A Guide to Xanax Withdrawal
Xanax is one of the most prescribed anxiety and panic disorder treatment drugs. Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine that is the drug’s active ingredient, works by affecting the central nervous system and the brain cells to promote the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and dopamine.
There is rising concern about Xanax’s habit-forming pattern and the development of withdrawal symptoms from this drug. Some of these symptoms can be very uncomfortable and even life-threatening. Ranging from mood changes and irritability to physical discomfort, these symptoms can include severe ones like seizures.
The potential for overdose and dependency is also high. Severe or fatal overdoses can occur, especially when someone takes Xanax along with opioid pain medicine or alcohol.
The good news is that there is a solution. You don’t need to suffer anymore because the dependency and withdrawal symptoms can be treated.
What Are the Side Effects Associated With Xanax Use?
As with other drugs affecting brain functions, Xanax poses a high risk; of side effects even when used as prescribed. These side effects include changes in sexual appetite and body weight as well as clumsiness. You may develop stomach irritation or problems with defecating. Skin-related disorders such as dry skin, rashes, and sores can also occur.
Some symptoms of Xanax use can become serious medical problems if they aren’t treated immediately. For example, you may lose your ability to speak or become unable to form complete sentences. Irregular breath and extremely slow breathing are also dangerous side effects that require medical attention. If you experience blackouts or disorientation, seek help immediately. If you notice yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, go to the emergency room. This is called jaundice and indicates a potentially life-threatening problem with your liver. Lastly, seek medical assistance if you can’t move, can’t control your movements, or are moving sporadically.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms?
If you have been using Xanax for an extended period of time and stop or drastically reduce your dosage, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Quitting Xanax abruptly may cause withdrawal symptoms even if you’re taking only the dose prescribed by your doctor. It takes about six to 12 hours after your last dose for symptoms to begin. The severity of the symptoms varies from one individual to another and will depends on several factors.
Duration of Use
One of the critical factors is how long you used the drug before you stopped. The symptoms are more pronounced if you’ve been using Xanax for a long time. Individuals who have been using it for longer than one month may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms than those with less than one week of use.
Substance Use History
The level of dependency on the drug is another factor determining severity. More severe symptoms are associated with users with a history of addiction or using outside the prescribed dosages. People who used alcohol, opiates, stimulants, or other drugs before their Xanax addiction or while they were using Xanax will have a tougher time with the withdrawal symptoms.
Tapering Versus Cold Turkey
Another factor in withdrawal severity is how usage was stopped. Immediate termination is usually more uncomfortable than in cases where reduced dosages to help the client taper off. A physician can assess and ascertain the exact dosage to minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal Symptoms
A person withdrawing from Xanax can exhibit one symptom or a combination. Some of the most common symptoms include:
• Difficulties sleeping or insomnia
• Weaker muscles
• Inability to concentrate
• Mood swings, irritability, or inability to control emotions
• Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
• Panic attacks
• Hallucinations
• Hot and cold flashes
• Pale or flushed skin
• Seizures
• Trouble breathing
• Irregular heart rate
Xanax Withdrawal Timeline
The half-life of Xanax is relatively short compared to that of some drugs. Xanax is metabolized and eliminated from your system within about 11 to 12 hours. Withdrawal sets in within 24 to 48 hours of quitting. Depending on the individual, the withdrawal symptoms timeline may progress from 14 days to even a month. So, how do these symptoms progress?
The First Day
After six to 12 hours, the body will start recognizing the diminishing amount of the drug in the system. Mood changes and an inability to control emotions may occur. The client may start feeling worried and start showing physical signs of discomfort. Addicted persons may try to access the drug to feel well again.
Days 1 Through 4
The most intense withdrawal symptoms are experienced from days one through four. This is the most sensitive point in the withdrawal timeline. Convulsions, muscle discomfort, and perspiration can occur in extreme cases. An intense craving for the drug takes root, and sleeping may be impossible. If not well cared for, some clients tend to relapse in this stage.
Days 5 Through 10
The severity of the symptoms tends to decrease after the sixth day. The fear and pain of the severe symptoms may persist, creating a need for continued support. Some of the symptoms, such as insomnia, may also continue but are not as severe. The body at this stage is beginning to work without the need for the drug although the psychological craving is still intense.
After Day 10
As the body acclimatizes to being free from this drug, the symptoms start to dissipate. This typically occurs two to three weeks after use was terminated. Some residual symptoms may continue for over two years before they cease completely. At this stage, one may experience reoccurrences of the initial mental problems that led to Xanax use.
