Xanax withdrawal can have serious side effects if not managed correctly. A doctor can help you design a tapering schedule if you need to stop taking the medication.

Xanax is a prescription medication that’s used to treat anxiety and panic disorder. It belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. The generic form of Xanax is called alprazolam.

Xanax is a controlled substance that can lead to physical dependence, even if it’s used as prescribed. Anyone who has used Xanax for an extended period is at risk for dependence. Some people use the drug as a recreational sedative or to self-medicate.

No matter how it’s used, Xanax can cause physical dependence. This can make a withdrawal from Xanax difficult and unpleasant. It’s common to experience both physical and mental health symptoms during withdrawal. In some cases, these symptoms can be severe.

Learn more about the symptoms of Xanax withdrawal, how long it can last, and how you can find support.

You should never stop Xanax without speaking with a doctor first

It’s important to seek medical support if you are considering stopping Xanax or adjusting your dose. Stopping Xanax suddenly can cause life threatening side effects, such as seizures.

You can manage Xanax withdrawal safely by tapering your dose. Tapering refers to slowly lowering your dose to give your body time to adjust. This can help reduce, or in some cases, prevent withdrawal symptoms.

A doctor can create a tapering schedule for you on when and how to reduce your dosage.

The exact symptoms and severity of Xanax withdrawal can vary depending on the person. Research shows that about 44% of people taking benzodiazepines will experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms when stopping the drug.

Withdrawal symptoms can include physical symptoms such as:

It can also affect your mental health and lead to symptoms like:

Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)

Some people experience additional symptoms as part of a condition called post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). This condition causes changes in mood and cognition for weeks or months following withdrawal from Xanax or another drug.

The symptoms of PAWS and their severity can vary. Common symptoms include:

The first symptoms of Xanax withdrawal appear within eight to 12 hours of your last dose. Most people find that their physical symptoms are worse on the second day and improve by the fourth or fifth day. However, mental and cognitive symptoms are typically the most severe on days three through six.

Symptoms such as insomnia, cravings for Xanax, and anxiety, might take longer to leave the body and brain. The exact time frame will be different for everyone.

One of the most effective ways to relieve Xanax withdrawal symptoms is to slowly taper your Xanax dose. This can give your body time to safely adjust to progressively lower doses. It can help lessen, and in some cases, might even prevent withdrawal symptoms.

A doctor can help supervise a Xanax taper. They can give you a schedule of when and how to reduce your dosage. It’s important to note that a doctor can help you taper your Xanax dosage even if your Xanax wasn’t prescribed to you.

In some cases, an inpatient detox facility can be a good option. These facilities are designed to be safe places to detox under medical supervision. The healthcare professionals at a detox facility can help treat your withdrawal symptoms and give you the tools you need to manage them.

Whether you’re receiving inpatient or outpatient care during detox, a doctor might recommend additional supportive services. This could include:

Withdrawal can be overwhelming, and the physical and mental symptoms can leave you drained, frightened, and in pain. However, a tapering approach leads to success in most cases.

If you’re considering stopping Xanax or are thinking about tapering your dose, it’s a good idea to connect with a healthcare professional. You can also reach out for support using some of the resources below:

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): SAMSHA has a 24/7 toll-free line, an online chat service, mental health resources, and more, to help connect you to help and services in your area.
  • American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM): You can locate a doctor who specializes in drug dependence using the tools on the ASAM site.
  • SMART Recovery: SMART Recovery offers both online and in-person support and takes a self-empowerment approach to recovery.
  • Life Ring: Life Ring allows you to meet with peers either online or in support groups around the country to build community on your recovery journey.

Most symptoms of Xanax withdrawal are unpleasant and distressing but not life threatening.

However, Xanax withdrawal can lead to a seizure in some cases, and seizures can be a life threatening medical emergency. Reducing Xanax usage slowly and under medical supervision can help reduce this risk.

The safest way to stop taking Xanax and alleviate withdrawal symptoms is to taper your dose. Tapering allows your body to slowly get used to smaller doses and can prevent symptoms.

Xanax can create physical dependence in anyone who uses it for an extended period, for any reason.

Withdrawal symptoms vary but can be severe and unpleasant. There are physical and mental symptoms associated with Xanax withdrawal, including seizures, which can be life threatening.

The safest way to stop taking Xanax and alleviate withdrawal symptoms is to taper your dose. Tapering allows your body to slowly get used to smaller doses and can prevent symptoms.

A doctor can help supervise a taper and recommend additional supportive treatments.