While it might seem like it’ll take the same amount of time for everyone, the Xanax withdrawal timeline differs for everyone. That doesn’t mean we can’t establish a basic understanding of this timeline, as well as what to expect. Doctors use this medication across the globe for treating anxiety disorders, depression, panic attacks, and panic disorders. Due to its calming effect, many turn to Xanax for recreational use. It’s easy to develop a dependence on this drug due to its addictive nature, which could lead to withdrawal symptoms and create the need for a drug detox program at Midwest Detox Center.
Understanding the Xanax Withdrawal Timeline
The Xanax withdrawal timeline occurs in four stages. Those who have a Xanax addiction shouldn’t try quitting cold-turkey. Stopping certain drug addictions can lead to adverse effects, including fatal consequences. Instead, individuals should go through the following stages with medical supervision:
- Stage one: Within the first six to 12 hours after taking their last dose, patients could begin feeling the effects of stage one. This stage is when withdrawal symptoms are at their worst. The body quickly absorbs and expels Xanax, making this benzodiazepine short-acting
- Stage two: Between one and four days after taking their last dose, patients could begin experiencing stage two symptoms. Some patients continue experiencing insomnia or what many refer to as “rebound” symptoms. These symptoms are often experienced before someone uses Xanax, but they are more intense during withdrawal
- Stage three: It isn’t uncommon for those withdrawing from Xanax to feel symptoms for between five and 14 days. Many symptoms peak in severity between the first and fourth day, but they can last for longer. At this point, anxiety and insomnia are what patients experience the most
- Stage four: The remaining withdrawal symptoms are typically mild or slight during this final stage. Some patients can return to normal functions without the need for medication. However, others experience the return of the symptoms that Xanax was originally combatting
Contributing Factors During Xanax Withdrawals
The Xanax withdrawal timeline is going to be affected by several factors. The first is how long a person was taking this medication. The patient might also have a higher tolerance to Xanax compared to others. Another factor is if they used Xanax in combination with other substances.
Some people might have unique biological factors, which include their ability to metabolize the drug or their genetics. Other factors include the individual’s age, as well as their method for administering this drug. For example, instead of taking it in pill form, it might have been snorted.
About Xanax Detox Symptoms
The Xanax withdrawal timeline also includes a host of detox symptoms. Because Xanax is commonly prescribed for anxiety, this problem is one of the earliest occurring and common symptoms when patients detox. If a patient didn’t have anxiety as a pre-existing condition, it’s an even more common detox symptom. Other typical psychological Xanax detox symptoms include:
- Apprehension
- Daytime drowsiness
- Dysphoria
- Irritability
- Night terrors
- Paranoia
- Pessimism
- Poor concentration
- Trouble sleeping
Detoxing during the Xanax withdrawal timeline also includes patients experiencing physical symptoms. Examples include the following:
- Balance and coordination issues
- Body aches
- Blurred vision
- Elevated heart rate
- Flu-like symptoms
- Increased blood pressure
- Muscle tension
- Restlessness
Safely Detox at Midwest Detox Center
When patients go through the stages in the Xanax withdrawal timeline, that means they’re tapering off this drug under medical supervision. That means medical professionals are gradually cutting back on this drug to help decrease tolerance and the amount in the patient’s bloodstream. By going through the stages gradually, that helps patients avoid severe symptoms like comas, seizures, or death.
Due to the severity of symptoms during stage one of the Xanax withdrawal timeline, it’s never recommended for anyone to quit cold turkey. Instead, they should step down the process under medical supervision at a men’s detox center or women’s detox center.
Now is the time to contact Midwest Detox Center at 833.647.0392 to learn more about withdrawals, detoxing, and how to receive the highest quality help.
