Although Xanax is often prescribed in the US, not everyone is protected from its side effects. Some individuals who take the substance excessively may get addicted. A person may start the first stage of medical detox after enrolling in a rehab program for Xanax addiction. Those who have been through the detoxification process may consider it a watershed moment in their life. Withdrawal is a crucial step on the route to recovery. Xanax can be challenging to quit, but the results can be life-altering.
Withdrawal from Xanax might linger for weeks or months. In other cases, symptoms persisted for several years after the final dose (Hood et al., 2018). Syndromes after quitting Xanax or similar benzodiazepines may vary (Koob et al., 2014, p. 78). A possible timetable is as follows (Ait-Daoud et al., 2018):
- The Beginning (one or two days after the last dose)
Anxiety, insomnia, and a headache are typical early syndromes to emerge. People who began using Xanax to reduce anxiety may see a rebound of severe difficulties at this time. Their symptoms may worsen, emphasizing the urgency of medical detoxification. In some instances, the patient in withdrawal will be stabilized by switching to a comparatively longer-acting benzodiazepine, such as zopiclone, or diazepam, before continuing with a progressive dosage decrease.
- The Rebound (up to 28 days)
The symptoms are beginning to fade at this stage. They may, however, abruptly deteriorate after improving and then reoccur. Anxiety and sleeplessness remain common, but headaches and muscular pains start to fade. During this stage, gastrointestinal pain (stomach ache) is possible. Doctors may prescribe Valium to the patient to reduce pain impulses and sensations.
- The Return (at least a couple of months)
Standard functionality gradually returns, albeit, for some people, this could take a rather long period. Patients frequently report having mental and digestive issues for weeks or months. To minimize withdrawal symptoms, a knowledgeable professional should create a treatment plan. Accordingly, detoxification procedures should be performed in rehabilitation facilities, as they provide a safe environment for the patient.
In conclusion, the complete rejection of Xanax, despite all the severity, is the right decision to restore the body’s normal functioning. This is especially true of the person’s nervous system, given that sedatives negatively affect aspects of human brain activity. The right environment and the patient’s will are critical elements for successful withdrawal from antidepressants, regardless of the intervention of medical professionals and psychotherapists.
References
Ait-Daoud, N., Hamby, A. S., Sharma, S., & Blevins, D. (2018). A review of Alprazolam use, misuse, and withdrawal. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 12(1), 4–10.
Hood, S. D., Norman, A., Hince, D. A., Melichar, J. K., & Hulse, G. K. (2018). Benzodiazepine dependence and its treatment with low dose flumazenil (reviewed). British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 77(2), 285–294.
Koob, G. F., Arends, M. A., & Moal, L. M. (2014). Drugs, addiction and the brain. Elsevier.