Xanax® Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline & Detox in Kansas City
Xanax® (generic name alprazolam) is a prescription drug used to treat anxiety and panic disorder. It belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines, which work by reducing abnormal excitement in your brain. With Xanax®, it’s possible to develop a physical dependence, so taking it exactly as prescribed by your doctor is essential. If you experience Xanax® addiction or dependence, some of the withdrawal symptoms that can occur after suddenly stopping are dangerous.1
It’s important to work with your doctor to create a safe plan to stop taking the drug, so they can work with you to decrease your dose gradually.1 On this page, we’ll explore the symptoms and stages of Xanax® addiction, as well as what you can do if you or a loved one is ready to begin your sobriety.
What Is Xanax® Withdrawal?
Xanax® can cause physical dependence, meaning the body may react with withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly reduce or stop taking the medication altogether. These symptoms can occur whether the drug is taken as prescribed or misused. Xanax® is also habit-forming, so people can also develop both a mental reliance over time.1
Xanax® and other benzodiazepines work by affecting GABA, a chemical messenger in the brain. When a person takes Xanax®, the brain’s activity may feel slower, lessening anxiety and causing sedative effects. Some studies on benzodiazepines have shown that these drugs can also stimulate dopamine-related reward pathways in the brain, which may contribute to the drug’s addictive potential.2
Mental & Physical Symptoms of Xanax® Withdrawal
Xanax® withdrawal and detox symptoms can differ from one person to another. If you’re concerned that you may be dependent on Xanax® and begin to experience withdrawal symptoms, it’s essential to talk with a medical professional right away.1
Physical symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal may include:4
- Trouble sleeping
- Hand tremors
- Muscle pain
- Stiffness
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Heart palpitations
- Seizures1
Mental symptoms of Xanax® withdrawal may include:
- Anxiety4
- Panic attacks4
- Difficulty in concentration4
- Depression1
- Hallucinations1
- Suicidal ideation1
How Long Does Xanax® Withdrawal Last?
Understanding the Xanax® withdrawal timeline can make it easier to get through the detox process. People who take large doses of Xanax® may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms than those who take smaller doses.4 Tapering with the supervision of a medical professional can help to reduce the likelihood that you’ll experience severe benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms.1
Early withdrawal symptoms may include rebound anxiety and insomnia. This stage of withdrawal typically begins 1 to 4 days after discontinuing Xanax. Because alprazolam (Xanax®) is a short-acting benzodiazepine, withdrawal symptoms may start soon after the last dose. Seizures can also occur, so it’s critical to go through this process with a medical professional.4
Some people find that their withdrawal symptoms are short-lived and resolve within 10-14 days. Others find that their withdrawal symptoms intensify after the first few days without the drug, and continue for a few weeks. Still others find that their anxiety returns even after a few weeks, without proper treatment.4
Protracted Xanax® Withdrawal (PAWS)
Some people experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome, or PAWS, after they stop taking Xanax®. The risk factors of experiencing PAWS include:3
- Dosage: Dosage could increase the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms.
- Duration: Long-term benzodiazepine use can make protracted symptoms more likely.
- Rate of withdrawal: Even with a slower rate of withdrawal, protracted symptoms can last months.
PAWS symptoms may include:3
- Anxiety
- Hypersensitivity to sound, light, touch, taste, and other sensory stimuli
- Perceptual distortion
- Depersonalization
- Visual hallucinations
These symptoms can exist for anywhere from a few weeks to more than a year after cessation of use.3
Can You Detox from Xanax® at Home?
No, you should not detox from Xanax® (or any other benzodiazepine medication) at home without talking to your doctor. Withdrawal from Xanax® can be dangerous, and even life-threatening. Working with a qualified medical team can help you manage your withdrawal symptoms as safely and comfortably as possible.
In addition to keeping you safe, going through the Xanax® detox process under the care of qualified professionals can help to increase the likelihood that you’re able to stay strong through difficult withdrawal symptoms. When you choose to detox with an addiction treatment center, you’ll get the support you need to stay on the path to sobriety, even when withdrawal symptoms get difficult.
Why Xanax® Withdrawal Can Be Dangerous
Stopping Xanax® without the help of a trained medical professional puts your mind and body at serious risk. Life-threatening issues, like seizures, can occur during withdrawal. Medical oversight is essential to help you safely get Xanax® out of your system without any complications.1
Medical Detox for Xanax® Withdrawal
Understanding the Xanax® detox timeline can help you know what to expect when you begin the treatment process. When you start medical detox, you’ll meet with a caring addiction medicine professional who will talk with you about your history, medical needs, and symptoms you’re currently experiencing. You’ll be monitored around-the-clock and given medications to help keep you safe and comfortable as Xanax® leaves your body.
Doctors may prescribe different medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms, including:5
- Propranolol
- Clonidine
- Progesterone
- Baclofen
- Lamotrigine
- Trazodone
- Valproic acid
Treatment for Xanax® Withdrawal in Kansas City
If you’re living with Xanax® addiction, you’re not alone. At Empowered Recovery Kansas City, our team is here to help you begin the recovery process.
When you reach out to us, you’ll speak with a member of our rehab admissions team who will discuss each step of the treatment process. We’ll talk with you to understand your needs and help you learn what type of addiction treatment program is the right fit for you. Our treatment options include standard outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs.
We understand that many people have questions about paying for treatment, and we’re here to help. If you’re interested in using insurance for rehab, we’ll help you verify your benefits so you can better understand your coverage. If you don’t have health insurance, we’re here to discuss your treatment options and help you find a path forward. Reach out to Empowered Recovery Kansas City today to learn more about how we can help with benzodiazepine addiction.
References
- National Library of Medicine. (2025). Alprazolam. MedlinePlus. Retrieved October 2, 2025, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684001.html
- Tan, K. R., Rudolph, U., & Lüscher, C. (Apr 2011). Hooked on benzodiazepines: GABAA receptor subtypes and addiction. PMC. Retrieved October 2, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4020178/
- Ashton, H. (1991). Protracted withdrawal syndromes from benzodiazepines. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. Retrieved October 2, 2025, from https://www.jsatjournal.com/article/0740-5472(91)90023-4/pdf
- Pétursson, H. (Nov 1994). The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. PubMed. Retrieved September 29, 2025, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7841856/
- Fluyau, D., Revadigar, N., & Manobianco, B. E. (9 Feb 2018). Challenges of the pharmacological management of benzodiazepine withdrawal, dependence, and discontinuation. SAGE Journals. Retrieved September 23, 2025, from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2045125317753340
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