A drug type called benzodiazepines calms the central nervous system. Xanax is a drug for anxiety and panic disorders. This makes them one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States.
But if you stop taking Xanax suddenly, it can cause serious health problems like withdrawal symptoms such as seizures. Hence, seeking advice from a medical expert before changing your medication routine is vital.
What Are Xanax Withdrawal Seizures?
Xanax, a short-acting benzodiazepine, has been associated with withdrawal seizures. While such seizures can occur with benzodiazepines of all durations, short-acting types like Xanax are more prone to this risk.
Seizures can manifest as soon as 24 hours after abruptly discontinuing Xanax. Typically, Xanax withdrawal seizures are seen in individuals who have consumed high doses over extended periods. Nonetheless, there have been instances where seizures were reported after less than a month of using the medication.
Grand Mal Seizures
Most Xanax withdrawal seizures were grand mal type, with symptoms like collapsing, loss of consciousness, and muscle spasms.
Seizures usually occur 1 to 12 days after stopping benzodiazepine use. The severity can range from a one-time event to more severe cases that can result in coma or death.
Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
Should you develop an addiction to Xanax and abruptly cease its use, withdrawal symptoms may manifest just a few hours following the last dosage.
Should you find yourself dependent on prescription benzodiazepines, it’s imperative not to discontinue them independently. Withdrawal symptoms from Xanax can be intense and potentially fatal. Consulting a healthcare professional is always advisable.
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms of Xanax withdrawal include seizures and other signs like:
- Sensations of tingling and numbness throughout the body
- Pain or stiffness in the head and neck area
- Pain in the joints and muscles
- Severe muscle spasms or twitching
- Tremors
- Nausea, diarrhea, constipation
- Changes in appetite
- Fluctuations in weight
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Increased body temperature and excessive
Psychological Symptoms
When withdrawing from Xanax, individuals may experience a range of psychological symptoms, including:
- Heightened feelings of unease or worry
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Sudden, intense feelings of fear or discomfort
- Suspicious or distrustful thinking
- Challenges focusing or maintaining attention
- Impaired memory
- Increased sensitivity or quickness to anger
- A tendency to shun social interactions
- A severe disturbance in mental abilities that presents with confused thinking and reduced awareness of your environment
- Occurrences of severe mental or behavioral changes
- Feelings of severe despondency
- A state of mental disorder marked by confusion, hallucinations, or delusions
Prevent Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
People who have been using a benzodiazepine such as Xanax for an extended period, typically beyond three weeks to a month, are at a high likelihood of facing acute withdrawal symptoms should they suddenly quit cold turkey. Nonetheless, by moderating prescription lengths, one can diminish the chance of developing a physical reliance and avoid the onset of intense withdrawal symptoms associated with benzodiazepines.
Steering clear of prolonged usage of benzodiazepines is critical to preventing the development of tolerance and protracted withdrawal symptoms. This approach helps in halting the progression towards more serious mental health issues and the potential for addiction.
Xanax Addiction Treatment Program at Northridge Addiction Treatment Center
If you or someone you care about is struggling with Xanax addiction and substance abuse, Northridge Addiction Treatment Center can help. We offer support and assistance for those dealing with these issues.
Our center is here to provide the help you need. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help with Xanax addiction and substance abuse. NATC offers a real opportunity to achieve long-term recovery. This can be the start of a journey towards a drug-free life.
Unlike many treatment centers, Northridge Addiction Treatment Center offers inpatient care focused exclusively on evidence-based methods. This method and a superior patient-to-staff ratio are dedicated to ensuring each person fully recovers.
Northridge Addiction Treatment Center addresses both substance use and mental health issues through a comprehensive dual-diagnosis program. This program integrates medication-assisted treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT aims to change patients’ expectations, thought patterns, and behaviors by teaching them coping mechanisms to manage life’s challenges after rehabilitation. Studies have validated that CBT significantly aids individuals in ceasing the use of benzodiazepines like Xanax.
Medical Detox
For those grappling with addiction to prescription depressants, it is recommended to partake in a medically supervised detoxification process. This ensures that the tapering off of Xanax is conducted safely under constant medical oversight.
At Northridge Addiction Treatment Center, we provide a peaceful environment with emotional support to help with your withdrawal symptoms. Our medical team is there to care for you around the clock.
Our caring team of treatment experts is ready to assist you in accessing the necessary treatment immediately. Contact us today.
