Going through Xanax withdrawal is tough, and it can lead you down a path you didn’t expect. When you stop taking Xanax, especially if you’ve been on it for a while, your body can react in intense ways. You might start feeling anxious again — sometimes even more than before you started taking the medication. This is what some people call rebound anxiety, and it’s a big reason why quitting Xanax is hard.
But the difficulties don’t stop there. Even those who haven’t developed an addiction might face severe outcomes like seizures and psychosis during withdrawal. These symptoms show just how deeply Xanax can affect the brain and body, making the process of quitting a complex and serious undertaking.
Complex Nature of Xanax Withdrawal
Xanax withdrawal is more complex than many realize. You can develop a physical dependence on Xanax without increasing your dosage over time. This means even if you’re taking the drug as prescribed, you might experience intense withdrawal symptoms like seizures.
Research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry shows that up to 44% of people using benzodiazepines like Xanax for anxiety or insomnia become dependent within six months.
Interestingly, it’s possible to develop a tolerance to Xanax without being physically dependent. This means you may need more of the drug to get the same effect in terms of reducing anxiety, but you won’t necessarily experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop using it.
The relationship between tolerance and dependence with Xanax is not straightforward. Dependence can occur without tolerance, and vice versa.
According to the National Library of Medicine, benzodiazepine dependence can develop quickly, sometimes within just three to six weeks of continuous use. This highlights the importance of monitoring and managing Xanax use to prevent dependence and minimize withdrawal risks.
Symptoms of Xanax Withdrawal
The severity of Xanax withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the duration and amount of use, individual physiology, and the presence of any underlying medical conditions. Common withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Restlessness and insomnia
- Agitation and irritability
- Anxiety and memory difficulties
- Excessive sweating
- Hypersensitivity to light and sound
- Rapid pulse or palpitations
- Seizures
According to a study in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, seizures are among the most severe withdrawal symptoms associated with benzodiazepine cessation, especially in high-dose users or those who abruptly stop using.
Taking Xanax with alcohol results in faster absorption and metabolism of the drug, amplifying the withdrawal symptoms. Xanax is highly addictive, making it more difficult to come off compared to other substances.
Prolonged Xanax withdrawal can cause intense psychological and physical reactions, including muscle tension, tremors, and perceptual disturbances related to light, sound, and noise. In severe cases, Xanax withdrawal may trigger psychosis, characterized by hallucinations, profound confusion, and memory problems.
Xanax Withdrawal: Understanding the Unique Rebound Anxiety
Xanax withdrawal presents a distinctive challenge, often leading to a pronounced rebound anxiety that sets it apart from other benzodiazepines.
Studies involving patients with panic disorder treated with Xanax revealed that, even with a gradual four-week taper, most individuals experienced a resurgence or escalation of panic attacks.
Additionally, many developed new physical symptoms like malaise, weakness, insomnia, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness. This underlines the intricate nature of Xanax withdrawal, where individuals may confront a return of their initial symptoms alongside new and distressing physical manifestations.
Xanax Withdrawal Timeline
Xanax withdrawal can begin within 24 hours after the last dose and symptoms may last between a few days to weeks. The use of any benzodiazepine, even as directed, for as little as 3 to 6 weeks can result in dependence, including withdrawal upon discontinuation.
Withdrawal symptoms can persist for weeks, months, or even a year in some cases. Attempting to quit Xanax cold turkey is extremely dangerous and can be life-threatening.
Xanax Withdrawal Seizures
Seizures due to Xanax withdrawal are a significant concern, particularly because they can occur even without a prior history of epilepsy or seizures. Studies suggest that the risk of seizures increases with the amount of Xanax used and the speed at which the drug is discontinued.
Research indicates that up to 30% of individuals abusing benzodiazepines like Xanax at high doses will experience seizures upon withdrawal.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Convulsions: Sudden, uncontrollable shaking and jerking movements.
- Muscle Stiffness: Severe stiffening of muscles, potentially causing falls.
