Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
Xanax is a benzodiazepine that is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and seizures and is commonly used in alcohol detox. As a central nervous system depressant, it has a sedative or calming effect. Although it is very effective at treating generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorders, it is also highly addictive. Xanax addiction and abuse can create a physical dependence that causes symptoms of withdrawal when you attempt to come off it cold turkey. Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome can be quite dangerous and requires medical detoxing.
Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
Because Xanax is so highly addictive, it is intended only to be used for a short period of time. However, users have experienced withdrawal symptoms after only taking it for a few weeks and as prescribed. Xanax abusers who have taken larger doses or for an extended period of time may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms such as seizures and hallucinations.
Xanax is a short-acting benzodiazepine, meaning it leaves the body quickly as well. This causes withdrawal symptoms to appear just a few hours after the last dose. Some Xanax withdrawal symptoms include:
- Panic attacks
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle aches and stiffness
- Rebound anxiety
- Tremors
- Sleep disturbances
- Nausea vomiting
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Suicidal thoughts
- Heart palpitations
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Difficulty concentrating
- A sensation of being detached from the body
- Hypersensitivity to light, sound, or touch
- Psychosis including delirium, delusions, and hallucinations
- Seizures
Xanax Withdrawal Timeline
Xanax withdrawals can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. How long Xanax withdrawal symptom lasts depends on several factors, however the general withdrawal timeline for Xanax looks like this:
Stage 1: The Beginning – one to two days after last does withdrawal symptoms start, including trouble sleeping, headaches, and anxiety.
Stage 2: Rebound Effects – 14 to 28 days after the last dose, Xanax withdrawal symptoms are past their peak and you will start to feel better. However, you may also unexpectedly get worse after improving and then repeat.
Stage 3: The Return – normal functioning eventually returns but this can take a long time for some.
Why Medical Detox is Necessary When Quitting Xanax
Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome can cause very dangerous symptoms which can even be fatal. Seizures are the greatest risk which tends to be grand mal seizures, characterized by convulsion. They can occur anytime during acute withdrawals, but the highest risk is 24 hours after the last dose. Suicidal thoughts and hallucinations can also be very dangerous, but through medical detoxing, physicians and nurses will monitor your vitals around the clock and administer medication-assisted treatment to reduce the risk of dangerous symptoms. Also, detox programs increase your chances of completing the detox process by giving you medications that ease symptoms of withdrawal and eliminate the chance of a relapse.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Xanax Addiction
Many people have been prescribed Xanax for an existing anxiety disorder or panic disorder. When you stop using Xanax, those health disorders are still there and dual diagnosis treatment can help treat co-occurring disorders such as these to reduce the risk of relapsing after completing treatment. Evidence-based addiction treatment and behavioral health treatments are used to treat co-occurring disorders simultaneously, which can be the root of your drug addiction. Medical detox is just the first step in addiction treatment and mostly just treats the physical side of addiction. Prescription drug rehab is needed to treat the psychological and behavioral parts of addiction.
Finding Help for Addiction Treatment with Union First
Union First not only helps to protect your job status while you receive behavioral health treatment, but our expert staff also connects you with treatment facilities that fit your needs. We can help you find the right level of care including residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP), or other outpatient treatment. If you are struggling with substance abuse, please give us a call today to find the best addiction treatment in Philadelphia.