If you’ve been taking Xanax for an extended period, whether as prescribed by a doctor or not, deciding to stop can feel overwhelming. Xanax is a powerful medication often prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders.
While it can be effective in managing these conditions in the short term, long-term use can lead to physical dependence, making the process of quitting challenging. Understanding what to expect during Xanax withdrawal is crucial for ensuring your safety and well-being.
Why Xanax Withdrawal Happens
Xanax works by slowing down the activity in your brain, helping you feel calm and relaxed. Over time, however, your body becomes used to the presence of the drug, and it starts relying on it to function normally. When you stop taking Xanax, your brain has to readjust, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
The severity and duration of Xanax withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person, depending on factors like how long you’ve been taking the medication, the dosage, and whether you’ve been using other substances alongside it. Withdrawal is your body’s way of responding to the sudden absence of a drug it has come to depend on.
Common Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
When you quit Xanax, your body reacts in various ways, and you may experience both physical and psychological symptoms. Xanax withdrawal symptoms can be mild to severe and may include:
Anxiety and Panic Attacks
One of the most common Xanax withdrawal symptoms is a resurgence of anxiety, often more intense than what you initially experienced before starting the medication. This “rebound anxiety” can be overwhelming, sometimes leading to panic attacks. The sudden lack of Xanax in your system can leave you feeling more anxious than ever, as your brain struggles to regulate itself without the drug.
Often, people begin using Xanax to reduce anxiety. Coming off Xanax means you must also contend with the anxiety you were originally avoiding.
Insomnia
Sleep disturbances are another hallmark of Xanax withdrawal. You may find it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or experience restless nights filled with vivid, sometimes disturbing dreams. Insomnia can exacerbate other withdrawal symptoms, leaving you feeling exhausted and more susceptible to emotional distress.
Irritability and Mood Swings
As your brain adjusts to life without Xanax, you may feel irritable or moody. These mood swings can make daily interactions challenging, leading to frustration, anger, or sadness. This emotional volatility is one of the more difficult Xanax withdrawal symptoms to cope with, as it can feel unpredictable and intense.
Physical Symptoms: Sweating, Headaches, and Muscle Pain
Along with psychological effects, Xanax withdrawal can cause a range of physical symptoms. You may experience excessive sweating, tension headaches, or muscle aches and cramps. These physical signs of withdrawal can make you feel uncomfortable in your own body, adding to the emotional toll of quitting Xanax.
Nausea and Vomiting
Digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, and even diarrhea are not uncommon during Xanax withdrawal. This can be particularly tough because it affects your appetite and energy levels, making it difficult to stay nourished and hydrated during the withdrawal process.
Tremors and Shakiness
You might notice tremors or shakiness, especially in your hands. This physical symptom occurs because your central nervous system is overactive as it adapts to functioning without the calming effects of Xanax. While these tremors are usually temporary, they can be distressing, especially if they interfere with daily tasks.
Seizures
In more severe cases of Xanax withdrawal, especially for those who have been taking high doses or using it for a prolonged period, seizures can occur. Seizures are one of the most dangerous Xanax withdrawal symptoms, and they can be life-threatening. If you have a history of long-term or high-dose Xanax use, it’s crucial to seek medical supervision during withdrawal to mitigate this risk.
At Holina, we support all our clients who have Xanax addiction with a medical detox. During this detox, you will be supported by medical professionals who will administer you detox medication to ensure your withdrawal is safe, and as easy as possible.
Timeline of Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
Xanax withdrawal symptoms typically follow a general timeline, although your experience may differ depending on your unique situation. Here’s a basic outline of what to expect:
- First 6-12 Hours After Last Dose:
Withdrawal symptoms can start within hours after your last dose of Xanax. You might begin feeling anxious or on edge, as your body starts to react to the absence of the drug. - Days 1-3:
During this initial period, the severity of withdrawal symptoms often peaks. Anxiety, irritability, and physical symptoms like headaches and nausea are usually at their worst. This is a critical period where you may feel the strongest urge to take Xanax again just to alleviate the discomfort. - Days 4-7:
As you approach the end of the first week, some of the physical symptoms may start to lessen, but emotional symptoms like anxiety, depression, and mood swings might persist. Sleep problems can continue, making you feel fatigued and mentally drained. - Weeks 2-4:
By the second week, the intensity of withdrawal symptoms often begins to decrease, but some people experience protracted withdrawal symptoms, where anxiety and insomnia may linger for several weeks or months. This is especially common in people who have used Xanax for a long time.
Note that you can experience seizures throughout any of this process, though people most often experience seizures towards the start of their Xanax detox.
Managing Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
At Holina we manage Xanax withdrawal symptoms through a gradual tapering process, supervised by a healthcare professional. Tapering involves slowly reducing the dose over time, allowing your body to adjust at a manageable pace. This significantly reduces the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures.
- Medical Detox:
If you’ve been taking Xanax for a long time or in high doses, a medically supervised detox is the only safe option. During detox, we will monitor your withdrawal symptoms, provide medications to ease discomfort, and ensure that any complications, such as seizures, are treated immediately. - Therapy and Support Groups:
Psychological support is crucial when dealing with Xanax withdrawal symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you develop coping strategies for the anxiety and mood swings you may experience. Support groups at Holina can also provide a space to connect with others who understand what you’re going through, helping you feel less isolated in your recovery journey. - Lifestyle Adjustments:
Engaging in healthy lifestyle habits can also help you manage withdrawal symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce anxiety and improve sleep, while mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga can help calm your mind. Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet are essential for maintaining your physical health as your body detoxes from Xanax. At Holina we also have a gym where you can work out, and the delightful sea of the Gulf of Thailand where you can swim, after the initial stages of your detox are over.
What Happens After Withdrawal?
While the acute withdrawal symptoms usually subside within a few weeks, some people experience what is known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). PAWS refers to lingering symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and sleep disturbances that can last for months after quitting Xanax. These symptoms, though milder than the initial withdrawal phase, can still affect your daily life and well-being.
It’s important to continue receiving support during this period, whether through therapy, support groups, or regular check-ins with your healthcare provider. These are all available through Holina, and we include aftercare treatment as part of your treatment following your stay with us.
Xanax Treatment at Holina
Xanax withdrawal symptoms can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Seeking professional help can make a world of difference in managing both the physical and psychological challenges of withdrawal.
At Holina Rehab in Koh Phangan, Thailand, you’ll find a compassionate, experienced team ready to support you through every step of your recovery. We offer medically supervised detox, personalized therapy, and holistic treatments like yoga and meditation, providing you with a safe and nurturing environment for overcoming addiction.
About Me
William
Etiam sit amet pulvinar nisl, ac molestie tortor. Nam sed volutpat diam, quis faucius. gestas ante congue eu.
Recent Blogs
2 Oct, 2024
What is PTSD rehab?
