Can you stop Xanax cold turkey? Xanax (alprazolam) is a brand-name prescription drug that is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It is a short-acting benzodiazepine that is effective when used properly but physically and psychologically habit-forming when used in the long term.
The Mental Health Services Administration highlights several essential points about Xanax addiction. Xanax is indicated for short-term use that does not exceed 2-4 weeks. Taking Xanax in a higher dose than prescribed or for longer than one month can cause physical dependence and addiction. It is prescribed for short-term relief of anxiety and panic disorders due to its fast-acting properties; however, its calming effects can lead to drug abuse as the body quickly builds a tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect.
Prolonged use can result in psychological and physiological dependence, making it challenging to stop without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
If you have become addicted to Xanax and are exploring your options in regards to quitting the drug, you have two options:
- Stop taking Xanax suddenly and go through “cold turkey withdrawal” or
- Work with your doctor or a medical provider to come up with a tapering schedule that gradually lowers your dose, preventing severe and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms
Unfortunately, benzodiazepine tapers last for several weeks and sometimes even months.
While a taper can reduce the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms, you may be tempted to “pull the bandaid off” and get detox over with. But is it safe to stop taking Xanax cold turkey?
What Does it Mean to Quit “Cold Turkey”?
The phrase “quitting cold turkey” is used to describe the abrupt cessation of Xanax or other substances that someone is addicted to. Instead of slowly tapering off of an addictive substance, this method involves stopping all at once and going through unpleasant physical symptoms of withdrawal. The term is also usually used in reference to people quitting using substances without any medical supervision.
The phrase dates back to the early 1920s and describes individuals going through detox. Its origin comes from some of the most common symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal: cold chills and goosebumps. People who are detoxing often feel cold and clammy and have goosebumps on their arms or legs for periods of time–similar to a turkey that has been in the refrigerator.
Some substances, such as marijuana, are perfectly safe to quit using cold turkey. Others, such as Xanax, are more dangerous to stop using all at once.
Dangers of Quitting Xanax Cold Turkey
Xanax is addictive because it increases the reuptake of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, a neurotransmitter responsible for the central nervous system (CNS) and reactions to anxiety, fear, and stress.
Psychiatric illnesses such as anxiety, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia are associated with low levels of GABA, which is why Xanax is an effective treatment. However, during withdrawal, the brain goes into overdrive as it tries to compensate for the sudden reduction in GABA activity. This is what causes acute withdrawal symptoms.
The slower the pace of reduction of GABA in the brain, the less severe withdrawal will be. Stopping Xanax cold turkey causes an immediate loss of GABA activity and, therefore, causes severe symptoms of Xanax withdrawal.
Why You Can’t Stop Xanax Cold Turkey: The Dangers of Abrupt Cessation
Stopping Xanax cold turkey is extremely dangerous and not recommended. Xanax is a short-acting benzodiazepine that can lead to physical dependence even when taken as prescribed. Abruptly discontinuing Xanax can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, rebound anxiety, insomnia, and potentially life-threatening complications such as psychosis or suicidal thoughts
The brain goes into overdrive as it tries to compensate for the sudden reduction in GABA activity, causing acute withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be more intense and dangerous than the original condition Xanax was prescribed to treat.
Can You Stop Xanax Cold Turkey? Safe Alternatives for Discontinuation
Instead of stopping Xanax cold turkey, the safest approach is to work with a healthcare provider to develop a tapering schedule. This gradual reduction in dosage helps minimize withdrawal symptoms and reduces the risk of severe complications. A typical Xanax taper lasts between 8 and 12 weeks, with dose reductions of 5% to 25% every 1-4 weeks, depending on individual factors
Medical supervision during this process is crucial, especially for those who have been taking Xanax for longer than 30 days or have co-occurring disorders. Additional medications may be prescribed to manage rebound symptoms and ensure a safer, more comfortable withdrawal process.
Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
When quitting Xanax cold turkey, benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms emerge and can pose significant dangers to individuals who abruptly stop taking it. Due to its rapid onset and short duration of action in the body, Xanax use can lead to physical dependence even when taken as prescribed.
Suddenly stopping Xanax can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, rebound anxiety, insomnia, and potentially life-threatening complications such as psychosis or suicidal thoughts.
Understanding these dangers is crucial for individuals considering discontinuing Xanax or seeking Xanax addiction treatment, as supervision from medical professionals and gradual tapering are often necessary to mitigate risks, avoid unwanted withdrawal symptoms, and ensure a safe medical detox.
Cold turkey Xanax withdrawal may affect your mental health or cause painful and even life-threatening side effects.
Symptoms of withdrawal include:
- Insomnia or other sleep disorders
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability
- Muscle pain
- Stomach pain
- Headaches
- Panic attacks
- Trembling
- Lack of concentration
- Heart palpitations
While these symptoms are generally not life-threatening, the chances of experiencing potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms increase substantially when you quit Xanax cold turkey. Serious side effects of Xanax withdrawal are:
- Convulsions
- Seizures
- Psychosis
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Relapse
If you begin experiencing any of these symptoms while going through Xanax detox, you must seek immediate medical attention and start Xanax addiction treatment.
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Rebound Symptoms
Rebound symptoms from Xanax detox refer to the return and potential intensification of symptoms that Xanax was originally prescribed to treat, such as anxiety and panic disorder. This is sometimes known as protracted withdrawal. These symptoms can become more severe than they were before starting the medication and are particularly challenging because they can make the withdrawal process more uncomfortable and increase the risk of relapse.
Common rebound symptoms include:
- Heightened Anxiety: Increased levels of anxiety compared to pre-treatment levels.
- Panic Attacks: More frequent and intense panic attacks.
- Insomnia: Severe difficulty in falling or staying asleep.
- Irritability: Elevated irritability and restlessness.
These symptoms typically begin soon after stopping the medication and can last for several days to a few weeks.
When to Seek Help
It’s essential to seek help for Xanax withdrawal if you experience severe symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, intense anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm. It’s also important to seek assistance if you struggle with Xanax detox on your own. Medical guidance can provide a safer withdrawal process and support to manage symptoms effectively. Consulting a healthcare provider or addiction specialist is recommended for appropriate treatment and support.
How to Safely Stop Taking Xanax
The safest and most comfortable way to stop taking Xanax is to slowly taper your dose under medical supervision. Anyone who has been taking Xanax for longer than 30 days, especially those with co-occurring disorders, the elderly, or those who struggle with polydrug use.
How long your taper will last depends on several factors, such as:
- How long you’ve been using Xanax
- What dose you take on a regular basis
- Your age, weight, and metabolism
- Co-occurring mental or physical health conditions
The first dose reduction usually ranges between 5% and 25% of the dose you have been taking. Then, every 1-4 weeks you will be evaluated by your doctor who will continue reducing your dose accordingly by between 5% and 25%.
Overall, most Xanax tapers last between 8 and 12 weeks. Other medications, like gabapentin (an anticonvulsant) or antidepressants may be prescribed to help treat rebound symptoms of anxiety, panic, or seizures. You should never attempt to taper yourself off of Xanax or stop taking it cold turkey. Instead, you should consult with your doctor or a medical detox center about stopping the medication.
Contact Us
If you are considering stopping Xanax cold turkey, we sincerely hope you reconsider for your health and safety. The compassionate and experienced team at our drug rehab in Massachusetts is dedicated to providing you with the best care possible.
We offer seamless access to medically supervised detox services and comprehensive outpatient substance abuse treatment designed to help you quit Xanax safely and sustain long-term sobriety.
Contact us today to learn more about how our specialized benzodiazepine treatment programs can help support you in reclaiming your life and achieving lasting recovery.
