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How To Taper Off Xanax Safely: Risks and Tips

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 13 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 13 minutes

Learn key facts about tapering off Xanax, including risks, timelines, and tips for a safe discontinuation.

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Stopping the use of any substance to which you may have acquired a severe dependency can result in substantial medical ramifications. For anyone contemplating tapering or weaning off of Xanax, it is imperative to consult a trained medical professional to ensure a safe and efficient procedure. Stopping the use of a benzodiazepine like Xanax can lead to many unpleasant and possibly dangerous side effects.

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Medical Uses of Xanax

What Is Xanax?

Xanax, also known as Alprazolam, is a powerful sedative that belongs to a spectrum of chemical substances called benzodiazepines (benzos). In the US, it is a frequently administered prescription for people suffering from anxiety disorders and panic attacks.

Nevertheless, there have been numerous instances in which individuals acquire and use the drug without a legitimate prescription or medical supervision (often for recreational reasons).

This substance can quickly lead to addiction and physical dependency. No matter how little or how carefully you take Xanax, it is still possible to become dependent on it or addicted to it.

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Overview of Potential Risks

What Are The Risks Of Taking Xanax?

When taken carefully and for a brief duration (less than 30 days), Xanax can serve as a beneficial treatment for social and generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and sleeplessness.

Regrettably, there is insufficient evidence to support the prolonged use of the medication for sleep disorders and anxiety.

Higher tolerance levels, painful withdrawal symptoms, and trouble reducing or stopping use are signs of long-term use. This can lead to both mental and physical dependence.

Addiction

Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, is a brain issue. It involves a strong and lasting need for drugs that bring pleasure. This need continues despite the harm and negative effects these substances can cause.

Through consistent and extended usage, your body and brain will progressively acquire a dependency on Xanax. If you stop taking Xanax it will result in the manifestation of withdrawal symptoms, which are bodily sensations of distress indicating a persistent need for the drug. Overcoming Xanax addiction can be tough. It often needs help from an addiction treatment specialist.

Withdrawal Symptoms

It is highly recommended to avoid stopping Xanax (Alprazolam) suddenly and without consultation with a healthcare professional. When Xanax is suddenly stopped, the body may go through acute withdrawal symptoms, which are also referred to as withdrawal syndrome.

They typically peak within the first two to six hours after the last intake. Some common symptoms that may occur during Xanax withdrawal include:

  • Headaches.
  • Confusion.
  • Irritable.
  • Aggressive behavior.
  • Insomnia.
  • Muscle tremors or convulsions (seizures).

One of the most concerning risks associated with Xanax withdrawal is the potential for seizures.

Side Effects

Xanax has the potential to cause both mild and grave adverse reactions. Here are some common side effects to be aware of when taking Xanax. 

Minor (mild) side effects

  • Weight changes.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Lightheadedness (dizziness).
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Changes in appetite.
  • Problems with coordination or balance.
  • Constipation.
  • Memory loss.
  • Mild allergic reactions.
  • Changes in sex drive.
  • Difficulty speaking clearly.
  • Low BP (blood pressure) or hypotension.
  • Drowsiness.

These side effects might diminish, typically within a few days to weeks. However, if your symptoms worsen or persist, speak with your doctor.

Serious (severe) side effects

While it is true that severe Xanax side effects are less common than mild ones, it is still possible for them to occur. If you encounter any severe side effects, it is crucial to contact your doctor promptly. In addition, if you think your symptoms are becoming life-threatening or suspect an urgent medical situation, it is essential to call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Potential serious side effects and their associated symptoms may include:

Motor and coordination issues:

A decrease in the capacity to operate a vehicle or engage in other activities that may pose a risk.

Common signs and symptoms may manifest:

  • Experiencing a decrease in alertness.
  • Reacting at a slower pace.
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
  • Feeling tired and sleepy.
  • Having trouble focusing.

Liver issues:

Common signs and symptoms that may manifest are:

  • Yellowing of eyes and skin or jaundice.
  • Experiencing abdominal pain.
  • Elevated levels of liver enzymes.
  • Feeling queasy and experiencing episodes of throwing up.

Seizures:

Seizures manifest in many ways, but some common ones include:

  • Trembling
  • Involuntary movements
  • Stiffness.
  • Floppiness
  • Confusion

Hallucinations:

This is the point at which you are seeing unreal entities. Common signs and symptoms may include:

  • Experiencing visual delusions, such as perceiving people or lights that are not actually there
  • Experiencing auditory distortions (is like hearing a voice speaking to you, even when no one is around).
  • Potential for overuse and addiction.
  • Potential for developing dependence and experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.

Taking this prescription drug with opioids can lead to serious harm or even death.

Allergic reaction:

As with any drug, using Xanax can increase your risk of developing an allergic reaction. This side effect was not observed during the medication’s clinical tests. However, it has been reported many times since the drug was approved.

