Xanax is the most prescribed psychiatric drug in the United States, meaning it is likely you or someone you know will want to know: “how long does Xanax stay in your system?” This article will cover that, along with other questions you may have.
What is Xanax?
Xanax (alprazolam) is a prescription tranquilizer medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and sometimes insomnia. They usually come in tablets known as Xanax bars.
Xanax works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that reduces nerve activity in the brain, producing a calming effect. When taken as prescribed, Xanax can be effective for treating anxiety and panic attacks. However, misuse or long-term use can lead to dependency and adverse effects.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), 1.7% of Americans misused prescription tranquilizers like Xanax in 2023. Xanax is often implicated in polysubstance abuse – the simultaneous use of different substances. Xanax and weed are a common combination, for example; Xanax and alcohol are another. Abusing Xanax carries various risks, like dependence, cognitive impairment, and the potential for fatal overdose.
Xanax is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance in the U.S., meaning it has a recognized medical use but also carries a risk of abuse and dependence.
How Xanax is Processed in the Body
Xanax is a fast-acting benzodiazepine that is absorbed, metabolized, and eliminated primarily through the liver. Its effects typically peak within one to two hours.
When taken orally, Xanax takes effect between fifteen and thirty minutes.The drug achieves peak concentration in the blood between one to two hours after consumption
Xanax is highly lipophilic, meaning it dissolves in fat and crosses the blood-brain barrier quickly. This is why it has such a rapid onset of action compared to other benzodiazepines. It’s likely for this reason Xanax is also considered more potent (and thus addictive) than other benzodiazepines.
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Call 866-881-1184Xanax Half-Life
The Xanax half-life varies depending on factors like age, metabolism, and liver function. However, on average, it’s roughly 8-16 hours for healthy adults. Half-life means how long it takes for half of the drug to still remain in your system after a certain period of time.
However, “how long does Xanax stay in your system” means different things depending on what form of drug test you are using. The half-life of Xanax affects its presence in the body, and a urine drug test can detect Xanax for a specific detection window for Xanax, while hair follicle tests can detect usage over longer lengths of time. The boxed warnings on Xanax highlight its risks, especially when combined with other substances or in individuals with a cooccurring disorder.
Here are the various drug test types and their respective drug detection times for Xanax:
- Blood: With an eight-hour half-life, that’s roughly 40 hours; with a 16-hour half-life, it’s closer to 80 hours. Blood tests typically detect Xanax for up to about two to three days after the last dose, though this can vary slightly depending on individual factors.
- Saliva – Xanax is usually detectable in saliva for about one to two days after the last dose.
- Urine: Xanax and its metabolites can be detected in urine for a longer period than in blood. Generally, you can expect it to be detectable for up to three to four days after your last dose.
- Hair – Hair tests can potentially detect use for several weeks to months after the last use. However, hair testing is less common and is generally used to identify long-term or past usage rather than recent consumption.
The most common drug test by far is urine, since it is the easiest to administer. Other tests are more time-consuming or expensive.
Factors That Affect Xanax Half-Life:
- Age – Older adults metabolize Xanax more slowly, leading to a longer half-life.
- Liver Function – Liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis) can significantly extend the half-life.
- Metabolism & Genetics – Individuals with slower CYP3A4 enzyme activity will break down Xanax more slowly.
- Dosage & Frequency – Higher doses and chronic use lead to accumulation, extending how long it stays in the system.
- Drug Interactions –
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., grapefruit juice, ketoconazole, erythromycin) increase the half-life.
- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, St. John’s Wort) decrease the half-life.
- Body Fat – Since Xanax is fat-soluble, it can be stored in fat tissues, extending its effects in overweight individuals.
Understanding Xanax’s half-life and how it is processed in the body is crucial to understanding how long Xanax stays in your system, and thus how to mitigate potential risks. Given its potential for abuse and withdrawal complications, Xanax should always be taken as prescribed and under medical supervision.
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Check Your CoverageXanax Withdrawal & Detox Timeline
Xanax withdrawal can be severe. Due to the drug’s fast-acting nature and potential for dependence, Xanax withdrawal can lead to anxiety, insomnia, seizures. These seizures can be life-threatening.
The way to avoid the worst xanax withdrawal symptoms is by tapering off. This means slowly decreasing the dosage over time – not stopping “cold turkey.”
According to experts, a Xanax tapering schedule can take place over anywhere from two to six months. The initial reduction in dose may range anywhere between 5% and 25% of the initial dose; further reductions of 5% to 25% can take place every one to four weeks, based on patient progress. To ease withdrawal symptoms, medications like anticonvulsants or even less powerful benzodiazepines (diazepam, clonazepam) can be used.
Beyond the initial detox period, there’s the risk of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). PAWS refers to protracted withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines that persist for weeks, months, or even years after stopping Xanax (alprazolam). PAWS involves intermittent symptoms that can last months – even up to a year – making recovery challenging and increasing the risk of relapse.
Xanax withdrawal is extremely dangerous. For that reason, it should only be attempted via a professional medical detox.
Southern California Benzodiazepine Treatment
Xanax (alprazolam) is a powerful anxiety medication classified under a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, known for their effects on the central nervous system by enhancing the activity of the GABA receptor. However, due to its potency, Xanax’s addictive nature makes it a common drug of abuse, leading to benzodiazepine addiction. People taking Xanax in high doses or for extended amounts of time can develop dependence, making stopping taking it challenging without professional help. Addiction treatments for those abusing Xanax often begin with a medically supervised drug detox, as the Xanax elimination process varies based on factors such as metabolism and dosage. Many treatment programs, such as outpatient rehab, offer levels of care including behavioral therapy to support recovery.
Our medical detox program in California is staffed by caring and compassionate professionals who can provide you with medications to manage your withdrawal symptoms. We offer gender-specific detox programs, with medical detox for men in Irvine, CA, and medical detox for women in Huntington Beach, CA.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction but wonder how long does Xanax stay in your system or have other questions, call us at 866-881-1184 or contact us here. Our highly qualified staff will be happy to help give you an idea on what to expect from your addiction recovery timeline, help verify your insurance, and assist with any other questions you may have.
- Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal – PMC
- Benzodiazepine use, misuse, and abuse: A review – PMC
- Tapering Patients Off of Benzodiazepines | AAFP
- Drug Scheduling
- Protracted withdrawal syndromes from benzodiazepines – PubMed
