The withdrawal process from Xanax is difficult and can be life-threatening. Some people who withdraw from Xanax experience seizures, extreme irritability, heightened anxiety, and problems sleeping. Due to the health risks associated with xanax withdrawal symptoms, it is recommended that people who are abusing or addicted to Xanax go through a medically-supervised detox and withdrawal in a residential treatment facility that offers around-the-clock care and support.
Xanax withdrawal signs will show up differently in each person and depend on a number of factors. However, for diagnostic purposes, mental health and substance use disorder professionals rely on a specific set of diagnostic criteria from the American Psychological Association (APA), which include:
- Anxiety
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Hallucinations, such as hearing, seeing, or feeling things that are not there
- Nausea or vomiting
- Psychomotor agitation (difficulty sitting still)
- Racing heartbeat
- Seizures
- Sweating
- Tremors, or shaking hands
Many factors affect how withdrawal affects each person. For example, the length of time a person has been using Xanax, at what dosage, how frequently they take the drugs, and if they use Xanax in combination with alcohol or any other drugs will each affect the withdrawal process. A person’s mental health and medical history will also affect withdrawal.