Xanax is a benzodiazepine used in psychiatry to treat anxiety and panic disorders—Xanax functions by lowering anxiety levels by raising GABA reuptake. Xanax is sometimes a necessary intervention for individuals struggling with chronic anxiety as they learn coping skills and other strategies to manage their anxiety.
Unfortunately, if used for too long, Xanax causes the body to become chemically dependent, which means that the body will endure a severe and potentially fatal withdrawal if not medically supervised. As your brain searches for ways to create neurotransmitters, you experience withdrawal, and some symptoms are life-threatening. To detox safely, go to a detox facility with 24hr medical staff.
The timeline for withdrawing from Xanax depends on various factors that pertain to your specific situation. Some of these factors include the length of time and frequency you’ve been on Xanax, the dosage taken, and the addition of other substances mixed with it. Any other mental or physical issues also influence the length of withdrawal and the detox period for Xanax. Read on for everything you need to know about the Xanax withdrawal timeline.
Xanax Withdrawal Timeline
Generally speaking, the higher the dosage, the greater the time it will take to overcome withdrawal. You may notice symptoms as early as two days and as late as ten days after stopping use. The Xanax withdrawal timeline ranges as the brain is searching to produce more neurotransmitters to compensate for the lack of Xanax.
Symptoms include headaches, digestive upsets, anxiety, insomnia, numbness, and blurry vision. During withdrawal, body convulsions, seizures, suicidal ideation, and hallucinations may occur. Although the symptoms are distressing, it is essential to understand that withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening.
1. Six Hours After Last Xanax
Since Xanax is quickly absorbed and released, you will likely promptly feel withdrawal symptoms. After the six-hour mark of your most recent dose, you may begin to feel symptoms. You may have even noticed symptoms before the Xanax withdrawal timeline and in-between between dosages long before you detox. These symptoms, in general, are indications of dependency.
2. First Through The Fourth Day
Between the first and the fourth day after stopping, you may experience a rebound effect of your anxiety and physical distress, including diarrhea, nausea, and other flu-like symptoms.
3. First Through Week Two
Your stomach discomfort may increase from day one through week two, though your anxiety will most likely have improved.
4. The Months After
Around the two-week mark and up to many months following your last Xanax, you may experience digestive distress and mood swings. Since the Xanax withdrawal timeline is so debilitating and potentially dangerous, you must detox at a rehab facility with medical staff to monitor your health.
Get Through Detox Safely
Although the Xanax withdrawal timeline varies from person to person, you can generally expect it to take several months before you begin to feel like yourself again. Once you get past the four stages, you can manage your anxiety using non-addictive stress reduction strategies.
