How Long Does Xanax Stay in Your System?

Understanding Xanax and Its Effects

What Is Xanax (Alprazolam)?

Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam, which is part of a group of prescription medications known as benzodiazepines. 

Benzodiazepines are a group of prescription drugs designed to slow down brain and central nervous system activity. Its ability to slow down brain and central nervous system activity makes Xanax an effective medication for a variety of symptoms and mental health conditions.

Typically, Xanax works to treat mental health conditions like panic disorders and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). However, Xanax can be used off-label to treat a variety of conditions, including other anxiety disorders, depression, premenstrual syndrome, and insomnia.

How Do Benzodiazepines Work in the Central Nervous System?

Benzodiazepines release a specific neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which works to decrease activity by slowing or blocking nerve signals. 

Your body communicates through chemical and electrical signals. The chemical signals are neurotransmitters, which bind to the appropriate nerve cells to send excitatory and inhibitory messages to control functions such as movement, sleep, and even emotions.

Excitatory messengers prompt the cell receiving the message to activate, such as telling your muscles to contract so you can walk or stand up straight. In contrast, inhibitory messengers prevent the receiving cells from activating. For example, endorphins are inhibitory neurotransmitters that can function to block pain signals.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, is the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter in your central nervous system. It is the GABA neurotransmitter’s job to lessen a nerve cell’s ability to receive, create, or send chemical messages to other nerve cells. Thus, GABA slows down your brain activity by blocking specific signals in your central nervous system.

Blocking signals in your central nervous system, specifically, helps control things like hyperactivity, which is associated with anxiety, fear, and stress. By reducing your neurons’ excitability, GABA produces calming effects. Therefore, benzodiazepines are an important group of prescription drugs for reducing anxiety and other difficult-to-manage emotions.

According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), benzodiazepines are a group of depressants that produce amnestic, anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic effects. The side effects of benzodiazepines come from the slowing down of central nervous system activity.

Listed below are the ways that the intended side effects of benzodiazepines work on the brain and body:

• Amnestic effects: Benzodiazepines can temporarily block the formation of new memories
• Anxiolytic effects: Can help loosen anxiety’s hold over you
• Sedative effects: Benzodiazepines have quiet and calming effects on the nervous system
• Hypnotic effects: Can help make you sleepy

What Are the Calming Effects of Xanax?

Much like other benzodiazepines, the calming effects of Xanax boost GABA in your system to reduce stress, panic, and anxiety and leave you feeling relaxed. 

Some of the other calming effects of Xanax include:

• Both physical and mental relaxation
• Reduces feelings of fear
• Decrease in feelings of agitation 

How Does Xanax Affect Mental Health and Panic Disorders?

Xanax works by boosting the effect of naturally occurring GABA in the brain.

GABA naturally calms brain activity to help manage emotions like anxiety and fear in stressful situations. However, excessive amounts of anxiety and stress can overload your brain with too much activity.

Your brain becomes overactive because there is an imbalance in the number of chemical signals in your brain. The imbalance makes it hard for GABA to work effectively, which prevents your brain from being able to calm down. Xanax helps bind GABA to the receptors in your brain, which helps you slow down and stop those racing thoughts.

Since Xanax is a short-acting drug, it can take effect within 30 minutes and reach its peak effects within one to two hours. The short-acting effects mean Xanax works effectively as a short-term solution for rapid-onset mental health issues like anxiety and panic attacks.

Some of the symptoms or side effects of anxiety disorders that Xanax’s calming effects can help with include:

• Irrational levels of fear
• Excessive worrying
• Panic attacks
• Anxiety-induced sleep issues
  • You feel so anxious from your worries that you are unable to sleep
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling easily agitated or irritable
  • Your body thinks you are in danger, so you feel on edge all or most of the time
• Social withdrawal and intense isolation brought on by agoraphobia due to anxiety

What Are the Common Side Effects of Xanax Use?

The common side effects of Xanax use include:

• Low blood pressure
• Impaired coordination or poor balance
• Changes in sex drive or performance
  • Increased libido
  • Loss of interest in sex
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Tiredness
• Slurred speech or difficulty talking
• Trouble concentrating
• Impaired memory
  • Forgetfulness
• Confusion
• Muscle weakness
• Blurred vision
• Upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting
• Headache
• Sleep issues
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Dry mouth
• Stuffy nose
• Swelling in the hands and feet
• Diarrhea or constipation

Some of the side effects of Xanax use, like dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired memory, are more common than other side effects. In addition to common side effects, Xanax use can come with rarer but more serious side effects that require attention from a healthcare provider.