Common signs of mild allergic reactions may manifest as:

  • Skin rashes.
  • Experiencing itchiness.
  • Feeling a sudden rush of warmth in the face.
  • Severe allergic reactions are uncommon but can occur.

Common signs of severe allergic reactions may manifest as:

  • Experiencing swelling under the skin, commonly in areas such as the lips, eyelids, feet, or hands.
  • Swelling of the throat, tongue, or mouth.
  • Trouble breathing.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) diligently monitors the potential side effects of drugs that have been approved. You may report an adverse effect you experienced from Xanax to the FDA at any time.

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The Importance of a Safe & Gradual Approach

How To Wean Off Xanax?

Should you develop an addiction to Xanax and contemplate quitting, detoxing from this sedative is likely to be the first step in your path to recovery. Detox is the process of physically eliminating toxins from the body, therefore enabling restoration of a more healthy state.

Often, those who opt to stop using Xanax experience a strong desire to cease without delay. One reasonable strategy for stopping Xanax use is to decrease the amount of medication taken gradually. This entails slowly reducing the dosage over several weeks until you stop using it altogether.

Gradually reducing Xanax should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider. It is the only way to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the entire benzodiazepine withdrawal process.

Attempting to quit abruptly or tapering too quickly significantly increases the risk of experiencing detrimental withdrawal effects. These symptoms can inflict severe harm and even jeopardize your progress towards sobriety.

Strategies for Discontinuing Xanax

Numerous elements must be considered when developing a tapering schedule. These include the decision to:

  • Transition to long-acting benzos.
  • Determine the initial dosage of the long-acting medication.
  • Establish the dosing regimen.
  • Decide the appropriate intervals for dose reduction during each phase.
  • Manage any symptoms that may arise.

The best person to help you with these options is someone who has medical knowledge. This person should have experience treating patients with substance abuse issues.

Direct Taper

The most accessible tapering approach is direct tapering, which involves progressively reducing the drug user’s dosage of the substance. The goal is to slowly lower the dosage each week.

This will help the user stop using the drug. They should not feel severe withdrawal symptoms during this process. Thus, the withdrawal symptoms and other adverse effects can heighten the likelihood of re-use, so presenting a substantial obstacle.

Furthermore, the administration of a linear taper can indeed provide significant difficulties, primarily because of the particular pill potencies linked to Xanax. For example, reducing the dosage by 5% can provide problems in accurately dividing tablets into smaller portions.

Substitution Taper

The majority of physicians will recommend a taper alternative instead of simply reducing a patient’s Xanax quantity. In this scenario, you will be switched to a longer-acting benzodiazepine, and your Xanax dosage will be gradually reduced after that.

Prescription medications with an extended half-life exhibit fewer adverse effects when administered in intervals. It is important to know that using this strategy has benefits. These include fewer cravings and a lower chance of relapse.

When going through withdrawal from Xanax during substitution tapering, one typical method is to take Valium. This medication, commonly referred to as diazepam, induces several similar alterations in the brain as Xanax does. Some doctors can advise someone to taper off Xanax with the help of Klonopin.

Generally, suppose you are thinking about gradually decreasing your dosage of Xanax. In that case, the method you choose should help reduce withdrawal symptoms. It should also improve your overall health and wellness.

Here is a structured approach to navigate this process effectively.

Consult A Doctor

Refer to a healthcare practitioner for reliable guidance on the optimal long-acting medicine suited to your unique requirements. Your doctor will check your health.

They will review your medical history. They will also consider other factors that may affect your tapering process. They will provide advice and develop a strategy especially tailored to your circumstances.

Create a Tapering Plan

Working with you, the addiction specialist you consult will develop an efficient tapering strategy. Your doctor will help you choose between substitution or direct tapering and recommend other behavioral therapies. A variety of considerations will influence these decisions, including:

  • Your age.
  • The degree of dependency.
  • Length of time you have been taking.
  • Your current lifestyle.
  • The overall state of your health.

Follow The Plan Closely

If you can’t stick to your recommended tapering schedule, you don’t think you’ll be able to stop using Xanax smoothly, do you? Although speeding up the process or changing the plan might be alluring, please hold off unless advised to do so by a qualified expert.

Follow the recommended dosage of Xanax treatment of Xanax and schedule as your healthcare professional recommends. Keep track of how your symptoms evolve, and communicate openly with your healthcare professional.

Watch for these withdrawal symptoms closely. Tell your doctor if you notice anything unusual or if symptoms are worse than expected.

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Common Symptoms of Withdrawal

What Are The Symptoms Of Xanax Withdrawal?

Here are the main symptoms of Xanax withdrawal. Knowing them can help you prepare for what to expect and manage them effectively.

