How to Manage Xanax Withdrawal: Signs, Symptoms, and Timeline
Xanax is a medication frequently prescribed to assist individuals in coping with anxiety and panic disorders. Although it can be very effective in alleviating symptoms associated with these mental health issues, it is also prone to misuse, leading to Xanax addiction either through developing a dependency with regular use or being abused for its euphoric effects.
When taken in high doses or over extended periods, the body can develop dependence, leading to Xanax withdrawal symptoms when attempting to discontinue use. These withdrawal experiences can vary from mild and uncomfortable to severe and potentially life-threatening.
It is crucial for those who have been using Xanax for an extended time to avoid stopping abruptly without consulting a healthcare professional or engaging in a professional detox program. With the proper guidance and support, individuals can safely and comfortably discontinue their medication while effectively managing their underlying anxiety and panic disorders.
Recognizing the withdrawal process associated with Xanax and knowing when to seek professional help at Xanax rehab centers in Florida is vital for anyone taking this medication.
Why Is Xanax So Addictive?
Xanax, known generically as alprazolam, is an FDA-approved benzodiazepine prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders, offering rapid relief from distressing symptoms. However, its very effectiveness coupled with its mechanisms of action, makes it highly addictive. At the core of Xanax’s addictive potential lies its interaction with the brain’s natural chemistry.
It enhances the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that slows down nerve cell activity, leading to feelings of calm, relaxation, and reduced anxiety. This immediate relief can be very appealing, especially for those experiencing severe anxiety or panic.
According to Drugs.com, studies with alprazolam have shown that it also increases dopamine levels, which are linked to the brain’s reward system. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. When Xanax is misused or taken in high doses, it can lead to a surge of dopamine, leading to feelings of euphoria, which reinforces its use, making individuals want to repeat the experience.
When Xanax is used repeatedly, the brain adapts to its presence, becoming less sensitive to the drug’s effects, and may even reduce its natural production of GABA. Individuals may require higher doses to achieve the same calming effects, a phenomenon known as tolerance. This escalation in dosage significantly increases the risk of dependence and addiction.
As tolerance develops, the brain and body become physically dependent on Xanax to function “normally.” If the drug is reduced or stopped, the body experiences a rebound effect as it has adjusted itself to function with its constant presence, leading to uncomfortable and often severe withdrawal symptoms. The intense discomfort and potential dangers of withdrawal often compel individuals to continue using Xanax to avoid these unpleasant sensations, further reinforcing the cycle of addiction and risks of Xanax overdose.
What Happens During Xanax Withdrawal?
Not only does Xanax act swiftly, but it also exits the body just as quickly. The half-life, which is the duration required for the concentration of the drug’s active ingredient in the body to decrease by half, ranges from 6.3 to 26.9 hours for Xanax. This indicates that withdrawal symptoms can typically manifest within 6 to 12 hours after the final dose.
The intensity and length of withdrawal symptoms can differ, but according to Healthline, research shows that about 44% of people taking benzodiazepines will face moderate to severe symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms associated with Xanax may include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle spasms
- Hand tremors
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
- In severe cases, seizures.
Most individuals notice that their physical symptoms peak on the second day and start to improve by the fourth or fifth day. However, mental and cognitive symptoms can linger, often being most intense between days three and six.
Issues like insomnia, cravings for Xanax, and anxiety may take longer to alleviate, and some individuals might encounter additional symptoms due to a condition known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). This syndrome can result in mood and cognitive alterations, such as anxiety, depression, and memory challenges, lasting for weeks or even months after initial Xanax withdrawal.
What Are the Risks of Quitting Xanax Cold Turkey?
Quitting Xanax abruptly, also known as “going cold turkey”, can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Xanax significantly alters brain chemistry, suddenly removing it can send the central nervous system into overdrive, leading to a host of intensely uncomfortable and risky symptoms.
The most dangerous and well-known risk of abrupt Xanax cessation is the risk of seizures. When the drug is suddenly withdrawn, the brain experiences a dramatic rebound in neural activity, and this hyperexcitability can trigger seizures, including grand mal seizures. Prolonged or repeated seizures can cause lasting neurological damage, and in rare cases, unmanaged seizures can be fatal. Seizures can also lead to falls, head trauma, and other physical harm.
Additionally, rebound anxiety, where anxiety returns more intensely than before, can occur within hours of stopping Xanax. These symptoms can trigger severe panic attacks, intense worry, and restlessness that can be debilitating.
The emotional toll of Xanax withdrawal can be severe enough to cause depression, mood swings, and even suicidal thoughts. In severe cases, abruptly stopping Xanax can lead to psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions, and delirium.
Physical symptoms can be profoundly distressing and lead to other health issues such as severe tremors, muscle pain and spasms, and profound insomnia. Withdrawal can also affect the cardiovascular system with symptoms such as rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and chest pain, raising the risk of heart-related emergencies, particularly in those with pre-existing heart conditions.
Moreover, the overwhelming discomfort of cold turkey Xanax withdrawal makes relapse highly likely, as individuals may use Xanax again simply to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms.
How Is Xanax Withdrawal Treated in a Medical Detox Program?
Withdrawing from Xanax can be both physically and emotionally challenging, and it poses significant risks. This is why medical detox is often the safest and most effective first step in overcoming Xanax dependence and addiction.
The process of medical detox starts with a comprehensive physical and psychological assessment. This evaluation helps clinicians formulate a tailored treatment plan. Given the potential severity of Xanax withdrawals, medical personnel will monitor patients continuously to ensure their safety and to address any complications promptly.
Rather than abruptly ceasing Xanax use, medical professionals will create a tapering schedule that gradually decreases the patient’s dosage over time. This method allows the body to adjust to the absence of Xanax slowly. As noted in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, it is pretty standard to use other benzodiazepines to manage alprazolam withdrawal, and some detox programs may transition patients to a long-acting benzodiazepine before implementing a gradual dose reduction.
While tapering is the primary strategy, additional medications may be utilized to alleviate specific withdrawal symptoms and improve comfort. These may include anticonvulsants to lower the risk of seizures, beta-blockers to control rapid heart rates, anti-nausea drugs, non-benzodiazepine sleep aids, and antidepressants if symptoms of depression or anxiety arise.
Furthermore, detox programs will offer psychological support through counseling and therapy. It is crucial to recognize that detoxification is merely the first step in the recovery journey, and ongoing treatment programs through rehabilitation and dual diagnosis are essential for effectively addressing underlying addiction and mental health challenges.
How Medical Detox at WhiteSands Treatment Can Help You Overcome Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer expert medical detox programs to address Xanax withdrawal symptoms safely and effectively. Our programs provide 24/7 medical supervision in a serene, non-clinical environment with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms. Additionally, patients will receive counseling and therapy services to address the emotional challenges of Xanax and help prepare patients for the next steps.
Once detox is complete, our team works with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root causes of addiction and underlying mental health challenges. From residential inpatient programs to outpatient treatment and aftercare planning, we offer comprehensive support every step of the way.
If you or someone you care about is facing challenges with Xanax dependence or addiction, reach out to WhiteSands Treatment in Florida at 877-855-3470. Speak with a treatment specialist to discover how to begin your medical detox journey today.
External Sources
- Drugs.com – Why is Xanax so Addictive?
- Healthline – Your Guide to Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment Options
- Journal of Addiction Medicine – A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
