Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms, Signs, & Treatment

What Are The Symptoms of Xanax Withdrawal?

Withdrawal symptoms of Xanax, like all benzodiazepines, may vary from person to person.

These are the most common physical Xanax withdrawal symptoms:

• Convulsions
• Muscle spasms
• Tremors in the hands
• Sweating
• Sore, stiff muscles
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Headaches
• Heart palpitations
• Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
• Menstrual complications for women
• Xanax withdrawal symptoms

These are the most common psychological side effects of Xanax withdrawal

• Anxiety
• Panic
• Confusion
• Depression
• Irritability
• Nervousness
• Tension
• Insomnia
• Heightened senses
• Fear
• Paranoia

Those who have been using benzodiazepines long-term may encounter protracted withdrawal upon discontinuation, with symptoms frequently involving new or worsening depression and anxiety. These are known as rebound symptoms.

In addition to withdrawal from Xanax symptoms, benzodiazepine use can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function, including memory and cognition problems.

If you are experiencing benzodiazepine withdrawal, it is crucial to seek medical assistance. A supervised medical detox program can provide support and guidance throughout the withdrawal process and help manage your symptoms. Beyond this, counseling and therapy can help you address the underlying reasons for your addiction and develop coping mechanisms for long-term recovery.

Can You Withdraw From Xanax?

Xanax belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, which are classified as CNS (central nervous system) depressants and are typically prescribed to alleviate anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, and seizure disorders. That said, long-term use of Xanax and other benzodiazepines can result in dependence, making withdrawal a possibility when the dosage is reduced or stopped abruptly.

Withdrawal symptoms from Xanax can surface within a day after the last dose and can persist for several days or even weeks. Dependence on benzodiazepines, including Xanax, can develop in as little as 3 to 6 weeks, with about 40% of people experiencing moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms when used for more than six months.

How To Get Through Xanax Withdrawal

Although Xanax withdrawal can be uncomfortable and risky, there are steps you can take to reduce your symptoms and make the process as smooth as possible. It is essential to work with a healthcare provider to help you navigate the unpredictable and dangerous nature of Xanax withdrawal. They may recommend a gradual tapering schedule or medication-assisted detox to manage your symptoms.

One of the most effective ways to alleviate Xanax withdrawal symptoms is to slowly taper off the drug. This gradual process allows your body to safely adjust to progressively lower doses, potentially reducing or preventing withdrawal symptoms altogether. It is vital to have a healthcare provider oversee your Xanax taper, as they can provide a schedule and dosage guidance. It’s worth noting that a doctor can assist with tapering your Xanax dosage, even if the drug wasn’t originally prescribed by them.

Here are some tips for getting through Xanax withdrawal:

1. 1. Don’t quit cold turkey: Suddenly stopping Xanax can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. Instead, your healthcare provider may recommend gradually reducing your dosage over a period of weeks or months to minimize your symptoms.

1. 1. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush Xanax and its metabolites from your system and ease some of the physical signs of Xanax withdrawal.

1. 1. Get plenty of rest: Withdrawal from Xanax can cause insomnia and other sleep disturbances but getting plenty of rest can help your body heal and reduce the severity of your symptoms.

1. 1. Practice self-care: Engage in activities that help you relax and reduce stress – exercise, yoga, or meditation, for instance. Eating a healthy diet can also help support your body during withdrawal.

1. 1. Seek support: Withdrawal from Xanax can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to friends and family for support or consider joining a support group for people in recovery.

Withdrawal from Xanax may be demanding and uncomfortable, but it’s also a pivotal step in reclaiming your health and well-being. With the right support and strategies in place, you can successfully withdraw from Xanax and move forward in your recovery journey.

Xanax Detox Symptoms

Xanax detoxification, or detox, is the process of eliminating the drug from the body. The detox process can be challenging for individuals who have been using Xanax regularly or at high doses. Some common Xanax detox symptoms include:

• • Anxiety: During detox, anxiety is common and can be intense. Xanax is a potent anxiety-reducing medication, and its sudden withdrawal can lead to symptoms of rebound anxiety.

• • Insomnia: Xanax is often prescribed for sleep disturbances, and withdrawal can lead to an inability to sleep or trouble staying asleep.

• • Irritability: Individuals going through Xanax detox may experience irritability or mood swings.

• • Sweating: Sweating is another common symptom of Xanax detox, and it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.

• • Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea and vomiting are also routine symptoms of Xanax detox and can be quite severe in some scenarios.

• • Seizures: In rare cases, Xanax detox can lead to seizures, which can be life-threatening. This is more likely to occur in individuals who have been taking Xanax at high doses for an extended period.

Detox from Xanax can be dangerous and should be conducted under medical supervision. A medical detox program can help manage withdrawal symptoms, provide support, and ensure the safety of the individual undergoing detox.