Xanax is a prescription medication that is carefully dispensed and is used to treat mental health issues like anxiety and panic disorders. It is a member of the benzodiazepine class of drugs, showing its action by enhancing the neurotransmitter levels in the brain. Xanax has fast-acting effects, making it a popular choice for those experiencing acute anxiety or panic attacks. However, it can be habit-forming and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. It is important to follow dosing instructions carefully and never share Xanax with others (Staff, 2022).

Let’s step ahead to check “how long does Xanax stay in your system” and if it is an addictive drug or not.

What is Xanax, and What is it Used for?

Xanax is a brand name for the drug Alprazolam, and as discussed, belongs to Benzodiazepines. The drug has a direct effect on suppressing the central nervous system and producing a calming result. You can only take the medication if prescribed (serenitylane, n.d.).

Anxiety disorders are pretty common these days. According to a statistic, almost 416 to 615 million people suffered from depression and anxiety from 1990 to 2013 (Brunier, 2016). Xanax typically treats generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorders. The medicine sometimes helps patients who are insomniacs. It works by increasing the activity of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps reduce feelings of anxiety and promote relaxation (Ayaga, 2023).

Xanax is typically taken orally as tablets, but extended-release capsule forms are also available now. A patient’s dose varies with the individual condition, duration of treatment, and the body’s response to the medicine. Because Xanax can be habit-forming and can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly, it is critical to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully and not exceed the recommended dosage. One should not take this medicine with alcohol or other drugs as it can cause drowsiness and further increase the risk of other side effects (Staff, 2022).

How Long Does it Take for Xanax to Work in Your System?

You must be curious to know how long the drug usually takes to work in your system, right? The answer may vary depending on several factors, as different bodies respond to the medication differently. Xanax can take longer to work in a body with severe anxiety symptoms. Similarly, people with insomnia issues may be prescribed with low Xanax dose, so it may rapidly affect the system. Other factors include a patient’s body chemistry, the dosage of the Xanax taken, previous health history, etc (Renzoni, 2022).

In general, Xanax is a fast-acting medicine that starts producing its effect within 30 minutes to an hour after ingestion. The peak effects of Xanax are felt within 1-2 hours of taking it, and the results can last for several hours. However, as discussed above, the drug can vary depending on the individual. Some people may experience more rapid or intense effects, while others may take longer (Renzoni, 2022).

It is also essential to use Xanax as directed by a healthcare provider, as inappropriately using it can lead to unwanted side effects and potential dependence on the drug.

How Long Does Xanax Stay in Your System?

Xanax is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and travels toward your brain, where it specifically binds to the receptor site and works to reduce anxiety symptoms. The drug is said to metabolize in the liver and thus is eliminated from your body through the urine. Now, the question arises, how long does it take for Xanax to stay in your system?

It may count on different aspects; however, the half-life of Xanax is around 12 hours. It means it takes about 12 hours for half of the drug to be eliminated from your body. In other words, several days are required for the complete drug to be cleared out of your system, especially if you have been taking it for an extended period (Ayaga, 2023).

How Long Does a Dose of Xanax Take to Last?

Just because Xanax has a long duration of staying in your system doesn’t mean its effects will prevail for long too. The answer may again vary depending on many factors, including the frequency of use, dose, body metabolism, and other health conditions.

You may start to feel a little less anxious within 1-2 hours of ingesting the tablet; however, a general dose of Xanax can last between 4-6 hours. Also, the extended-release versions of Xanax are formulated to produce a long-lasting effect of the drug in the system.