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Doctors prescribe Xanax primarily for the management of anxiety. Thus, its withdrawal can lead to a resurgence of anxiety symptoms, such as:

  • Loss of appetite.
  • Sweating.
  • Feeling hot.
  • Chest pains.
  • Breathlessness.
  • Headaches.
  • Faster, irregular heartbeat.
  • Feeling lightheaded.
  • Dizziness.
Insomnia

During the Xanax withdrawal process, you may have trouble sleeping. You may encounter difficulties:

  • Experiencing irritability, sadness, or anxiety.
  • Rising too early in the morning.
  • Struggling to fall asleep in the evening.
  • Feeling exhausted throughout the day.
  • Increased frequency of mistakes or accidents.
  • Interruptions in sleep during the night.
  • Difficulty concentrating, focusing on tasks, or recalling information.
Nausea and Vomiting

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Eat meals that are easy to digest. This can help reduce gastrointestinal problems during Xanax withdrawal.

Headaches

A pulsating headache is likely the most prevalent source of discomfort experienced during the withdrawal from highly addictive substances. Nevertheless, it is crucial to maintain appropriate hydration, get sufficient sleep, and leverage over-the-counter pain relievers that your physician has approved to alleviate this discomfort.

Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure

Some physiological effects of benzos, such as elevated blood pressure and pulse rate, are well-documented. Xanax is one such medication. When you see the onset of this symptom, please take steps to monitor and manage stress. Relaxation methods, such as yoga, meditation, and physical activity, are some of the suggested strategies that might be helpful.

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Tapering Timeline

How Long Does It Take To Taper Off Xanax?

Your specific situation will determine how long the tapering procedure takes. What often affects the potential duration of a tapering procedure is:

Individual Factors

Our bodies respond differently to withdrawal. Individual factors that may impact how long it will take include:

  • Your overall health.
  • Metabolism.
  • Individual sensitivity to Xanax.
Dosage and Duration of Xanax Use

If you have been using significantly high doses for an extended period, it will probably require a more gradual approach when cutting Xanax use.

Tapering Plan

Your doctor will help you design an individualized tapering plan, but this plan can also affect the timeline. Depending on the specifics of your strategy, you may wean yourself off of Xanax in a matter of weeks. In contrast, another person could need several months to finish tapering off safely.

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In Conclusion

What Are Some Tips For Successfully Tapering Off Xanax?

To successfully taper off of Xanax, you will need patience and dedication. You should also anticipate some obstacles. Below are some suggestions that can assist you during the process.

Be Patient And Persistent

It would be best if you were gentle with yourself as you gradually reduce your Xanax dosage. Withdrawal symptoms may change over time, and recovery may take longer than expected.

Trust the process. Involve your loved ones in your journey. Stay dedicated to your tapering plan. Keep communicating with your doctor.

Seek Support From Friends and Family

Inform friends and family about your tapering plan so they can provide encouragement and understanding. They can also help you stay accountable and offer practical support.

Find Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Think about developing other coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety while you cut down on your Xanax dose. Exercise, meditation, and therapy can help you cope. You can choose from options like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), experiential therapy, dual diagnosis treatment, and group therapy.

These methods are effective ways to manage stress and improve your well-being. These can assist you in managing withdrawal symptoms and supporting your overall well-being.

Transitioning away from Xanax is a process that demands thoughtful preparation, professional support, and attention to personal well-being. By adhering to a well-organized tapering strategy, detecting withdrawal signs, and employing helpful techniques, you can navigate discontinuing Xanax with greater ease and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Xanax Tapering:

Can Tapering Off Xanax Cause Depression or Anxiety to Return?

Yes, anxiety and depression may return during tapering, especially if Xanax was prescribed for these issues. Work with a healthcare provider who may suggest therapies or non-addictive medications to help manage symptoms.

What Should I Do If I Experience Severe Withdrawal Symptoms?

If you experience severe symptoms like seizures or hallucinations, seek medical help immediately. Your doctor may adjust your tapering plan or offer additional treatments.

Can Exercise or Diet Help with Xanax Withdrawal?

Yes, exercise and a balanced diet can ease symptoms like anxiety, nausea, and headaches. Practices like yoga or meditation can also improve mental well-being during tapering.

How Can I Prevent a Relapse After Tapering?

Therapy, support groups, and long-term care are key to preventing relapse. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps manage thoughts and behaviors that can trigger relapse.

How Long Does Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) Last?

PAWS can last weeks to months after stopping Xanax, with symptoms like mood swings and insomnia. These typically ease over time, and ongoing treatment can help manage them.

What Role Does Therapy Play in Tapering?

Therapy, especially CBT and DBT, helps address anxiety and teaches better coping strategies. Group or peer support can also provide encouragement during tapering.

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Written By:

Geoffrey Andaria

Geoffrey Andaria mental health writer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Geoffrey Andaria is an experienced mental health content writer and editor. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, Geoffrey is highly educated in freelance articles and research. Having taken courses on social work, Geoffrey is adamant about providing valuable and educational information to individuals affected by mental health and the disease of addiction.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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