What is a Xanax Hangover?
Xanax or its generic name alprazolam, belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Xanax is often prescribed to treat mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders and panic disorders. Benzos like Xanax are one of the most commonly prescribed and commonly abused prescription drugs due to their high potency and high risk for dependency. Because of this Xanax has become a popular recreational drug with some people using illicit versions that can be cheaper or easier to obtain compared to the prescription drug.
Xanax abuse can result in feelings of extreme relaxation, and sedation and even cause users to pass out for a few hours. During this time some have reported memory loss and blacking out as they are unable to remember events or activities that occurred. When the effects of Xanax begin to wear off, some people may experience mild symptoms of withdrawal, which is also known as a Xanax hangover.
What is a Xanax Hangover?
A Xanax hangover is when someone who has taken the drug begins to feel mild withdrawal symptoms as the effects of the drug start to wear off and begin leaving the body. A Xanax hangover is often referred to as mild withdrawal or sometimes a Xanax comedown. A comedown is the wearing off of high emotions following peak drug effects. Sometimes when this happens, various feelings such as anxiety and depression can occur as the body is trying to readjust the chemicals in the brain. It is a collection of physical and psychological symptoms that can occur in the body when the drug effects wear off and begin leaving the system.
Xanax hangovers are more likely to affect those who abuse the medication. However, it can also affect those who take the medication regularly as prescribed by a medical provider. In some cases, when you initially start taking the drug, users can experience hangover symptoms while the body is still trying to adjust to the medication. Those who are more likely to experience Xanax hangovers are those who may be taking the medication for the first time, those who take the medication infrequently, those who have used the medication but have recently changed the dosage and those who have used the medication for a while but have recently missed one or more doses.
The majority of withdrawal symptoms or hangover symptoms should subside within 24 hours after the last dose. Minor symptoms such as decreased appetite can linger on for a day or two longer. Xanax hangovers can feel very similar to alcohol hangovers. They can be physically and mentally uncomfortable.
Common symptoms of a Xanax Hangover
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- Increased pulse
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
- Excessive sweating
- Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea and nausea
- Stomach cramps
- Muscle tension and uncontrolled muscle movements
- Tremors
- Memory impairment
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
- Lack of motivation
- Heightened senses
- Agitation, anxiety and depression
- Hallucinations and seizures
Xanax Half Life
Immediate-release formulations of Xanax have an average half-life of around 11 hours. However, depending on various circumstances, the half-life can range from 6-27 hours. This makes this medication very long-lasting compared to other benzos. Side effects and symptoms are likely to fade away before the medication has completely left the body.
Dangers of Xanax Hangover
Due to its high potency and habit-forming nature, when Xanax is taken in large or frequent doses it can cause dangerous side effects. Recreational use of sedative medication often leads to dependency and addiction. In turn, this can also lead to intense withdrawal symptoms when medication use has stopped or suddenly decreased. Symptoms such as seizures and delirium can occur. Cognitive impairment, increased risk of dementia and psychosis can result in prolonged abuse of Xanax.
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Signs you may have an Addiction to Xanax
- Drowsiness
- Impaired coordination
- Slurred speech
- Requiring more of the drug in order to feel its effects
- Experiencing hangovers and withdrawal symptoms if a dose is missed, changed or reduced
- Experiencing manic-type moods
- Memory impairment
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in activities once loved
- Strong cravings for Xanax
- Avoiding tasks that require focus and sustained attention
- Strained relationships with friends and family due to drug use
- Experiencing financial difficulty due to drug use
Xanax Addiction
A Xanax addiction can begin in the most innocent and unknowing way. Using the medication as prescribed by a medical provider can unsuspectingly lead to tolerance, dependence and addiction. Recreational use of the drug such as using during a party or a specific event in combination with alcohol or other drugs in an attempt to achieve a high or desired buzz, can lead to addiction. An addiction to Xanax is when the user needs to keep using in order to feel normal or function normally. It is when the user can no longer control their drug use and it impacts all aspects of their life.
How can you minimize the risk and symptoms of a Xanax Hangover?
- Get enough sleep
- Eat and maintain a nutritious and well-balanced diet
- Regularly engage in physical activity and exercise
- Practice mindfulness
- Management of stress reduction
- Take the medication only as prescribed by your medical provider
- Limit caffeine intake
- When detoxing, gradually taper the medication under the care of professionals
Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea
We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
When taking benzos like Xanax, there is always a chance that you might experience a Xanax hangover when the medication begins to wear off. If you use the medication over a long period of time and become accustomed to the drug, the hangover can become less severe. However, this can easily lead to tolerance and dependence. This is why those who recreationally use the drug or those who abuse the drug are more prone to developing an addiction to Xanax.
Professional behavioral treatment programs such as Hotel California by the Sea provide substance use disorder treatment specifically for benzos addiction. We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, partial hospitalization program and intensive outpatient program. We utilize evidence-proven methods such as CBT, DBT, EMDR therapy and family therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping our clients overcome their addiction and live a happier and healthier life in recovery.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/xanax-hangover
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-does-xanax-feel-like
https://www.addictioncenter.com/benzodiazepines/xanax/symptoms-signs/
https://perks.optum.com/blog/xanax-hangover
https://www.rehabcenter.net/alprazolam/hangover/
https://vertavahealth.com/alprazolam/hangover/