Factors Affecting the Duration of Xanax in Your System

As we have repeatedly discussed, the duration of Xanax in the body varies with different factors; these are described below:

Dosage: Generally, the higher the dose, the longer it will take to eliminate out from your system. So, the number of drugs prescribed has a direct influence.
Frequency of Use: If you take Xanax regularly or for a prolonged period, the drug may accumulate in your body, making it stay in your system for a long.
Age: People with older age have decreased liver functioning, so they slowly eliminate the drug more than younger adults.
Organ Functioning: As we know, the liver and kidney are responsible organs for metabolizing and eliminating Xanax from the body, it’s crucial to have optimal organ functioning to excrete the drug. In an otherwise case, it may take longer (Ayaga, 2023).
Weight & Metabolism: Overweight people will process the drug slower than those with lean bodies, as they have a slower metabolism and vice versa (Ayaga, 2023).
Other medications: Some other medicines, like cimetidine and ketoconazole, can affect the metabolism and elimination of Xanax. These drugs can together produce an effect to prolong the drug’s duration in your system.

How Long Can Xanax Show Up on a Drug Test?

Xanax is a controlled substance that can be addictive if not used properly. Several tests can help determine the concentration of Xanax in a body. Let’s glance at them one by one:

Urine Test

Some urine tests are most commonly utilized to check the presence of Xanax in a body. It can help detect the drug up to five days after the last dose has been taken. However, factors, for instance, age, weight, and metabolism, can affect the duration (NRS, n.d.)

Blood Test

Another test to determine the duration of Xanax in the body is blood test. This test is more accurate than a urine test and Xanax can be detected for up to 24 hours after the last dose has been taken.

Saliva Test

This test is less invasive than other tests and can detect Xanax up to two and a half days after the last dose has been taken.

Hair Test

Finally, hair tests are another way to check the Xanax concentration, having the longest detection window of all. It spots Xanax for up to 90 days after the last dose. However, this test is a bit expensive (NRS, n.d.).

Is Xanax an Addictive Drug?

A prescribed dose of Xanax helps treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks; however, it is often abused, leading to severe addiction. As it has a calming effect on the body by suppressing the central nervous system, individuals may take the drug recreationally for pleasure.

Xanax addiction can develop quickly, with withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Long-term Xanax use can lead to memory loss, depression, and cognitive impairment. It is especially dangerous when combined with other drugs or alcohol, as it can lead to respiratory failure and even death (Nest, 2021).

Final Takeaway

It is important to get your anxiety disorder treated with the right medicine, but of course, after consulting your practitioner. Xanax is among the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications, but getting it in excess can be dangerous. If you or someone you know is struggling with Xanax addiction, it is essential to seek help. Treatment options include detoxification, therapy, and medication-assisted treatment (Nest, 2021).

Meta Description: Xanax is a benzodiazepine drug, having a half-life of about 12 hours. So, it takes almost a day for Xanax to stay in your system. Sometimes, the duration is prolonged.

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References

Ayaga, V. (2023). How Long Does Xanax Stay in Your System? Retrieved from addictiongroup.org: https://www.addictiongroup.org/drugs/benzodiazepines/xanax/system/

Brunier, A. (2016). Investing in treatment for depression and anxiety leads to fourfold return. Retrieved from who.int: https://www.who.int/news/item/13-04-2016-investing-in-treatment-for-depression-and-anxiety-leads-to-fourfold-return

Nest, T. O. (2021). How Long Does Xanax Stay in Your System? Retrieved from owlsnestrecovery.com: https://owlsnestrecovery.com/how-long-does-xanax-stay-in-your-system/

NRS. (n.d.). How Long Does Xanax Stay in Blood, Urine, and Hair. Retrieved from nexusrecoveryservices.com: https://nexusrecoveryservices.com/prescription-drug-addiction/xanax-stay-in-system/

Renzoni, C. (2022). How Long Does Xanax Stay in Your System? Retrieved from therecoveryvillage.com: https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/xanax-addiction/how-long-xanax-system-blood-urine-hair/

serenitylane. (n.d.). How Long Does Xanax Stay In Your System? Retrieved from serenitylane.org: https://serenitylane.org/blog/how-long-does-xanax-stay-in-your-system/

Staff, E. (2022). How Long Does Xanax Stay in Your System? Retrieved from recoveryfirst.org: https://recoveryfirst.org/detox/benzo/xanax-withdrawal/how-long-in-system/

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