Xanax (alprazolam) peaks in the bloodstream about 1–2 hours after you take it. Your body typically eliminates half of the drug in about 12 hours, but timing may vary.
Medically reviewed by Alyssa Peckham, PharmD, BCPP
The human body typically gets rid of half a dose of Xanax in 12 hours. For some people, it may take longer.
The medications you take, your metabolism, and other factors can affect how long Xanax stays in your system.
This article will explain how long Xanax stays in your system, its side effects, withdrawal symptoms, and the factors that can affect the elimination of this drug from your body.
How long does Xanax stay in your system?
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Xanax is one of the most common drugs doctors prescribe to treat acute episodes of anxiety and panic disorder.
It can remain in your body for a long time after you stop feeling its effects. The body quickly absorbs Xanax, and its levels in the blood peak 1–2 hours after taking it.
A drug’s half-life refers to how long it takes the body to eliminate half the drug’s active substance. In healthy people, the half-life of Xanax is between 6 and 27 hours, with an average time of 11 hours.
The time it takes for the body to eliminate Xanax can vary from person to person.
It may take at least 2 days for Xanax to leave your body completely.
One small 2015 study involving 25 participants found that alprazolam was still detectable in saliva for up to 2.5 days after the last dose.
A doctor may also prescribe Xanax XR, which is a stronger dose that is released more slowly over time.
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Xanax can also cause some severe effects that may require immediate medical treatment. If you experience any of the following, you should immediately contact a doctor or go to the emergency room:
seizures
severe skin rash
difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
confusion
problems with coordination or balance
difficulty speaking
yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
What can affect the half-life of Xanax?
The half-life of Xanax can vary for each person. Several factors can influence how rapidly your body processes and eliminates it from your system.
Some factors that can affect Xanax half-life and make it more difficult for your body to process it may include:
metabolism
smoking
higher body weight
being older
kidney problems
liver disease
alcohol use disorder (AUD)
ethnicity, the half-life of Xanax tends to be longer for those of Asian descent
Taking medications that reduce the activity of CYP3A, a liver enzyme that helps process Xanax, can make it more difficult to eliminate Xanax from your system. This can lead to a buildup of Xanax in your blood and increase your risk of developing severe side effects.
Some examples of medication that contain CYP3A inhibitors may include:
azole antifungal agents
birth control medications
antidepressants
You should always let doctors know of any medications you’re currently taking to prevent the risk of Xanax drug interactions.
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The withdrawal symptoms of Xanax can vary from person to person.
Stopping Xanax suddenly can cause severe withdrawal symptoms that can last for up to 12 months.
Xanax withdrawal symptoms may include:
sweating
sensitivity to sound or light
blurred vision
headache
muscle cramps and twitching
trouble sleeping or insomnia
difficulty concentrating
diarrhea
anxiety and panic attacks
seizures
overexcitement and losing contact with reality
thoughts of harming or killing yourself
These symptoms can happen when you stop taking Xanax after your body has become used to the drug. If you want to discontinue Xanax, you should speak to a doctor. They can help you gradually decrease the dosage of Xanax you take, minimizing the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms.
You should immediately contact a doctor if you suddenly stop taking Xanax on your own and develop any withdrawal symptoms.
Summary
Xanax is one of the most common medications doctors prescribe to treat anxiety and panic attacks short term.
You should follow your doctor’s instructions when taking Xanax to minimize the risk of side effects and prevent medication interactions.
Don’t suddenly stop taking Xanax. Stopping suddenly can cause serious withdrawal symptoms. If you want to discontinue Xanax, you should speak to a doctor.
To minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms, your doctor can progressively lower your dose until it’s safe for you to stop taking Xanax.
Nordal K, et al. (2015). Detection times of diazepam, clonazepam, and alprazolam in oral fluid collected from patients admitted to detoxification, after high and repeated drug intake. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25549207/