Some of the more serious Xanax side effects include:

• Depression of the central nervous system
  • Slow or shallow breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness and feeling faint
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty staying awake
• Allergic reactions
  • Itchiness
  • Hives
  • Skin rash
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Mental health changes
  • Increased irritability
  • Hypomania
  • Worsening depression
  • Thoughts of suicide or self-harm

Understanding Influencing Factors: How Long Does Xanax Stay in Your System?

How Does the Dose of Xanax Impact Detection Time?

A dose of Xanax impacts the detection window because it takes longer for high doses to be metabolized compared to a lower dose of Xanax. 

Although everybody has different factors that contribute to the dose of Xanax they take, on average, the half-life of Xanax is around 11 hours to metabolize and excrete half of your last dose of Xanax. As a result, the half-life of Xanax also contributes to the detection time for understanding how long Xanax stays in your body.

Higher doses, among other factors, impact the amount of time Xanax stays in your system and the length of time it can still be detected.

Some of the other factors that impact the detection window include:

• Individual characteristics
  • Metabolic rate: Individuals with a faster metabolic rate can process Xanax faster than someone with a slow metabolic rate
  • Weight and height: Consuming a smaller dose of Xanax in comparison to your height and weight allows you to metabolize Xanax faster
    • The last dose of Xanax can be detected for a longer period for a short, lightweight person
    • A taller, heavier person will break down their last dose of Xanax faster
  • Age: The length of time Xanax lasts in your system is noticeably different for young and elderly people
    • Older adults, 65 and older, cannot break down Xanax as quickly as a younger person due to metabolic rate changes as you age
• Overall health and body chemistry: Things like your liver function and kidney function
  • Impaired liver function, such as liver disease, extends the length of time a dose of Xanax stays in the body
  • Kidney function overall does not impede how quickly a dose of Xanax stays, but renal disease has compromised metabolites for some people
• Frequency of use of Xanax: Frequent and long-term Xanax use takes longer to metabolize
• Knowing the amount of time the drug has been taken: Higher doses of Xanax take longer to leave your system
• The type of drug tests used for the detection time
  • Different drug tests, like saliva tests, urine tests, and hair tests, impact the determination time as well
• Taking Xanax with other drugs: Certain prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or illicit drugs can change how you metabolize Xanax
  • Inhibitor and inducer medications, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), such as antidepressants like Fluoxetine, can slow the amount of time it takes for the last dose to clear your system
• Method of ingestion: How you consume Xanax can change the length of time the last dose remains in your body
  • Pills and tablets taken as prescribed, follow the expected metabolic rate
  • Xanax abuse, such as snorting, speeds up how fast Xanax is metabolized

Detection Times and Testing Methods

How Long Does Xanax Stay in Urine Tests?

Urine tests are the most common method of detection, which can typically detect Xanax one to four days after your last dose. 

However, the length of the detection window changes based on factors such as frequency of use, age, and weight. For example, heavy Xanax use can be detected for at least a week.

How Long Does Xanax Stay in Blood Tests?

Blood tests have a short detection window, which can detect your last dose of Xanax between 24 and 48 hours. 

How Long Does Xanax Stay in Saliva Tests?

The detection time for your last dose of Xanax with saliva tests is typically up to 2.5 days.

How Long Does Xanax Stay in Hair Follicle Tests?

Hair tests, like a hair follicle test, have a long detection window for up to a month for detecting when Xanax last entered your body.

Xanax Dependence, Tolerance, and Withdrawal

What Are the Signs of Xanax Dependence or Abuse?

The signs of physical dependence or Xanax abuse include:

• Increased tolerance: Needing to take higher doses to achieve the same calming effects
• Misusing Xanax with other drug use
• Social withdrawal from loved ones
• Being secretive
• Unexplained financial issues
• Neglecting your responsibilities: Missing work or school, decreased performance at work or school, and failure to maintain household chores and tasks
• Doctor shopping
• Withdrawal symptoms: Insomnia, anxiety, and panic attacks
• Physical symptoms: Mood swings, depression, anxiety, increased agitation or aggression, paranoia or delusions, poor judgment, difficulty concentrating, and impaired memory

What Are the Symptoms of Xanax Withdrawal?

Listed below are some of the acute Xanax withdrawal symptoms for Xanax addiction:

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Muscle spasms and tremors
• Heart palpitations
• Hyperventilating
• Sweating
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sleep issues
• Seizures
• Psychosis, including hallucinations, delusions, and delirium
• Sensitivity to light, noise, and touch
• Blurred vision and headaches

How Can Medical Supervision Help With Xanax Detoxification?

At Profound Treatment, we provide medical supervision in Xanax addiction detox for a safer and more comfortable withdrawal experience. 

