08 Jul Xanax Withdrawal And How To Treat It
Xanax is a benzodiazepine mainly used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It produces a calming effect because it acts on the brain and the central nervous system of the body.
Xanax is considered safe when taken as directed and for short periods of time. All the same, it’s possible to become addicted to this drug. Today, we explore what you can expect from Xanax withdrawal and how it can be treated.
Table of Contents:
What are the withdrawal symptoms of Xanax?
As a central nervous depressant, Xanax slows down the user’s blood pressure, pulse rate, and temperature of the body to minimize anxiety, stress, and panic attacks. Some withdrawal symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Loss of appetite
- Blurry vision
- Muscle pain
- Tremors
- Diarrhea
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Insomnia
- Heart palpitations
- Sweating
Xanax withdrawal symptoms can be tolerable to medically serious, depending on the dose. That’s why withdrawal is safest when medically managed by a professional detox team.
How long does withdrawal last?
Withdrawal symptoms typically appear within 8 to 12 hours of your last dose. During the second day, the symptoms worsens and usually improves by the fourth to fifth day of withdrawal. In some instances, acute symptoms last longer.
Xanax withdrawal timeline
Stage 1: The beginning
Begins between 6 to 12 hours after the last dose was taken. Patients may experience symptoms such as anxiety and trouble sleeping.
Stage 2: The rebound
Day 1 to 4 after the last dose. Symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia intensify during this stage. It is also the peak of symptoms.
Stage 3: The downward slope
Day 5 to 14 after the last dose. Symptoms begin to lessen such as headache and muscle ache
Stage 4: The return
2 weeks to several months after symptoms. Normal function may now return, but there are people who complain of continued gastrointestinal disturbances and mood swings.
Xanax withdrawal peak
The usual peak of withdrawal of Xanax is on the 1st to 4th day, when rebound anxiety can happen. Going cold turkey or suddenly quitting is not recommended as it may cause more severe withdrawal symptoms. Gradual medical detox is more advisable to the patient.
The dangers of withdrawal
Seizures
Patients with increased blood pressure and temperature, behavioral changes, and movement irregularities are most likely to develop a seizure-like activity which may eventually lead to cardiorespiratory distress or coma and death.
Headaches
One of the most common symptoms that the patient will experience is headache. This is largely because of the insomnia and stress that patients are experiencing from withdrawing from Xanax.
What are your treatment options?
Rehab programs
Medical support such as rehabilitation and consulting psychiatrists with a combination of gradual dose tapering is the best way to successfully detox from Xanax. Therapy sessions such as stress management techniques and prevention tools are also recommended.
Inpatient facilities
Inpatient facilities provide the highest level of care because they take place in a medically supervised environment designed to minimize distractions. Most facilities offer programs that last from 28 days to several months, depending on the individual’s needs.
Inpatient therapy offers therapies such as:
- Group counseling
- Yoga and meditation
- Music therapy
- Neurofeedback
Alongside detox, these treatments can help the patient easily and safely recover from Xanax addiction.
Outpatient facilities
Outpatient treatment programs offering medical rehabilitation are an option for patients who do not want inpatient or home facilities. These programs generally take place at a local clinic, where the patient attends half or full-day sessions several times a week (as determined by their program). Outpatient programs are ideal for people who have busy schedules and mild addiction.
These services may include:
- Counseling
- Relapse prevention methods
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
In-home rehab
In-home rehabilitation is another way for patients who do not want inpatient care to receive the treatment they need. These programs take place entirely in the patient’s home.
In-home rehab is very convenient for many individuals because they can continue their rehabilitation process alongside their daily activities with minimal schedule disruption. However, in-home rehab may not be ideal for individuals with severe addiction because of the extra attention and monitoring they need from medical professionals.
Home remedies
Some research suggests that nutraceutical or herbal medicines can help patients to withdraw from Xanax abuse.
These home remedies include:
- Passionflower and chamomile, which help mitigate the sleep disturbances and mood swings of the patient.
- Meditation and exercise, which are encouraged to relieve stress.
- Support from friends, family, and medical professionals to ensure medical detox continues as planned by understanding and supporting the patient during their recovery.
In-Home Detox With Elite Home Detox
Withdrawing from xanax takes patience and determination. It’s not easy as it sounds, and there will be days where you want to give up on quitting. With medical supervision and support, you can successfully overcome your addiction.
Elite Home Detox can help in your addiction recovery journey. All of our in-home rehab plans are individually curated by our medical director, giving each patient personalized and specialized care that is uniquely their own. One of our team members stay onsite 24/7 during detox, ensuring that you receive safe, quality care through your recovery.