If you have ever missed a day of your medication or had to stop using Xanax for any reason you may have noticed feeling tired or had nausea the day after. This is what is known as the Xanax Hangover. Xanax is the prescription brand of the drug alprazolam which belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines or benzos for short are used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. By manipulating neurotransmitters in the brain, Xanax slows down or depresses the central nervous system causing users to feel calmer and more relaxed.2 Xanax is usually prescribed in the short term in order to prevent dependency and tolerance. And as such, is not an ideal treatment for people with chronic anxiety.
Understanding Xanax Hangover
A Xanax hangover occurs as the effects of taking the drug wear off. Xanax hangovers are a kind of drug withdrawal and should be considered an indicator of Xanax dependence. So, what’s the bigger picture? Withdrawals occur because the body becomes acclimated to having the drug in its system. People who use Xanax regularly, especially those who abuse the drug, may experience these hangovers when they abruptly stop using Xanax. In short, Xanax hangovers generally occur within 8-12 hours after your last dose. After the first day, these symptoms intensify and eventually level out in about 4-5 days.3
Signs Of a Xanax Hangover
Research finds that after 6 months of using benzodiazepines like Xanax, around 40% of users will experience withdrawals that are moderate to severe.3 Depending on a variety of factors including how long you were using, how much of the drug was used, and the physical condition you are in, the symptoms of a Xanax hangover will differ. Here are some general symptoms of a Xanax hangover:- Headache And Migraines
- Blurry Vision
- Fatigue
- Nausea And Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Appetite Loss
- Muscle Soreness
- Irregular Heartbeat
- Increased Blood Pressure
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Numbness Of the Extremities
- Strong Urges to Continue Using the Drug
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Confusion
- Lack Of Concentration
How Long Do Symptoms Last?
Because of the differences between Xanax users’ and the methods used to treat them, withdrawal periods may vary significantly. Despite the deviations that may occur, here is a general timeline on how to cure a Xanax hangover. Stage 1: 6-12 hours after last using Xanax, a person begins experiencing light withdrawal symptoms for the first time. These include symptoms like anxiety, headaches, and trouble sleeping. Stage 2: Within the first 1-3 Days, symptoms of the Xanax hangover intensify. It is at this point that severe physical and psychological symptoms occur. Individuals using Benzodiazepines for anxiety and panic disorders often struggle to cope with the physical discomfort of withdrawal symptoms and are at an increased risk of relapse and mental health crisis. It is for this reason that inpatient detox treatment (along with slowly tapering under medical guidance) is strongly recommended. Stage 3: Symptoms begin to decline within 1-2 weeks and can linger on for a while after. Fortunately, symptoms will only settle from here on out, giving way to what are called post-acute withdrawal symptoms or PAWS.Latest Study on Xanax Hangovers
A 2018 study notes that those taking Alprazolam (Xanax) may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms than with other benzodiazepines.1 Xanax also carries a heightened risk of overdose and should be avoided as a treatment for those with a high risk of suicide and those using opioids, alcohol and other sedatives.1Quick Ways Naturally Combat a Xanax Hangover?
So, what helps with a Xanax hangover? Xanax withdrawals can be dangerous and for individuals that are trying to quit Xanax, good inpatient detox and drug rehabilitation are highly recommended. Ultimately, the cure for a Xanax hangover is time, but here are some tips to lessen the effects of Xanax withdrawals while your body detoxifies itself.- Eat Healthy Foods
- Stay Hydrated
- Rest Up
- Exercise
- Relax
