Xanax Withdrawal Seizures

Alprazolam is the generic name for Xanax, used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines, or benzos, the most widely prescribed medications in the United States, known for its depressant effects on the user’s central nervous system. However, stopping cold turkey can cause severe side effects like Xanax withdrawal seizures.

Xanax Withdrawal Seizures

Xanax is a short-acting benzodiazepine, and although withdrawal seizures have happened with short-acting, medium, and long-lasting benzodiazepines, they are more likely to occur with short-acting benzos like Xanax.

Seizures may occur within 24 hours after you abruptly stop taking Xanax. Xanax withdrawal seizures typically occur in people who take the medication at high doses for a long period of time. However, seizures have been reported within less than a month of the prescribed medication’s use.

Grand Mal Seizures

Almost all Xanax withdrawal seizures reported were grand mal seizures, one of the most major types of seizure that consists of falling to the ground, a total loss of consciousness, and violent muscle contractions.

They occur 1 to 12 days after discontinuing benzodiazepines, and the consequences of these seizures range from happening once to coma and death.

Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms

If you have become addicted to Xanax and stop using the drug abruptly, withdrawal symptoms can occur as early as a couple of hours after the drug was last taken.

If you are addicted to prescription benzodiazepines, you should not attempt to quit taking them on your own. Xanax withdrawal symptoms can be severe and, in some cases, — life-threatening. You should always seek out the advice of a healthcare professional.

Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms of Xanax withdrawal include seizures and the following:

• Headaches
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Tingling and numbness in the body
• Pain or stiffness in the head and neck
• Joint and muscle pain
• Violent muscle contractions or twitches
• Tremors
• Nausea, diarrhea, constipation
• Appetite changes
• Weight changes
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• High body temperature and sweating

Psychological Symptoms

Psychological symptoms of withdrawing from Xanax include:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia or an inability to sleep
• Panic attacks
• Paranoid thoughts
• Poor concentration
• Poor memory
• Irritability
• Social avoidance
• Delirium
• Psychotic episodes
• Depression
• Psychosis

Prevent Withdrawal

Anybody taking a benzodiazepine like Xanax for longer than three weeks to a month is most likely going to experience withdrawal symptoms if the drug is abruptly stopped being used. However, limiting prescriptions can reduce the risk of physical dependence and help prevent severe benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms.

To prevent tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, avoiding long-term use of any benzodiazepine can stop the escalation of developing a mental health condition and reaching addiction.

Xanax Addiction Treatment Program at White Oak Recovery Center

If you or a loved one is struggling with Xanax addiction, White Oak Recovery Center may be the ideal opportunity to find meaningful recovery to live a life free from substance abuse.

Unlike other treatment facilities, White Oak Recovery Center is an inpatient addiction treatment center that only uses evidence-based treatment approaches with a superior patient-to-staff ratio dedicated to each resident’s lasting recovery.

WORC treats substance use and mental health disorders with a dual diagnosis program that includes medication-assisted treatment and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on modifying the patient’s expectations, thinking, and behaviors while learning successful ways to build coping skills to deal with life’s stresses after rehab. Research has proven that cognitive behavioral therapy has helped people stop using benzodiazepines.

Medical Detox

If you are addicted to prescription depressants, you should undergo medically supervised detox to ensure the Xanax dosing is tapered safely with around-the-clock medical supervision.

At White Oak Recovery Center, we provide an ideal supportive environment and a peaceful atmosphere to deal with the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal, surrounded by medical care and supervision.

Our compassionate treatment specialists are eager to help you get the treatment you need today. Reach out now.