangers of Xanax Withdrawal
Why Is Xanax Withdrawal So Dangerous?
Xanax withdrawal can cause seizures, delusions, and other dangerous side effects that may put people in danger.
Medical detox programs use prescription medications and other forms of treatment to help people avoid severe side effects and manage symptoms of Xanax withdrawal.
Can Stopping Xanax Suddenly Be Dangerous?
Yes, stopping Xanax abruptly can cause significant health issues and potentially life-threatening side effects.
A tapering schedule is often used to avoid the worst physical side effects and emotional distress caused by Xanax withdrawal.
Can You Die From Xanax Withdrawal?
Yes, there is a possibility that a person may die from Xanax withdrawal if they have physical dependence on the drug and do not safely taper off it.
People taking multiple drugs, living with chronic health conditions impacted by withdrawal side effects, or struggling with relapse have a higher risk of life-threatening complications if they try to quit Xanax use on their own.
Why Do Xanax Withdrawal Seizures Occur?
Xanax inhibits GABA production, and when stopped abruptly, it leaves the brain with too little of the GABA neurotransmitter, causing an increase in nerve cell firing, which can lead to seizures.
The brain becomes acclimated to Xanax taking the place of GABA, and the void left behind when the drug detoxes out of the system leaves the brain without the calming effect of GABA.
Can Xanax Withdrawal Cause Hallucinations or Psychosis?
Yes, Xanax withdrawal can cause delusions, psychosis, and hallucinations for some people due to the brain overactivity caused by reduced GABA production.
People with a history of panic disorders, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions have an increased risk of experiencing more severe psychological side effects.
When Should You Seek Emergency Medical Care During Xanax Withdrawal?
Medical supervision during Xanax withdrawal reduces the risk of severe or life-threatening side effects, and anyone who experiences seizures, hallucinations, delusions, psychosis, profound confusion or disorientation, suicidal thoughts, or severe physical discomfort should seek emergency medical care.
Medical care can mean the difference between safely tapering off Xanax and experiencing lasting side effects. By seeking professional treatment, people can safely detox from the drug and begin their recovery journey.
Managing Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
Can I Stop Taking Xanax Cold Turkey?
You should never stop taking Xanax cold turkey or attempt to stop taking the drug without the supervision of a medical professional.
Going cold turkey can cause the brain to become overactive and impact a person’s ability to function. Professional detox services safely taper individuals off Xanax to reduce strain on the brain during the transition.
Does Xanax Need to Be Tapered Off?
Yes, Xanax should be tapered off to safely detox.
Medical detoxification programs gradually taper off people from Xanax and other benzodiazepines like Valium, diazepam, and Clonazepam. People taking more than one type of medication may need longer to safely detox. For example, individuals on antidepressants and benzodiazepines may need to taper off Xanax more slowly to ensure a safe transition.
Does Alprazolam Need to Be Weaned?
Yes, medical detox programs carefully wean people off Alprazolam to ensure their physical and emotional comfort and safety during withdrawal.
If the drug has been taken for longer than a few weeks, it should be carefully weaned during detox to minimize side effects.
Why Is Medical Supervision Important During Xanax Withdrawal?
Xanax withdrawal can cause a wide range of symptoms and side effects ranging from headaches and delusions to life-threatening seizures, making medical supervision essential to ensure a safe detox.
Many people going through Xanax withdrawal report panic attacks, intense cravings, vomiting and nausea, restlessness, confusion, muscle spasms, disorientation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, shaking, and heart palpitations. Without medical supervision, these side effects and symptoms of withdrawal can cause significant emotional distress and may lead to relapse or other complications during detox.
What Should You Do If You Experience Severe Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms?
Seek immediate emergency medical care or call 911 if you experience severe Xanax withdrawal symptoms.
Call emergency services or seek appropriate medical care if you feel severe effects of withdrawal.
Treatment for Xanax Withdrawal and Addiction
Is Xanax Hard to Get Off?
No, professional treatment allows people to effectively and safely detox from Xanax.
Xanax addiction can be successfully treated in our residential or intensive outpatient programs.
What Happens After Xanax Detox?
Rehabilitation programs like New Found Life use ongoing treatment to address underlying causes of addiction, behavioral issues, and mental health conditions.
Detoxification provides physical stabilization, allowing people to transition to rehab programs that focus on identifying and replacing unhealthy patterns of thought and behavior related to substance abuse.
How Is Xanax Addiction Treated After Detox?
New Found Life treats Xanax addiction with 12-Step immersion, family therapy, evidence-based modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed support.
Clients generally start in our residential treatment program and transition to lower levels of care as they build recovery skills.
How Can Intensive Outpatient Treatment Support Recovery From Xanax Addiction?
IOP provides continued structure and clinical support.
IOP allows people to maintain recovery, practice skills, and stay connected with the recovery community while increasing independence.
Is PHP Available for Xanax Addiction Treatment?
We do not offer partial hospitalization (PHP).
Our clinical team can provide referrals to local PHP facilities.
Can Outpatient Treatment Help Maintain Long-Term Recovery?
Ongoing outpatient therapy supports lasting sobriety by providing people with community, accountability, and resources.
Outpatient treatment, transitional living communities, and alumni services all provide ongoing support for people navigating long-term recovery.
The Role of 12-Step Recovery in Xanax Addiction Treatment
How Can the 12 Steps Support Recovery From Xanax Addiction?
