Understanding Xanax Withdrawal: Symptoms, Risks, + How to Get Through It

If you’ve ever tried to quit Xanax, you know it’s not just about “deciding to stop.” Xanax (alprazolam) is a powerful benzodiazepine with a high potential for addiction, and it can quietly take over your life. At first, it might feel like a lifeline for anxiety or panic — but over time, your body and brain can become so dependent on it that going without feels impossible.

The cruel reality is that Xanax withdrawal symptoms can be intense, painful, and even dangerous, causing many individuals to feel trapped in a cycle of use. Instead of moving toward recovery, the fear of withdrawal symptoms (and their dangers) can keep you reaching for your next dose. Breaking free can seem insurmountable, but understanding what’s happening to your body is the first step toward reclaiming your life.

What is Xanax Withdrawal?

Xanax withdrawal is the set of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that occur when someone who has developed a dependence on Xanax (alprazolam) reduces their dose or stops taking it entirely.

Xanax is a short-acting benzodiazepine that works by enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that calms overactive brain activity. When you take Xanax regularly, your brain adjusts to its presence and starts relying on it to maintain balance. Over time, your natural GABA activity becomes suppressed.

When you stop taking Xanax — or even miss a dose — your brain is suddenly without that calming effect. This can trigger a rebound effect where anxiety, panic, and physical hyperarousal surge back, often more intensely than before.

Read more: Benzodiazepine Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Withdrawal

Common Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms

Here’s a breakdown of the symptoms that can occur when you’re trying to quit Xanax after developing a dependence:

Psychological symptoms:

• Anxiety, panic attacks, rebound anxiety (sometimes worse than what initiated use)
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia, vivid dreams, nightmares)
• Mood swings (irritability, depression, even aggression)
• Cognitive issues (poor memory or concentration, intrusive thoughts, depersonalization, derealization, hallucinations)

Physical symptoms:

• Tremors, sweating, muscle twitches, headaches, rapid heartbeat
• Gastrointestinal distress, nausea, dizziness, vision changes (Medical News Today, 2019; Wikipedia, 2025)

Severe, potentially life-threatening risks:

• Seizures, delirium, psychosis; may increase risk of suicidal ideation and death (Verywell Mind, 2019)

How Common Are Withdrawal Symptoms?

Here are some stats that put the scope into perspective:

• An estimated 20–30% of long-term users develop physical dependence (Pelissolo & Lader, 2016).
• Up to 40–80% of individuals who abruptly stop benzodiazepines experience some degree of withdrawal symptoms, ranging from mild to severe (AddictionGroup.org, 2025).
• Among those dependent on short-acting benzos like Xanax, around 44% may encounter moderate to severe symptoms (Healthline, 2022).
• 10–25% of long-term users may endure protracted withdrawal symptoms that can stretch for months or even a year (Verywell Mind, 2019).
• A classic study reported that 58–100% of users experienced some form of withdrawal, depending on how the criteria were defined (Rickels et al., 1990, as cited in Psychology Today, 2024).

Xanax Withdrawal Timeline: What to Expect + When

Understanding the time points can help you anticipate and manage each stage:

• 8–12 hours post-last dose – Early symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, headache, and muscle tension often start.
• Day 2 – Most symptoms peak here, with intensity that can feel overwhelming.
• Days 4–5 – Some acute symptoms begin to ease, though there are still numerous unpleasant, painful, or challenging side effects.
• Weeks to months after stopping – Many recover gradually, but 10–25% face protracted symptoms like anxiety flares, insomnia, cognitive fog, or mood swings that linger (Verywell Mind, 2019).

Breaking the Cycle Safely

Quitting Xanax doesn’t have to feel impossible. Here’s what helps:

1. Never stop cold turkey. Gradual tapering under medical supervision is essential.
2. Switch to a longer-acting benzo under medical supervision, like diazepam, to smooth the process
3. Take it slow. A clinician-guided taper customized to you allows the brain and body to reset with less trauma.
4. Lean into support. Medical detox and addiction treatment, peer groups, good sleep hygiene, and gentle exercise can provide real relief.

Watch Video ▸

Compassionate Medical Detox in Pennsylvania

At STR, detox is more than removing substances — it’s a carefully managed first step toward lasting recovery. Our expert team prioritizes safety, comfort, and emotional readiness for what comes next.

Watch the video to learn more.

Compassionate Care, Grounded in Hope

If you or someone you know is struggling with Xanax abuse or addiction, there is hope for healing and recovery. At STR Behavioral Health, addiction treatment is tailored to your unique needs, starting with a comprehensive assessment and a personalized care plan to help you find the best path forward.

Contact our admissions team today to learn more about how our detox and rehab programs can support you or your loved one in healing from Xanax dependence.

References

• Ashton, H. (n.d.). Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms, acute & protracted. In The Ashton Manual. Benzodiazepine Information Coalition.
• Healthline. (n.d.). Xanax Withdrawal: Symptoms, Severity, Length, and Treatment.
• Verywell Mind. (n.d.). How Long Does Xanax Withdrawal Last?
• European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. (2021). Benzodiazepine withdrawal in older people: What is the prevalence… (Jobert et al.).
• AddictionGroup.org. (n.d.). Statistics on Benzodiazepine Addiction.