Signs of Withdrawals from Xanax
Withdrawals from Xanax can be dangerous and life-threatening.
Withdrawals from Xanax or other benzodiazepines should also never be done without the supervision of medical professionals.
Effective medical detox options are in many different treatment facilities.
These facilities should be able to help you recover from the effects of Xanax abuse.
If you take Xanax, whether, for prescribed or other purposes, it is important that there is always a risk of dependence.
Especially those who take the drug in large doses, or for a longer period than initially prescribed.
This runs a larger risk of developing a dependence. These people also increase their likelihood of suffering from withdrawal.
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What is Withdrawal From Benzos?
Withdrawal occurs when you stop taking Xanax, or another benzo, after being physically dependent on it.
Without Xanax in your body, you may not be able to function or feel normal.
This also comes along with experiencing physical pain and psychological disturbances.
Half-Life
Xanax has a very short half-life. This means that it leaves your body very quickly after taking it.
This means that Xanax in particular is more likely to cause emotional and physical dependency, This can also mean that your withdrawal symptoms may arrive between scheduled doses.
If you experience withdrawal symptoms in between doses, then it is a surefire sign that you have a psychological dependency to the medication.
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Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
Xanax is typically intended for short-term use due to its high addiction potential.
Withdrawals from Xanax can come on quickly, due to it being more addictive than many other benzodiazepines.
Some people have experienced withdrawals from Xanax, after only taking it for a few weeks.
Sometimes withdrawals from Xanax can even occur on your prescribed dose.
Despite this, those who take Xanax for a longer period of time or in large doses may experience more severe withdrawals from Xanax side effects.
This can include severe symptoms like hallucinations and seizures.
Withdrawal symptoms typically suddenly. They can begin even a few hours after the last dose. Symptoms of withdrawals from Xanax include:
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Increased anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Suicidal thoughts
- Seizures
- Sweating
- Weight loss
- Heart palpitations
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle pain
Rebound Symptoms
Those who have prescribed Xanax for generalized anxiety disorder, known as GAD, panic disorder, or insomnia can easily experience rebound symptoms.
This occurs after stopping the use of this drug.
Rebound effects are intensified symptoms of any pre-existing psychological disorder that was treated with this drug, to begin with.
It can include anxiety, panic attacks, and the inability to sleep. Even though rebound symptoms usually fade away after about a week, the underlying disorder will typically require specialized treatment.
Duration of Withdrawals From Xanax
Xanax is a short-acting benzodiazepine. This means that its effects are felt extremely quickly.
Withdrawal starts as soon as the body and brain no longer have the drug, which is as little as a few hours.
It will usually last for over a week.
There are five factors that can influence how long Xanax withdrawal takes:
- The length of time you have taken Xanax
- The average dose you have regularly taken
- How frequently you take Xanax
- Whether or not you combine Xanax with alcohol or other drugs
- Your mental health and medical history
In some cases, symptoms of Xanax withdrawal can appear up to two years after stopping its use. This is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome, or PAWS. Another name is protracted withdrawal. Symptoms of PAWS can be seen for up to 18 to 24 months after detox. These will eventually decrease throughout becoming sober and going through recovery.
Common Symptoms of PAWS
- Constant anxiety
- Chronic insomnia
- Aches and pains
- Difficulty performing tasks
- Poor concentration
- Sexual dysfunction
- Depression
Withdrawals From Xanax Timeline
6 to 12 hours
After the first six hours, the effects of the Xanax begin to wear off. This means that the withdrawal symptoms are setting in. You may begin to feel anxiety, but you may also feel irritable. This is typically something that increases as time goes on.
1 to 4 Days
During the first few days of withdrawal, you will experience the symptoms of withdrawal in their most intense state. This means that rebound anxiety and insomnia will also be at their peak.
Other symptoms include:
- Shaking
- Muscle pain
- Sweating
After the fourth day, you should see an improvement, but they will not be gone.
7 to 14 Days
Withdrawal symptoms can last for one week, or even up to two. During this time the worst symptoms will be over, and symptoms of withdrawal will be less severe. You may still experience rebound anxiety and insomnia, but not as severely.
15+ Days
Any lingering symptoms after the first 15 days will be mild. In some cases, you may see protracted withdrawal symptoms begin without notice. This can occur even if the initial withdrawal symptoms are already gone. Protracted withdrawal symptoms can fluctuate and last up to two years.
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Detox From Xanax
Detoxing from Xanax is a difficult and long process.
This is because Xanax can produce severe withdrawal symptoms.
Oftentimes, addicts believe that quitting cold turkey is the best option.
In reality, medical professionals have stated that this is not recommended.
Tapering down use is the safest method to avoid dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Tapering Off
Tapering off Xanax involves cutting your dosage over a period of time.
In some cases, your doctor might recommend using a less potent benzodiazepine with a longer half-life.
This often includes the drug Klonopin. Tapering off should always be done under the supervision of a medical professional.
Why Is Detox Dangerous?
Following a sudden withdrawal or a taper that is too rapid, your brain will think that it is injured.
This is because it has been so dependent on Xanax to survive.
Because you are experiencing fatigue, disorientation, severe panic, startle reactions, nerve pain, muscle aches, and short-term memory loss, you may feel under attack.
Because of this, Xanax withdrawal can be dangerous or even fatal. This is why you must use medical direction when going through detox or a taper.
Mental Illness and Withdrawals From Xanax
Symptoms of substance-induced psychosis can occur with withdrawals from Xanax.
These are different from the symptoms of chronic psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.
Some of the well-known symptoms of schizophrenia will include auditory hallucinations and paranoid delusions.
When going through a severe withdrawal, you may also experience these symptoms in a benzodiazepine-induced psychosis.
This might include visual hallucinations.
Treatment For Withdrawals From Xanax
If you are taking more Xanax than you did before, if you stop, you will most likely experience symptoms of withdrawal.
These may be sudden and intense. If this applies to you or a loved one, then it is recommended to pursue a medical detox at a treatment center.
Many inpatient and outpatient treatment programs offer detox as the first part of their treatment programs.
Treatment programs will ensure that you can beat your physical dependence on the drug.
It will also help to address the psychological side of addiction.
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Get Help For Your Withdrawals From Xanax
Getting treatment for your Xanax addiction can give you your best chance at a successful recovery.
At Resurgence Behavioral Health we offer exceptional programs along with free insurance verification for treatment.
For help finding a treatment program, contact us today.
