What Are the Symptoms of Xanax Withdrawal?
Xanax — also known as alprazolam — is a beneficial drug used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. However, nearly 17.3% of patients who are prescribed Xanax end up abusing it and this can have detrimental effects. As a sedative, Xanax helps to slow down thinking and other brain processes. When used in small doses, this can help relieve anxiety and leave patients with less stress and worry. Despite this, it is an addictive substance, and abuse of it shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms
If you or someone you know is struggling with Xanax dependency, drug rehab could be the best way to help treat this addiction and get them through withdrawal safely and effectively. When it comes to withdrawal from Xanax, the process isn’t an easy one, and some of the most common symptoms include:
- Blurred Vision
- Headaches
- Muscle Pain
- Diarrhea
- Numbness
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Tremors
- Loss of Appetite
- Sensitivity to Light and Sound
- Heart Palitations
- Seizures
Because Xanex is a central nervous system depressant that can slow heart rate and drop blood pressure and body temperature, in addition to helping anxiety and panic disorder, some of these symptoms may rebound and become more prominent during withdrawal. As it can also sometimes be used to help mitigate epileptic seizures, the reoccurrence of these can also be an issue that needs monitoring.
Additionally, benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, can also cause increased depression, irritability, mood swings, trouble concentrating, short-term memory loss, and hallucinations, making professional monitoring useful.
How Long Does Withdrawl Take?
Xanax has a half-life of around 11 hours, meaning that it stops being active in the blood between six and 12 hours after the last dose. This is when symptoms of withdrawal can start, usually peaking two weeks later. Xanax should never be stopped suddenly, as dangerous side effects can be more likely, and even grand mal seizures have been documented. The Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association has published that the side effects of withdrawal may even be fatal without professional assistance during the detox period.
How to Get Off Xanax
The best way to get off of Xanax is by tapering the dosage as recommended by a professional. This, coupled with psychological support via a drug rehab program can help make withdrawal safer and more manageable for the person struggling with dependency.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a Xanax dependency, take a look at drug rehab options near you, and strongly consider the benefits that detox can provide.