- Loss of Consciousness: Brief blackouts or fainting during a seizure.
- Confusion: Disorientation and difficulty understanding post-seizure.
- Sensory Changes: Unusual feelings like numbness or tingling, often preceding the seizure.
- Involuntary Movements: Unexpected twitching or jerky motions.
Risk Factors:
- High-dose and long-term Xanax use
- Abrupt discontinuation and using Xanax with alcohol, opioids, and other benzodiazepines
- Genetic factors
Managing Seizures:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Follow up with medical professionals for further evaluation and guidance on managing seizures during Xanax withdrawal.
Xanax Withdrawal Psychosis: Losing Grip on Reality
Xanax withdrawal can lead to psychosis in some individuals, characterized by a detachment from reality and the presence of delusions and hallucinations
Statistics on Xanax withdrawal psychosis are limited, but one study found that up to 50% of individuals with a history of psychosis experienced a recurrence of symptoms during benzodiazepine withdrawal.
Another study reported that 30-50% of patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital for benzodiazepine withdrawal presented with psychotic symptoms.
During Xanax withdrawal psychosis, a person may experience:
- Paranoid delusions, such as believing others are trying to harm them
- Visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations, such as seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not real
- Disorganized thoughts and speech
- Agitation, aggression, and violent behavior
- Confusion and disorientation
Factors that increase the risk of Xanax withdrawal psychosis include:
- High-dose and long-term Xanax use (6 months or more)
- Concurrent use of other substances like alcohol or opioids
- History of mental health disorders, especially psychotic disorders
- Abrupt discontinuation of Xanax without a proper tapering schedule
Managing Psychosis:
Xanax withdrawal psychosis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should not attempt to quit Xanax cold turkey but rather seek professional help for a medically supervised detox and treatment plan to minimize risks and manage withdrawal symptoms effectively.
Xanax Withdrawal Delirium: A Dangerous Descent into Confusion and Disorientation
Xanax withdrawal can lead to delirium, a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by confusion, disorientation, and a detachment from reality.
Research indicates that up to 30% of individuals abusing benzodiazepines like Xanax at high doses will experience delirium upon withdrawal.
Signs and Symptoms:
Fluctuating Levels of Consciousness: Changes in awareness and consciousness.
Disorientation: Confusion about time, place, and person.
Impaired Memory and Attention: Difficulty remembering and focusing.
Hallucinations: Visual or auditory hallucinations.
Agitation and Aggression: Erratic behavior, potential for violence.
Rapid Mood Changes: Quick shifts in mood, from calm to agitated.
Risk Factors:
- High-dose and long-term Xanax use.
- Concurrent use of substances like alcohol or opioids.
- Abruptly stopping of Xanax without a tapering schedule.
- Underlying medical or cognitive impairments.
Managing Delirium:
- Xanax withdrawal delirium is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
- Hospitalization may be necessary for safety and management.
- Medications and supportive care are used to stabilize the patient.
Managing Withdrawal from Xanax
The complexity of withdrawal means that quitting Xanax, especially after long-term use, should be done under professional supervision. Gradual tapering of the dose, as suggested by the American Psychiatric Association, is recommended to minimize withdrawal symptoms and support recovery. (American Psychiatric Association, 2013)
Tapering off Xanax slowly by reducing the dose gradually over several weeks or months can help reduce withdrawal symptoms. A 5-10% weekly reduction is a common taper schedule.
Avoid Self-Medicating During Xanax Tapering and Withdrawal
It is crucial not to self-medicate with medications like Valium or other sedatives during the Xanax withdrawal and tapering process. Self-medicating can be dangerous and counterproductive, as it may lead to complications, intensify withdrawal symptoms, and increase the risk of adverse effects.
