Xanax Withdrawal: What to Expect and How to Help

Xanax is commonly prescribed as an anti-anxiety medication. It can help patients struggling with insomnia, panic attacks, PTSD, and/or excessive worrying.

While Xanax can provide helpful relief for acute distress; it’s not a suitable long-term medication. Benzodiazepines like Xanax can be addictive, which can create problems surrounding withdrawal.

So, if you or a loved one are worried about Xanax dependency, it’s vital to be aware of and prepare for withdrawal symptoms. As with all addictions, quitting this drug will take patience and determination.

In light of that, this article will cover what to expect from Xanax withdrawal and how you can help a struggling loved one.

Let’s dive in!

What to Expect from Xanax Withdrawal

How severely a dependant suffers Xanax withdrawal depends on your dose and how often you are using it. Withdrawal symptoms can range from uncomfortable to very difficult, and many underestimate its effect.

It’s important to remember that even doctor-prescribed medication can have an addictive hold over those taking the drugs.

If you’ve been using Xanax multiple times a day, quitting will be incredibly difficult. It’s important to gradually reduce your dose, following the advice of your physician.

Don’t be tempted to go cold turkey, as this could trigger perilous withdrawal symptoms – for instance, delirium and grand mal seizures.

Roughly 40% of those taking Xanax will experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms for more than six months. It’s important to remember that the medication doesn’t discriminate.

If you have been using it for a long time, your body will become dependant automatically, and withdrawal will be difficult.

Most commonly, Xanax withdrawal kicks in eight to 12 hours after your last dose. If you don’t taper your dose, your symptoms will grow increasingly intense. Ordinarily, the withdrawal is worst on the second day and improves by the fourth or fifth.

Sadly, withdrawal doesn’t end there for many sufferers. Protracted withdrawal is a prolonged withdrawal experience accompanied by milder psychological symptoms. These can come and go over several months and can last as long as one year.

How to Overcome Xanax Withdrawal

The best approach to overcoming addiction and stop using Xanax effectively is to taper down your dose. This means taking progressively smaller amounts over several weeks. Your doctor should be assisting with this process and supporting it.

Xanax metabolizes very quickly, so tapering this drug can be challenging as the amount of it in your system spikes and wanes. Your doctor may be able to assist you with avoiding these peaks by prescribing a long-acting benzodiazepine such as diazepam instead.

How to Help Someone Overcoming Xanax Withdrawal

If you’re a loved one hoping to assist someone quit Xanax, the most important thing is to remain patient. Remember that their dependency is physiological and not a sign of an addictive personality and that their struggles are out of their control.

You can provide support by being understanding of their symptoms and expecting changes in attitude without blame.

While they suffer withdrawal, those quitting Xanax might benefit from herbal sleep aids such as valerian root and chamomile. They may also find mindfulness practices and mediation, and regular exercise helps their sleep patterns and anxiety.