How Long Does Xanax Stay in Your System?

Key Points

Do you take alprazolam and want to know how long it takes to clear your body of the medication? Whether you’re getting ready for a drug test, planning to stop taking the medication, or just wanting to know how your prescription works, these are all reasonable inquiries. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, are among the most frequently prescribed drugs in the United States.[1]

At SOBA New Jersey, we understand discussing your prescription medication or substance usage may make you uncomfortable, so we strive to provide helpful information you can bring to your treating professional, so you have the knowledge necessary to collaboratively make informed decisions. This article will detail what you should know about Xanax, including how long it will remain in the body, what can affect its removal rate, and when it is best to seek assistance.

Understanding How Xanax Works

Alprazolam is the generic name for Xanax and belongs to a class of medications known as benzodiazepines, a group of medications that calm the central nervous system and are commonly used to treat anxiety, panic, and certain types of sleep disorders. The FDA has approved alprazolam to treat generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Since there is the potential for abuse and dependency with this medication, alprazolam is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance.[2]

How Xanax Affects Your Body

Alprazolam functions by increasing the action of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA serves as a “brake” on the central nervous system, reducing the speed of signal transmission in the brain and creating an overall feeling of relaxation.[3] As a result, alprazolam is effective for treating anxiety, but is also responsible for causing drowsiness, sleepiness, and promoting addiction and dependency.

Common Side Effects of Xanax

Some examples of common side effects caused by alprazolam include:

• Drowsiness and sleepiness
• Lightheadedness and dizziness
• Impaired coordination
• Reduced reaction time
• Impaired cognition, including difficulties with memory and focus

How Long Does Xanax Remain in Your System?

Understanding the Half-Life of Xanax

The half-life of a medication refers to the length of time necessary for the concentration of the active ingredient within the body to decrease by fifty percent. The average half-life for alprazolam ranges approximately 11 hours for most adults.[4]

However, the range for half-life is quite broad (approximately 6 to 27 hours) among individuals. Most medications require five half-lives for total elimination. Therefore, Xanax should generally be removed from your body within 2 to 4 days after your final dose.

Estimated Timeline for Xanax to Leave the Body

• Occasional use: generally removed within 2 to 4 days
• Prescribed use: generally requires 4 to 7 days for elimination
• Chronic or frequent use: remains detectable in urine for around 1 week or longer due to accumulation of the drug in your body

Factors Affecting Removal Rate of Xanax

Everyone processes medication a little differently. Some factors affecting the clearance rates of alprazolam include:

• Age
• Weight and body fat percentage
• Metabolic rate
• Liver Function
• Strength and timing of dosage
• Frequency of medication use
• Medications used at the same time
• Use of alcohol

How Long Will Xanax Stay in Urine?

Urine Detection Times for Xanax

Each drug test has different detection windows.[5] The following chart represents approximate detection windows for each type:

• Urinalysis: approximately 2 to 7 days
• Blood test: approximately 24 hours
• Saliva test: approximately 2 to 3 days
• Hair test: approximately 90 days

Why Urine Testing Is So Prevalent

Urine testing is used in almost all forms of drug testing due to its low cost, ease of use, and relatively longer detection window compared to both blood and saliva testing. This is why urinalysis testing is used in virtually all occupational settings, clinical treatment programs, and court-related proceedings.

Will Heavy Users Show Positive Results on Urine Testing?

Yes. Individuals who consume regular doses of Xanax may experience prolonged detection results via urine testing because the drug will accumulate in fatty tissues and gradually be released into the body’s circulation, extending detection results past seven days.[6]

Accuracy of Home Drug Tests

While home-testing kits may serve as a preliminary assessment tool, they are not consistently reliable. There is a possibility of false positives or false negatives resulting from other substances or human error associated with testing equipment. Laboratory verification is recommended whenever accuracy matters.

Factors That Can Prolong the Detection of Xanax

Long-term Xanax Use

Due to prolonged exposure to the drug, alprazolam can accumulate within your body and take longer to eliminate.

Liver Function and Metabolism

Since the liver metabolizes alprazolam, individuals with impaired liver function may metabolize the drug more slowly. Additionally, genetic influences impact metabolism, so two individuals consuming similar dosages may exhibit vastly different elimination times.

Age and Body Composition

Generally speaking, elderly populations metabolize drugs more slowly than younger ones, so older adults may retain detectable levels of the drug longer.[7]

Using Other Substances With Xanax

Combining alprazolam with alcohol, opioids, or sleep medications can slow metabolism and increase the risk of dangerous side effects, including respiratory depression (shallow breathing that leads to a buildup of carbon dioxide and a lack of oxygen). Always talk with your healthcare provider before combining medications.

Can You Speed Up How Fast Xanax Leaves Your Body?

Debunking Popular Myths About Detoxification From Xanax

There are many methods that claim to accelerate elimination rates of alprazolam from your body, such as drinking excessive amounts of water,  high-intensity exercise, or detoxification beverages. Unfortunately, none of these strategies speed removal rates, and some pose serious health risks.[8]

Your liver and kidneys naturally process and detoxify the majority of medications, including alprazolam, at a predictable pace, regardless of any additional methods taken.

When Medical Detoxification May Be Necessary

Individuals who use high doses of prescription medication or are prescribed several medications at a time may suffer severe consequences if they stop a medication suddenly, including seizures. Medical detoxification provides safe guidance and monitoring throughout this process.

Managing Xanax Use Safely

Take Xanax Exactly as Prescribed

To minimize risk associated with taking alprazolam, you must adhere strictly to your prescribing physician’s recommendations regarding dosage levels, timing schedules, and duration of treatment.[9] Deviating from prescribed instructions increases the likelihood of developing dependence on the medication, experiencing undesirable side effects, or overdose.

Risks Associated With Misusing Xanax

Substance misuse can contribute to the development of tolerance, physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopped, and overdose. These risks greatly increase when consuming alcohol or opioids concurrently with alprazolam.

How to Discuss Xanax Use With Your Healthcare Provider

Concerns related to your prescribed use of medication should be discussed with your prescribing physician as soon as possible. Potential conversation points include: side effects you observe while taking the medication; other medications you currently take; concern about potential development of dependence; and medically safe tapering options if you wish to discontinue use.

Identify Signs of Xanax Dependence and Withdrawal

Signs of Dependence on Xanax

Development of dependence on a medication occurs over time with prescribed use regardless of whether it was intended or unintended.

Symptoms of dependence include:

• A need to increase dosages to obtain desired effect
• Wanting to take larger doses despite prescribed dosages or instructions
• Difficulty in decreasing or stopping the prescribed dosage without withdrawal symptoms

Signs of Withdrawal from Xanax

Withdrawal symptoms after stopping prescription-dosed alprazolam include:

• Rebound anxiety
• Insomnia
• Tremors
• Panic attack
• In extreme cases, seizures

Benzodiazepine withdrawal is one of the few substance withdrawal syndromes capable of being fatal, so supervised care by a medical team is highly recommended.[10]

Why Xanax Withdrawal Should Not Be Managed by Yourself

Abruptly stopping prescription-dosed Xanax can be dangerous. Your healthcare provider can help design a tapering schedule, monitor your withdrawal symptoms, and intervene if any complications occur. A medical team can ensure the entire process is safer and less uncomfortable than attempting to withdraw from this medication on your own.

Medical detoxification programs offered through medical facilities provide continuous care during initial stages of withdrawal from prescription-dosed medication.

Frequently Asked Questions About How Long Xanax Stays in Your System