Xanax is a brand name benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are a class of medications that are prescribed for anxiety disorders and panic attacks primarily. The generic name is alprazolam, and this medicine is effective at providing symptom relief, but it’s also linked with the potential for addiction, dependence, and withdrawal.
Going through Xanax withdrawal can be uncomfortable and challenging, characterized by physical and psychological symptoms. Understanding these symptoms and how to manage them best is essential if you’re trying to stop using Xanax or you’ve already started the withdrawal process.
Xanax Effects on Your Brain and Body
Xanax has effects primarily because of its impact on the neurotransmitter system in the brain. In particular, Xanax affects a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA calms brain activity by reducing or inhibiting neuron activity.
Since Xanax enhances GABA’s effects by binding to specific receptors on neurons, it increases the inhibitory signals sent in the brain. Reduced neuron excitability leads to relaxation, less anxiety, and potentially sedation.
Along with anxiolytic effects, meaning the anti-anxiety impact, Xanax effects can include:
- Drowsiness and sedation.
- Muscle relaxation.
- Anticonvulsant properties.
- Impaired motor and cognitive function, including effects on memory, coordination, and reaction times.
- Dependence and addiction risks.
- Withdrawal symptoms.
Understanding Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms occur if you stop using Xanax or cut back significantly on how much you take. In general, withdrawal symptoms occur as the result of your body having adapted to the presence of a drug over time. If you take Xanax regularly for a period of time, your brain gets adjusted to the effects and changes its balance of neurotransmitters and receptor sensitivity. The brain becomes reliant on Xanax to keep up with normal functioning.
When you suddenly discontinue Xanax use or drop your dosage, your brain starts to struggle to regain balance, leading to symptoms of withdrawal.
Symptom severity can depend on the dosage you typically use, how long you used Xanax, and your overall health.
Common symptoms that you might experience during withdrawal include:
- Returning or worsening anxiety is known as rebound anxiety. It can be worse than what you experienced before starting Xanax in the first place.
- Insomnia.
- Restlessness, agitation or irritability, and an inability to feel relaxed.
- Tremors, especially in the hands.
- Involuntary muscle cramps or spasms.
- Excessive sweating.
- Headaches.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain and discomfort.
- Irregular heart rhythms or increased heart rate.
In severe cases, Xanax withdrawal can cause seizures, especially if you have a history of seizures or you’ve used high doses of the drug.
Usually, Xanax withdrawal symptoms will start in 1-4 days after you last use the drug. They peak in intensity for most people during the first week, but some symptoms, especially anxiety, insomnia, and other psychological symptoms, can last longer.
Within the first few days, symptoms might include anxiety, insomnia, irritability, tremors, and sweating. Within the first week, a peak in intensity is usually reached with symptoms including anxiety, panic attacks, muscle cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
By the second week, you may notice that your symptoms have improved.
Can Xanax Withdrawal Be Deadly?
While rare, Xanax withdrawal can be deadly.
One of the most possible severe complications of benzodiazepine withdrawal is the seizure risk. It’s also likely that other complications can occur, such as elevated heart rate or high blood pressure.
If a person experiences severe psychological distress during withdrawal, that can increase the risk of self-harm or suicidal ideation.
Managing Xanax Withdrawal Safely
Managing Xanax withdrawal safely and effectively is best done under medical supervision, with supportive care and pharmacological interventions as needed.
When you withdraw under the supervision of a healthcare professional, they can go over your medical history, dependence level, and overall health to devise a plan personalized to your needs.
It may be that a healthcare provider recommends tapering off Xanax gradually so you can adjust to lower drug levels slowly. Tapering schedules are tailored to individual needs and can take weeks to months.
There is also substitution therapy, where a healthcare provider may switch you to a longer-acting benzodiazepine, which can reduce withdrawal symptom severity.
Many medicines can be prescribed to manage specific symptoms. Anticonvulsants like gabapentin or carbamazepine can prevent seizures. Beta-blockers or clonidine can help with symptoms like tremors, anxiety, and a rapid heartbeat.
If you go through Xanax withdrawal with medical supervision, healthcare providers can monitor you closely and adjust your tapering schedules or treatment as needed.
During an inpatient medical detox, you are supervised around the clock and in a structured and safe environment.
How You Can Get Relief During Withdrawal
Along with getting medical help and supervision before attempting to stop using benzodiazepines, there are other things you can do for yourself that can help give you relief during a challenging time. Some of these tips for relief include:
- Get physical activity when you can. A slow, gradual increase in the intensity and frequency of exercise can help improve your mood, reduce anxiety, and help you get better sleep.
- Eat a balanced diet that can help stabilize your mood and energy levels. Avoid caffeine, sugar, and processed foods.
- Get plenty of sleep, following a regular schedule.
- Practice stress-reduction strategies like meditation, mindfulness, or deep breathing.
- Avoid triggers that would tempt you to return to Xanax use.
- Try to surround yourself with supportive people who can encourage you. This might be from friends or family, or you may attend counseling sessions or join a support group.
- Find healthy methods for coping with stress and negative emotions.
- Establish a daily routine to give yourself a sense of stability.
- Prioritize self-care.
If you’d like to learn more about safely detoxing from Xanax in a supportive medical environment, reach out to our team. We can help you seamlessly transition from a medical detox to an evidence-based treatment program at our luxury rehab center.