Self-medicating during Xanax withdrawal can lead to:
- Complications and intensification of withdrawal symptoms
- Redosing and overdose risks
- Exacerbation of withdrawal symptoms
- Memory and cognitive impairment
- Distortion of sobriety, leading to misjudgment of intoxication levels
- Increased risk of addiction and dependence
Seek professional medical guidance to ensure a safe and effective tapering process.
Medications for Managing Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome
During the Xanax tapering process, healthcare providers may use certain medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms and make the process more comfortable and safer for the patient. Some commonly used medications include:
Longer-acting benzodiazepines: Switching to a longer-acting benzodiazepine like diazepam (Valium) can help stabilize the patient and make the tapering process more tolerable. Diazepam has a longer half-life, allowing for a smoother reduction in dosage.
Antidepressants: SSRIs like sertraline (Zoloft) or paroxetine (Paxil) may be used to help manage anxiety and depression during the tapering process.
Anti-seizure medications: Drugs like gabapentin (Neurontin) or pregabalin (Lyrica) are used to prevent seizures, a serious risk during Xanax withdrawal.
Sleep aids: Medications like trazodone or melatonin can help manage insomnia, a common withdrawal symptom.
Anti-anxiety medications: Drugs like hydroxyzine or buspirone can help manage anxiety during the tapering process.
The specific medications and dosages prescribed will depend on the individual’s needs, medical history, and the severity of their Xanax dependence. A healthcare provider should always supervise the tapering process to ensure safety and effectiveness.
From Withdrawal to Xanax Addiction: The Risks of Self-Medication and Unregulated Sources
Xanax withdrawal can unexpectedly lead you towards Benzodiazepine Use Disorder (BUD). This happens because your body becomes dependent on Xanax, and abruptly stopping them can trigger intense withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms, along with an increasing tolerance and the desire to avoid withdrawal discomfort, can evolve into a full-blown addiction.
Individuals dealing with Xanax withdrawal may be at risk of BUD if they continue to use benzodiazepines to manage withdrawal symptoms or anxiety. This risk is heightened when indivulas buy Xanax from illicit online or street sources. These sources often sell counterfeit or contaminated drugs, worsening withdrawal symptoms and complicating the effort to quit.
Studies have shown that counterfeit Xanax aka Fake Xanax often contains other harmful substances like fentanyl, etizolam, and bromazolam which can lead to overdose or even death.
Learn More About Designer Xanax
The Role of Social Media in Xanax Misuse
The influence of social media in this cycle is significant. Platforms can unintentionally act as hubs for spreading misinformation and promoting unregulated sources of Xanax. When struggling with withdrawal, encountering online promotions for Xanax can trap individuals in a cycle of using and withdrawing. This pattern keeps them reaching for Xanax just to avoid withdrawal symptoms, often without understanding the full extent of the risks.
This lack of support and information can make it incredibly hard to quit on your own, underscoring the importance of seeking professional help.
Seeking Help For Xanax Withdrawal
Struggling with Xanax withdrawal or finding it hard to quit can feel overwhelming, but remember, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. At Still Detox Florida, we understand the difficulties you’re experiencing and are here to offer the support and professional care you need during this tough time.
Our medical detox program is designed to provide the essential care and supervision required for a successful journey towards quitting Xanax.
Call Now at (561) 556-2677
Key Points to Remember:
- Physical Dependence: You can develop a dependence on Xanax even without increasing your dose, leading to withdrawal symptoms like seizures.
- Tolerance vs. Dependence: It’s possible to build up a tolerance to Xanax’s effects without being dependent, which can complicate the decision to stop using the drug.
- Risks of Withdrawal: Quitting Xanax can be difficult, with a range of symptoms and a potentially long recovery period.
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2. Pétursson H. The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. Addiction. 1994. 2,3
3. Lader M. Benzodiazepines revisited—will we ever learn? Addiction. 2011.
4. Dixit D, Endicott J, Burry L, et al. Management of Acute Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome in Critically Ill Patients. Pharmacotherapy. 2016.
5. American Psychiatric Association. Benzodiazepine Withdrawal. DSM-5. 2013