In a supportive environment with luxury amenities like our inpatient detoxification, you are given the space you need to start healing and building the necessary tools to prepare you for behavioral health treatment and recovery.

With Xanax addiction in particular, cutting out Xanax cold turkey can be dangerous. Severe Xanax withdrawal symptoms like seizures, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm need medical supervision to ensure a safe detox experience.

One of the most effective ways to manage withdrawal symptoms for frequent and heavy Xanax addiction is tapering. Under medical supervision from an experienced healthcare provider, you will slowly lower your dose of Xanax until the last dose has exited your system.

What Are the Risks of Mixing Xanax With Opioids or Other Sedative Drugs?

Mixing Xanax with opioid drugs and other benzos can increase your risk of an overdose and death. 

Additionally, mixing drugs can complicate addiction treatment as you experience withdrawal symptoms from two or more substances at the same time. However, with medical supervision in detox, you have access to comprehensive, compassionate care to address co-occurring conditions in our client-driven treatment center.

Treatment and Recovery for Xanax Addiction

What Happens During a Xanax Detox Program?

Everyone’s experience with Xanax addiction treatment is unique to the individual, but some of the things you can expect in your detox program include:

• Around-the-clock, 24/7 medical supervision
• Working with a healthcare provider to build a personalized detox plan
  • Access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
  • Can include a tailored plan for tapering off Xanax
• Psychological care
  • Individual therapy sessions
  • Group therapy sessions
  • Access to family therapy for you and your loved one
    • Including opportunities for family involvement throughout addiction treatment
  • Support for building healthy coping strategies
    • Stress management
    • Skill building
    • Mindfulness practices
  • Other therapeutic modalities and therapies
    • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
    • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
    • Art and music therapy
    • Yoga and meditation

How Do Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment Programs Support Recovery?

Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs offer support, guidance, motivation, and accountability to address and dismantle controlled substance issues. 

Challenges with substance abuse can feel daunting, but with compassionate integrated treatment programs, there is space to learn, grow, and make a profound change in your life for sustained recovery. Yet, what treatment program is best suited to address your unique needs for physical dependence?

What treatment program best answers the question, “How long does Xanax stay in your system?” as you take this important step toward detox, treatment, and healing? There are many different treatment options to address substance abuse, but the main reason to choose an inpatient or outpatient treatment center is based on the best level of care for you.

The main differences and benefits of inpatient and outpatient treatment programs are:

• Inpatient treatment center
  • Time away from potential triggers and distractions 
  • 24/7 medical care and support 
  • Around-the-clock supervision and accountability
  • Medical detox
  • Individualized treatment plans
  • Mental health services
  • Dual diagnosis treatment 
  • Peer support
  • Aftercare
• Outpatient treatment center
  • Flexible treatment schedule
    • In-person and telehealth treatment options
  • Addiction treatment therapies
  • Mental health program
  • Aftercare

What Role Does Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Play in Xanax Addiction Treatment?

Listed below are some of the benefits of CBT for substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health challenges:

• Helps you identify triggers
  • People, places, and situations 
• Teaches you how to change negative thinking patterns
• Improves your ability to focus on the present rather than the past
• Supports the development of effective coping strategies
  • Manage difficult emotions
  • Effectively respond to triggers
• Improves emotional regulation skills
• Teaches you how to engage problem-solving skills
• Supports building a mutually supportive network of loved ones, peers, and healthcare providers

Finding Professional Help at Profound Treatment

Why Choose a Residential Detox Program for Xanax Addiction?

At Profound Treatment, you can find a balanced and whole-person approach to treatment programs tailored to your specific needs.

In addition, you can connect with and learn from a community of clinicians and peers in a tranquil setting where you have time for rest and reflection. Our holistic care ensures you have access to the tools and services you need to heal the whole of your parts.

There is a wide range of services that can be tailored to you, from evidence-based interventions and support groups to nutrition courses, yoga, and acupuncture. With support, you can empower yourself to make a profound change to lead a fulfilling and purposeful life as a healthy adult.

FAQs About Xanax and Detection Times

When do Xanax withdrawal symptoms typically begin?

Xanax withdrawal symptoms can start between six hours and 24 hours after your last dose of Xanax.

Is Xanax detection time the same for all benzodiazepines?

No, benzodiazepines have different detection times based on whether the medication is short-acting or long-acting.

Xanax is a beneficial short-term medication for mental health challenges like panic and anxiety disorders. However, long-term Xanax use can lead to physical dependence. If you are having challenges with Xanax abuse, you are not alone. At Profound Treatment, you can find support, guidance, and accountability to heal as a whole person. Contact us at (833) 737-3422 to learn how medical detox can help you.