Xanax Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline & Treatment for Veterans

Xanax is a prescription drug used to manage generalized anxiety and panic disorders. It is the brand name for the generic drug alprazolam. Xanax is a benzodiazepine, which is a class of medications that can calm an otherwise over-excited central nervous system.^1,2

There is a known potential for dependence and addiction when taking Xanax.^1,2 This page will cover the Xanax withdrawal symptoms, timeline, and treatment options.

What Is Xanax Withdrawal?

Physiological dependence on a substance like Xanax is characterized by experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Physiological dependence means the body becomes used to the presence of a drug or medication and requires it for normal functioning.^1,2

When a person stops taking Xanax or drastically reduces the dose, the body attempts to adjust but isn’t able to quickly compensate to the lack of the drug present in the system, which results in Xanax withdrawal symptoms.^1,2

Xanax withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and even life-threatening. This can make it very challenging to stop taking Xanax.^1,2

Substance use statistics show Veterans are especially at risk for developing dependence and addiction to drugs or alcohol because of the stressful circumstances they face. For some Veterans, using drugs, alcohol, and benzodiazepines like Xanax may be an effort to cope with emotional stressors, such as reintegrating back into civilian life when their service is over, or PTSD.^3,4

Military service members are at increased risk of experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).⁵ PTSD is a mental health condition that develops in response to exposure to a traumatic event and it involves symptoms that include:⁶

• Re-experiencing the traumatic event via distressing memories, dreams, or reactions to triggers.
• Avoidance of things associated with the trauma.
• Negative changes in thoughts and feelings associated with the traumatic event.
• Changes or worsening in arousal and reactivity associated with the traumatic event.

In the past, some doctors have prescribed Veterans benzodiazepines like Xanax for PTSD. However, the VA and Department of Defense strongly recommend against this because of the risks of misuse, dependence, and long-term problems like dementia.⁷

Instead, they advocate for safer and more effective treatments for PTSD like therapy and antidepressants.⁷

Symptoms of Xanax Withdrawal

Withdrawal from benzos like Xanax can cause physiological symptoms that may range in severity. Some symptoms of Xanax withdrawal, including seizures, can be life-threatening.⁸ Severe withdrawal reactions are more likely when Xanax is taken in high doses and for a prolonged period, or when someone has had a prior severe withdrawal reaction to a sedative.⁹

Signs of Xanax withdrawal can include:⁹

• Anxiety.
• Insomnia.
• Psychomotor agitation.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Increased autonomic hyperactivity, indicated by things like a high pulse rate and sweating.
• Hand tremor.
• Visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations.
• Grand mal seizures.

Xanax Withdrawal Timeline

When it comes to benzodiazepines like Xanax, the timeline and course of withdrawal depends on the specific benzo and several other factors, including:^8,9

• How much and how often a person takes the drug.
• How long they have been taking the drug.
• Whether other substances are also being taken, such as alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants.
• Co-occurring mental health disorders, like panic disorder.

An example of a Xanax withdrawal timeline (where Xanax or another short-acting benzo is the only drug that was misused) could look like the following:⁹

• Day 1: Within 6 to 8 hours of the last dose, withdrawal symptoms begin to set in.
• Days 2-3: Withdrawal symptoms tend to peak around the second day.
• Days 4-6: Withdrawal symptoms start to improve, and the most severe symptoms may resolve around day 5. However, in certain cases, prolonged withdrawal symptoms may continue for several months.

Xanax Withdrawal Treatment

A medically supervised drug detoxification program can help people safely and comfortably withdraw from substances like Xanax. As part of Xanax withdrawal treatment, medical professionals may gradually taper a person off of Xanax or switch them to another longer-acting benzodiazepine and gradually taper, while closely monitoring the patient and their withdrawal symptoms.⁸

Medical supervision and oversight are important when discontinuing Xanax because of the risks associated with severe Xanax withdrawal. Detoxing from benzodiazepines like Xanax cold turkey or without supervision is potentially dangerous and may lead to life-threatening medical complications like seizures.⁸

While detox is an important first step in treating Xanax addiction, additional treatment is usually necessary to support long-term abstinence. After detox is complete, several levels of addiction treatment are available including inpatient/residential or outpatient treatment.

Once treatment is complete, an aftercare or continued care plan typically involves various types of supportive care that help a person practice and refine skills learned in rehab or maintain a support structure that helps maintain lasting abstinence.¹⁰

Many Veterans with addictions also have co-occurring mental health conditions and getting treatment that addresses the specific needs of military service members is important.³

American Addiction Centers (AAC) specializes in providing evidence-based care for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. AAC also offers treatment programs specifically designed for Veterans at all of their facilities.

As an approved VA community care provider, AAC is proud to provide premier substance use disorder treatment for Veterans. The community care network may enable Veterans to receive care at an AAC facility and have a portion or all of the costs of treatment covered by their VA benefits. For more information on drug rehab for Veterans at AAC, call the drug abuse hotline.

Admissions navigators are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about addiction treatment for Veterans, various ways to pay for rehab, and how to start the treatment admissions process. Contact us today at to speak with a compassionate admissions navigator and take the first step toward recovery.

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