Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms & How to Quit Xanax
Learn what to expect from a Xanax detox, and how to deal with Xanax withdrawal symptoms.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal, like alcohol withdrawal, can be dangerous. Detoxing from drugs like Xanax must never be attempted without medical supervision. We offer the facts below not as medical advice but rather as guidance and support.
Xanax is a potent benzodiazepine, prescribed most frequently to people with anxiety or panic disorders. Xanax works fast and has a relatively short half-life, and this means that after quitting – withdrawal symptoms begin quickly and severely.
Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
Usually, symptoms will be noticeable within 12 hours, and symptoms will peak within 3-4 days. Residual and lingering symptoms of withdrawal can last for months.
Some common Xanax withdrawal symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Hallucination
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Convulsion
- Nightmares
- Nausea
- Vomiting
CAUTION: A drastic detox from Xanax or other benzodiazepines should never be attempted without medical supervision!
The most serious (but more rare) side effect is convulsion – and these can be life threatening. More common side effects are psychological in nature, and are very unpleasant. Problematically, many people take Xanax to manage symptoms of a mental health disorder, and when in withdrawal from Xanax, these mental health symptoms are greatly worsened.
How Does Xanax Work?
Xanax causes a decrease in anxiety through an increase in GABA (a neurotransmitter) in the brain. This increase in GABA calms and soothes an excited mind, and can be very pleasant.
Because the medication feels good, especially when used in excess, the drug is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance – a drug with some probability for abuse.
Xanax can work very well, but when used for too long, or when used in excess, it can create a physical and psychological dependence, and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.
Xanax Changes Your Mind
Xanax increases the activity of GABA in the brain, and this increase in GABA calms an otherwise excited and anxious mind.
Over time, the brain responds to this increased GABA activity by lowering the amount of available GABA.
At this point, the person will need to take a larger dose of Xanax to feel the same effects – and at this point, if the person tries to stop taking Xanax completely, they will experience withdrawal pains.
Once the brain has adjusted to prolonged Xanax usage, GABA levels are reduced. GABA keeps anxiety and other negative feelings in check, and so with less GABA, and no medication increasing the activity of existing GABA, the person will go into very uncomfortable withdrawal.
Quitting Xanax: Tapering Down
The safest way to discontinue Xanax is through a medically monitored period of tapering down the dosage. This can take many months, but is safer and far less unpleasant than a "cold turkey" detox.
The pace at which the dosage is reduced will depend on the length of the dependency, with longer dependencies requiring a slower reduction. One suggestion is to reduce the dosage by 0.25 mg every two weeks, but individual recommendations must come from a doctor familiar with your case and your medical history.
The advantage of a very long and slow tapering down is that it allows your brain time to adjust to the decreasing dosages of medication, and to begin producing more GABA to compensate. The symptoms of withdrawal are caused by this GABA insufficiency, so allowing the brain to "keep up" with the tapering, alleviates the severity of the symptoms.
Just as the brain compensated for increased levels of Xanax by lowering endogenous levels, it will compensate for reduced quantities of the ingested drug by increasing endogenous levels – but it takes time!
By tapering very slowly, you can avoid severe symptoms of withdrawal. An additional advantage is that by controlling for withdrawal symptoms, you are better able to gauge your need for the medication. If you were initially prescribed Xanax for panic – and you detox quickly – you will feel panic, but you won’t know if you are feeling panic as a symptom of withdrawal, or as a symptom of a still active panic disorder.
By tapering slowly, you can better judge your need for the continuing use of the medication.
Quit Xanax Cold Turkey?
It is possible to detox safely off of Xanax quickly while under medical supervision, but even with the prescription of symptom-controlling medications, a quick detox is very tough and uncomfortable.
A drastic detox should never be attempted without medical supervision! In extreme cases, Xanax withdrawal can induce potentially fatal convulsions.
Xanax Addiction Treatment
If you have been taking the medication as prescribed for a legitimate disorder, then once you have tapered down off of the drug you may not need formal addiction treatment. Physical dependence differs from a substance use disorder, and the likelihood of returning to problematic use may be different in these two situations.
If you abused the medication to get high, you will likely need addiction therapies to help you stay free of the medication.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Editor’s picks
Synthetic Marijuana Withdrawal: Strategies for Coping with Common Symptoms
What to expect from synthetic marijuana withdrawal, how to cope with common symptoms and how to make it past the first tough week.
Marijuana Detox: Withdrawal Symptoms and How to Cope
How to get past the first 2 weeks of marijuana withdrawal symptoms. Learn what to expect from marijuana withdrawal, with tips and suggestions for coping with individual withdrawal symptoms.
Heroin Withdrawal: Detox Medications, Treatments and Advice
You can detox safely on your own, but getting medication and professional support improves your odds of success. Learn about your different medication and treatment options.
Meth Cravings and Meth Withdrawal Symptoms Timeline – A Countdown to Feeling OK
What to expect and when to expect it – here’s a timeline for meth cravings and common meth withdrawal symptoms. Use this to count the days till you’ll feel OK again.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: What to Expect - How to Taper – How to Cope
Done wrong, a benzodiazepine detox can turn into months of agony. Done right, by slow taper, it’s very manageable. Read on to learn more about what to expect, how to taper, how to minimize your withdrawal symptoms and how to cope with those you do experience.