At all stages of withdrawal, a client is still prone to rebound. At the Recovery Village, we provide specialized care and treatment throughout the withdrawal timeline, ensuring comfort and minimizing the chances of relapse during your recovery.
Xanax Detox
According to a study on alprazolam misuse and withdrawal, quitting Xanax is dangerous and more complicated than with other benzodiazepine drugs. This is caused by the high, unique rebound anxiety associated with Xanax. The severe clinical symptoms of withdrawal from use can be fatal if not controlled.
All detoxification plans fall under the following three categories.
Tapering
The first method is tapering down. This is the reduction in dosage of the drug at a rate of 0.5mg every three days until use is terminated. The purpose is to reduce reliance on Xanax while controlling the severity of the withdrawal symptoms. Tapering should only be performed by a qualified doctor after assessing the individual’s physical and emotional needs.
Compensation
There is also a compensation method using a different benzodiazepine drug with less potency and a longer half-life, such as gabapentin, to either replace or compensate for the reduction in dosage of Xanax. The alternate drug reduces a client’s reliance on Xanax. As the body adapts to the new drug, Xanax is tapered off or eliminated.
Medication-Assisted Detox
Finally, many treatment programs use other additional drugs to counter the severe withdrawal symptoms of Xanax. The body is allowed to eliminate this drug on its own while doctors prescribe other medications to treat the symptoms for the comfort of the client. This differs from compensation because the drugs prescribed are not benzos. A client in medication-assisted detox would be prescribed anti-nausea drugs, drugs that will reduce heart rate, or others depending on the client’s symptoms.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Detox Plan
Upon arrival at our facilities, you will be offered different treatment plans depending on your individual needs. Several factors will be considered before a plan is drafted. Our expert medical staff will consider your medical background, the state of your vital body organs and functions, your day-to-day lifestyle, the reasons that led to your use of Xanax, the period of use, exposure to daily stressors, and the accessibility to medical help in case of severe withdrawal symptoms. Our experts recommend visiting a qualified doctor before starting withdrawal or detoxification. One may opt for home-based, medically assisted, or institutionalized detoxification.
Home-based Detoxification
It is recommended for short-term users who were prescribed to the drug. This approach is only advised if one has been checked and if their chances of rebound or development of severe withdrawal symptoms are low. This method is not commonly recommended as some withdrawal symptoms are fatal, and availability of round-the-clock assistance may be required. It works by eliminating the drugs totally or by tapering, depending on the client’s needs.
Medically Assisted Detoxification
This option relies on the availability of a trained doctor administering the drugs while encouraging detoxification. It is a safe method of detoxification. The client will be provided not only with the right tapered dosages but also other medications to reduce reliance on Xanax and ease the severe withdrawal pains and discomfort. Regular checks on vital body organs and assistance in case of adverse reactions are also provided.
Institutionalized Detoxification
To detox this way, the client stays in the hospital during the entire period of recovery. This is common in cases of severe withdrawal symptoms or for those who have relapsed multiple times. It helps by limiting access to the drug and is used mostly when the client had a severe substance use disorder. It also ensures that a doctor or nurse will be present at all times in case of fatal withdrawal symptoms. Hospitalization is a great option for clients whose environmental stressors contributed to their drug use. Clients with insufficient home care and support, such as those who have been living on the streets, will benefit from this plan, which incorporates all the detox methods above.
Other Treatments for Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
Treatment doesn’t end when detox is complete. It continues with services like these.
Counseling Therapy
A deeper understanding of the causal factors and how to deal with some of the withdrawal symptoms is vital in recovery. Our expert therapists will support clients in managing themselves during and after detoxification. Family counseling to help the client’s loved ones understand what he or she is going through is also offered for support during this period.
Group Support Therapy
Recovering alone is usually difficult. Along with therapy and family support, interacting with others who are going through recovery can provide valuable support. This minimizes the chances of relapsing or replacing one dependency with another, such as relying on alcohol or marijuana. The support groups provide guidance as well as the self-esteem boost that comes with knowing you are not alone, and others will accept and support you in your recovery journey.
Xanax addiction withdrawal Aftercare Services
After successful detoxification, our staff will continue to monitor and provide support through counseling, treating any underlying clinical symptoms, providing information, and recommending suitable support groups to you. It’s always beneficial to get professional help in formulating and administering detoxification and treatment plans.