The 12 Steps provide an easy-to-follow framework that supports lasting recovery.
The community, accountability, fellowship, guidance, mentorship, and support found in 12-Step groups help people navigate recovery.
Why Is 12-Step Immersion Important During Addiction Treatment?
12-Step immersion prepares people to use community-based resources during ongoing recovery.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-Step groups offer a unique form of support to individuals in ongoing recovery.
How Do You Build a Personal Recovery Support Network?
New Found Life provides people with the tools and resources to create a strong support system.
We ensure clients have access to a thriving sober community of peers, local support meetings, and skills for communicating needs during recovery.
How Does Practicing the 12 Steps Support Long-Term Recovery?
New Found Life encourages clients to live the program rather than simply learning about it, and the 12 Steps support a sober life.
The 12-Step philosophy encourages lasting sobriety and healthy lifestyle changes.
Treating Anxiety and Mental Health Without Relying on Xanax
Can Therapy Help Manage Anxiety Disorders Without Benzodiazepines?
Yes, therapy provides an excellent alternative to prescribed benzodiazepines for anxiety management.
Many people find it much easier to manage their anxiety if they actively participate in counseling or therapy.
How Are Anxiety and Xanax Addiction Connected?
Xanax treats anxiety and may also cause heightened anxiety during withdrawal.
People with anxiety disorders may use Xanax and other benzodiazepines to manage symptoms.
Can Dual Diagnosis Treatment Help With Xanax Addiction and Mental Health?
Yes, many people with Xanax addiction have co-occurring anxiety disorders requiring dual diagnosis treatment.
New Found Life treats SUD and co-occurring conditions like PTSD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder (BD), or trauma using evidence-based methods.
Preventing Relapse After Xanax Withdrawal
How Can You Prevent Relapse After Xanax Withdrawal?
Long-term treatment and ongoing support reduce the risk of relapse after Xanax withdrawal.
We offer alumni support, comprehensive aftercare planning, relapse prevention education, and other services to support lasting sobriety.
How Can Family Support Help Prevent Relapse?
Family support provides additional accountability and motivation.
Our intensive family programming and psychoeducation allow family members to better understand and support their loved ones.
What Role Do Support Groups Play in Long-Term Recovery?
Support groups provide a personal support system and allow people to stay connected with peers after formal treatment ends.
AA and alumni involvement allow people to become part of a healthy community that supports ongoing sobriety.
When to Seek Help for Xanax Addiction
When Is Xanax Use a Sign That You Need Professional Help?
If you cannot stop using Xanax, use it in a way other than prescribed, or take the drug without a prescription, then you may benefit from professional treatment.
Rehabilitation programs treat the underlying issues that contribute to the development of Xanax addiction and educate people on the realities of substance abuse.
What Are the Signs of Xanax Addiction?
Some of the primary signs of Xanax addiction include an inability to stop taking the drug despite negative consequences, withdrawal symptoms during periods of abstinence, requiring a higher dose to achieve the same effect, “doctor shopping” to get multiple prescriptions, hoarding the drug, and behavioral changes caused by chronic drug abuse.
We treat the root causes of Xanax addiction and help clients manage withdrawal symptoms to reduce the risk of relapse.
What Should Families Do When a Loved One Is Struggling With Xanax Addiction?
Families support their loved ones by encouraging professional treatment, engaging in the recovery process through family therapy, and offering nonjudgmental emotional encouragement.
Our admissions team creates a smooth, natural transition into treatment that motivates healthy change, fosters hope, and builds a foundation for a happier future. Call our office today.
FAQs
Why Do I Feel So Bad the Day After Taking Xanax?
Short-acting medications can cause rebound anxiety and residual sedation in a 24-hour period, causing people to report feeling bad.
The day after a person takes Xanax, the drug begins to filter out of their system, which causes an increase in stress hormones. Many people report feeling anxious and generally “under the weather.”
What Are the Side Effects of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?
Side effects of withdrawal from benzodiazepines may include tremors, muscle stiffness and discomfort, sleep disturbances, excessive sweating, heart palpitations, headaches, and anxiety or panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines impact neurotransmitters and multiple body systems. The effects of withdrawal may manifest as physical weakness or discomfort and psychological distress.
How Long Does Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) Last?
PAWS can last from a couple of months to several years.
PAWS looks different for everyone and can last for years. Some people may not experience lingering symptoms for several weeks or months or the effects of PAWS may come and go over a prolonged period of time.
How Long Does Rebound Anxiety Last After Stopping Xanax?
Rebound anxiety and other rebound symptoms generally last several weeks before gradually stopping.
Rebound anxiety may last longer or feel more severe for individuals who have co-occurring mental health disorders.
Can You Become Addicted to Xanax Even If You Have a Prescription?
Yes. Anyone can become addicted to Xanax, even individuals taking the drug as recommended.
Some people prescribed Xanax may develop a tolerance to the drug which increases the risk of addiction.
Can Xanax Withdrawal Cause Panic Attacks?
Yes, people in withdrawal may experience panic attacks.
As Xanax detoxes from the body, people often experiences a significant increase in anxiety and panic.
New Found Life treats Xanax addiction and other forms help clients manage withdrawal symptoms during rehabilitation. Our residential program uses psychoeducation, medication-assisted treatment, clinical and other forms of addiction therapy and, the 12-Step philosophy, and other proven methods to guide people through each step of the recovery process.